I always joke, making a twist off the Primary song, saying, "Saturday is a special day. It's the day I don't get out of pajamas." After a long work week, Saturday is a wonderful day for me to catch up on sleep, relax, and catch up on shows or projects I may have missed throughout the week.

The struggle for me is using my Saturday's productively. It is so easy to get wrapped up in a book or TV series binge and not realize the time until it's suddenly dark outside.

While having days to relax are important, when each "relaxing day" becomes more frequent and transforms into "laziness", we run into a problem.

There is a difference between being busy and being productive. You can be busy watching every episode of a TV show or beating every level on a video game, but there isn't any productivity in that. A productive day is one where you accomplish necessary tasks.

There was a Saturday when all I needed to do was take out the trash and empty my dishwasher. Although, I put it off because I was too "busy" being lazy. When I finally got my lazy self off my couch and completed the tasks, I felt productive. In those moments I'm sometimes motivated to complete other tasks that are on the "Big Project To Do" list or sometimes reward myself with a relaxing rest of the day.

Ayn Rand said, "Productiveness is your acceptance of morality, your recognition of the fact that you choose to live--that productive work is the process by which man's consciousness controls his existence, a constant process of acquiring knowledge and shaping matter to fit one's purpose, of translating an idea into physical form, of remaking the earth in the image of one's values--that all work is creative work if done by a thinking mind, and no work is creative if done by a blank who repeats in uncritical stupor a routine he has learned from others--that your work is yours to choose, and the choice is as wide as your mind, that nothing more is possible to you and nothing less is human--that to cheat your way into a job bigger than your mind can handle is to become a fear-corroded ape on borrowed motions and borrowed time, and to settle down into a job that requires less than your mind's full capacity is to cut your motor and sentence yourself to another kind of motion: decay--that your work is the process of achieving your values, and to lose your ambition for values is to lose your ambition to live--that your body is a machine, but your mind is its driver, and you must drive as far as your mind will take you, with achievement as the goal of your road--that the man who has no purpose is a machine that coasts downhill at the mercy of any boulder to crash in the first chance ditch, that the man who stifles his mind is a stalled machine slowly going to rust, that the man who lets a leader prescribe his course is a wreck being towed to the scrap heap, and the man who makes another man his goal is a hitchhiker no driver should ever pick up--that your work is the purpose of your life, and you must speed past any killer who assumes the right to stop you, that any value you might find outside your work, any other loyalty or love, can be only travelers you choose to share your journey and must be travelers going on their own power in the same direction."

As we are approaching Easter, we must remember the importance of all that the Savior experienced.

Behold the great Redeemer die,

A broken law to satisfy.

He dies a sacrifice for sin,

He dies a sacrifice for sin,

That man may live and glory win.

While guilty men his pains deride,

They pierce his hands and feet and side;

And with insulting scoffs and scorns,

And with insulting scoffs and scorns,

They crown his head with plaited thorns.

Although in agony he hung,

No murm'ring word escaped his tongue.

His high commission to fulfill,

His high commission to fulfill,

He magnified his Father's will.

"Father, from me remove this cup.

Yet, if thou wilt, I'll drink it up.

I've done the work thou gavest me,

I've done the work thou gavest me;

Receive my spirit unto thee."

He died, and at the awful sight

The sun in shame withdrew its light!

Earth trembled, and all nature sighed,

Earth trembled, and all nature sighed

In dread response, "A God has died!"

He lives--he lives. We humbly now

Around these sacred symbols bow

And seek, as Saints of latter days,

And seek, as Saints of latter days,

To do his will and live his praise.

One day I was pondering the Creation. The Earth was created. Light and darkness were separated. Land and sea where given their respective places. Creatures on both the land and in the sea were created and given roles and responsibilities based on their circumstances. Man and woman were created, given the responsibility to care for the Earth and to create a family.

As I was thinking about the incredible power of Creation, I detected something I hadn't paid attention to before. Maybe I hadn't noticed it. After each element was created, they were commanded to "multiply" or live "abundantly" in the domain they were assigned to.

This idea made me think: what did my Heavenly Father create me to be? Where did He place me? What tools, talents, and abilities did He give me to aide my path back Home?

Each of us are children of an Eternal Heavenly Father. He has given roles, responsibilities, and talents to each and every one of His beloved children. Each one of us are special, unique, and important. Each of us are vital to His Plan.

Think about what He has given each of us. He has given us strengths and weaknesses. Our strengths are to be used to bless others and bring about His gospel. Our weaknesses are to teach us to turn to Him, to become humble and stronger through His Eternal Priesthood and Power.

There have been times in my life when I've been frustrated by my lack of abilities. Comparing myself to others because they can play the violin, make people laugh, are more beautiful, or understand different topics better than I can makes me feel defeated and frustrated.

Thinking about this idea in Creation changes my perspective. I am Lauren Simpson. I was created to have brown hair and brown eyes. I was created with scoliosis to teach me about the power of a healthy body and to be grateful that my physical disabilities do not limit what I am capable of doing. Scoliosis helps me also have sympathy and empathy for others with disabilities and be able to help them in their times of need. I was created with anxiety and depression to teach me to rely on the Lord and to learn of my inner strength, as well as the ability to relate to all my brothers and sisters, as everyone experiences anxiety and depression, to varying degrees, throughout life. I was given the love of learning, reading, and studying the gospel. I was given talents of writing and communication so I can share the gospel and touch people's lives in a way that no one else can. I was given the gift of love so I look at people in a way that Heavenly Father sees them.

I say this not in boasting of myself because I've accomplished anything. Anything I have done or become is because my Heavenly Father led me to and through it. And just as He has and will continue to do so for me, He will do so for all of His children.

May we remember to grow and become who our Savior needs us to be, guided by the talents and blessings He has given us. May we remember to fight off comparison with others, but see their strengths as blessings for us to learn from as our strengths are for them. May we remember that our Heavenly Father loves each and every one of us as individuals and He has individual plans created for each of us to promote His One Eternal Plan. Each role is important and may we never forget our eternal importance to Him.

Living in Utah, I experience, generally, four seasons every year. While every year is different, I always find myself falling into the trap of wishing for another season to come. It is too cold in the winter and I'm longing for spring, but it's too hot in the summer and I can't wait for the fall.

Sandra Turley sings a powerful song that, to me, is about admiring the beauty of every season we are in. Spring is a beautiful time of year when life begins again and we are reminded of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and our ability to live again. Summer reminds me of my childhood - family vacations and trips to the cabin, family coming into town, and the ability to run and play and catch up on things in life that I couldn't do as a student. Fall is crisp and cool. The colors are incredible and the sound of leaves under your feet are like music. Winter is all about snow, hot chocolate, and time with loved ones. Each season has its own beauty and importance. We need to remember to live in the moment and enjoy the season we are in.

Every evening sky, an invitation

To trace the patterned stars

And early in July, a celebration

For freedom that is ours

And I notice You

In children's games

In those who watch them from the shade

Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder

You are summer

And even when the trees have just surrendered

To the harvest time

Forfeiting their leaves in late September

And sending us inside

Still I notice You when change begins

And I am braced for colder winds

I will offer thanks for what has been and was to come

You are autumn

And everything in time and under heaven

Finally falls asleep

Wrapped in blankets white, all creation

Shivers underneath

And still I notice you

When branches crack

And in my breath on frosted glass

Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter

You are winter

And everything that's new has bravely surfaced

Teaching us to breathe

What was frozen through is newly purposed

Turning all things green

So it is with You

And how You make me new

With every season's change

And so it will be

As You are re-creating me

Summer, autumn, winter, spring

While there are seasons of the year, we also experience seasons of life. There is a time to be a child - carefree and learning everything you can get your hands on. There's a time to be a teenager where responsibilities come with furthering your education, the ability to drive, holding down a job, and starting to discover the ups and downs of dating. There's a time to be a young adult - being in college, going on missions, dating and courtship, enjoying a new found freedom and ability to become who you want to be. A time to start settling down - graduate school, marriage and family, building and furthering your career. And there is a time to retire - to enjoy time with your family, travel, serve missions, and remember the lessons of your life.

Often in the hustle and bustle of the world, we forget to stop and enjoy the time of life we are in. We are often focusing on the next destination rather than enjoying the journey. May we always remember Who is in control of our lives and is placing events and adventures for us to learn, grow, and become who He needs us to be. Let us live and appreciate the season we are in and give thanks for the beauty that it brings.

President Howard W. Hunter taught, "As one called and ordained to bear witness of the name of Jesus Christ to all the world, I testify at this Easter season that he lives. He has a glorified, immortal body of flesh and bones. He is the Only Begotten Son of the Father in the flesh. He is the Savior, the Light and Life of the world. Following his crucifixion and death, he appeared as a resurrected being to Mary, to Peter, to Paul, and to many others. He showed himself to the Nephites. He has shown himself to Joseph Smith, the boy prophet, and to many others in our dispensation. This is his church; he leads it today through his prophet...."

Ezra Taft Benson beautifully taught us, "There is abundant testimony and verification of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Witnesses are many.

"The risen Lord appeared to several women, to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, to Peter, to the Apostles, and "after that," as reported by Paul, "he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once. ... And last of all he was seen of me [Paul] also." (1 Cor. 15:6, 8.)

"Throughout the forty days following His resurrection, the Lord manifested Himself at intervals and gave instructions in things pertaining to the kingdom of God. Much that He said and did is not written, but such things as are of record, John assures us, "are written, that [we] might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing [we] might have life through his name." (John 20:31.)

"He told His followers that He must soon ascend to His Father in Heaven. As the time of His ascension drew nigh, the Lord, in that last solemn interview, gave His parting instructions to His disciples.

"When Christ and the disciples had gone "as far as to Bethany," where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived, He "lifted up his hands, and blessed them." (Luke 24:50.) And when He had spoken, He was taken up until a cloud received Him out of their sight. As the Apostles stood gazing toward heaven, two personages clothed in white apparel appeared. They spoke to the eleven, saying, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:9-11.)

"Worshipfully and with great joy, the Apostles returned to Jerusalem. The Lord's ascension was accomplished. It was truly a literal departure of a material being, as His resurrection had been an actual return of His spirit to His own physical body. Now the disciples began to comprehend more fully some of His last words-"Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33.) Because of Christ, the grave had no permanent victory. Death was overcome!"

Wilford Woodruff taught, "There is one subject I wish to speak upon and that is the keeping of a journal with respect to the dealings of God with us. ... When the Prophet Joseph organized the Quorum of the Twelve, he counseled them to keep a history of their lives, and gave his reasons why they should do so. I have had this spirit and calling upon me since I first entered this church. I made a record from the first sermon I heard, and from that day until now I have kept a daily journal. Whenever I heard Joseph Smith preach, teach, or prophesy, I always felt it my duty to write it; I felt uneasy and could not eat, drink, or sleep until I did write."

President Woodruff teaches me two things with this quote that I'd like to elaborate on.

The first is to follow the counsel of the Brethren. As Amos 3:7 states, "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." The Lord teaches us in many ways, one being through His Prophets. If the Brethren are prompting or guiding us to do a certain practice or live a specific way, it's something that will bring us closer to God.

The second is the importance of keeping a journal. I know that when I have followed this counsel, I have had more clarity in my life. There's something about writing down your life experience in a journal. Not only is it logging history for posterity, but it can provide a sense of clarity about your life that you might not have otherwise. As we write about our experiences, the words of the Brethren, or promptings we receive and then review and apply them into our lives, we become stronger in our resolve in becoming better disciples of Christ.

You can learn a lot about someone through their journals. I remember that one of my favorite dates with a former boyfriend was actually him reading to me from his mission journal. He showed me pictures and keepsakes and we talked for hours about his memories. Everything he experienced made him who he was sitting there with me that day and helped me see him in a whole new light I hadn't seen before. I started seeing how truly strong he was in the gospel and how much he loved the Lord through this experience. It was neat to look at the Gospel through his eyes several years prior as he wrote as a missionary as well as his perspective many years and life experiences later.

Following the prophets is an easy concept. Doing it is the challenge. Even if journaling is something as simple as taking photographs and writing about why you took them, logging your blessings for the day, or simply writing the events of the day, you will receive the blessings of listening to the counsel of the Prophets.

What I like about this Primary song is that it teaches us that looking at life through the Savior makes everything beautiful. Though life can be challenging, heartbreaking, and difficult at times, as we look with the Lord, we can see the beauty and success that we can achieve.

Fair is the sunshine,

Fairer the moonlight

And all the stars in heav'n above;

Jesus shines brighter,

Jesus shines purer

And brings to all the world his love.

Fair are the meadows,

Fairer the woodlands,

Robed in the flowers of blooming spring;

Jesus is fairer,

Jesus is purer.

He makes the sorrowing spirit sing.

Beautiful Savior!

Lord of the nations!

Son of God and Son of Man!

Thee will I honor, praise, and give glory,

Give praise and glory evermore!

Evermore!

President Thomas S. Monson taught, "As the serenity and solace of a merciful death freed Him from the sorrows of mortality, He returned to the presence of His Father.

"At the last moment, the Master could have turned back. But He did not. He passed beneath all things that He might save all things. His lifeless body was hurriedly but gently placed in a borrowed tomb."

Being the Son of God, He had the power to stop. He didn't have to die. He didn't have to go through everything He did. He had agency, just as each one of us do. He knew He needed to in order to complete Heavenly Father's Plan, but He, in the very act, could have decided that He didn't want to do it. That He couldn't do it. But He did.

I wonder if in His moments of weakness, He thought of us. I imagine He pictured each of us, individually, and thought, "I need to do this for them. I need to do this for My Family." I would like to believe that it was the knowledge that we could be with Him forever that pushed Him through to the end.

Because our Brother loves us, He defeated Hell.

Every time I hear this song, I feel like I, with the congregation singing with me, join the chorus of angels in the jubilation announcing that our Savior lives again. May we continue in this Easter season with that energy remembering that it is because of this moment that we have reason to rejoice.

Christ the Lord is ris'n today,

Alleluia!

Sons of men and angels say,

Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high,

Alleluia!

Sing, ye heav'ns, and earth reply,

Alleluia!

Love's redeeming work is done,

Alleluia!

Fought the fight, the vict'ry won,

Alleluia!

Jesus' agony is o'er,

Alleluia!

Darkness veils the earth no more,

Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King,

Alleluia!

Where, O death, is now thy sting?

Alleluia!

Once he died our souls to save,

Alleluia!

Where thy victory, O grave?

Alleluia!

Henry B. Eyring taught, "Because Jesus Christ broke the bands of death, all of the children of Heavenly Father born into the world will be resurrected in a body that will never die. So my testimony and yours of that glorious truth can take away the sting of the loss of a beloved family member or friend and replace it with joyful anticipation and firm determination.

"The Lord has given all of us the gift of resurrection, whereby our spirits are placed in bodies free of physical imperfections (see Alma 11:42-44).”

President Thomas S. Monson taught, "Our Savior lived again. The most glorious, comforting, and reassuring of all events of human history had taken place-the victory over death. The pain and agony of Gethsemane and Calvary had been wiped away. The salvation of mankind had been secured. The Fall of Adam had been reclaimed."

It is sad and painful when someone we love passes away. When my grandfather passed away suddenly, it was made easier because I knew I would see him again. When my cousin buried his eldest daughter, we were all comforted knowing that sweet baby girl was in the arms of her Savior. When a high school friend died tragically in a car accident mere weeks after our graduation, knowing he would live again brought things in perspective and healed a family, school, and community who had suffered the loss.

Because the Savior did what He promised He would, we will all live again. We will all see our family and friends once more. Death and Hell can only claim us for a time, for Christ has claimed us for eternity. And He did it out of love for His Family.

For the beauty of the earth,

For the beauty of the skies,

For the love which from our birth

Over and around us lies,

For the beauty of each hour

Of the day and of the night,

Hill and vale, and tree and flow'r,

Sun and moon, and stars of light,

For the joy of human love,

Brother, sister, parent, child,

Friends on earth, and friends above,

For all gentle thoughts and mild,

Lord of all, to thee we raise

This our hymn of grateful praise.

During this season as winter turns to spring and our thoughts turn to Easter, it is easy to see the Hands of the Creator. As I was walking in from work today, I couldn't help but appreciate clear, blue skies and the (nearly) green grass. A few weeks ago it was muggy and snowy and icy. Today is a beautiful day.

As we watch this natural transition, let us remember the symbolism of new life, the life that Christ gave us. Each day we are given an opportunity to start again. Each Sunday we are able to renew our covenants. Each birthday we reflect on what brought us to the new age and where we'd like to go in the future. We are given so many opportunities to stop, reflect, give thanks, and move forward becoming better than ever. Let us take every opportunity to become closer to Him.

President Ezra Taft Benson taught, "There is abundant testimony and verification of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Witnesses are many.

"The risen Lord appeared to several women, to the two disciples on the road to

Emmaus, to Peter, to the Apostles, and "after that," as reported by Paul, "he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once. ... And last of all he was seen of me

[Paul] also." (1 Cor. 15:6, 8.)

"Throughout the forty days following His resurrection, the Lord manifested Himself at intervals and gave instructions in things pertaining to the kingdom of God. Much that He said and did is not written, but such things as are of record, John assures us, "are written, that [we] might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing [we] might have life through his name." (John 20:31.)

"He told His followers that He must soon ascend to His Father in Heaven. As the time of His ascension drew nigh, the Lord, in that last solemn interview, gave His parting instructions to His disciples.

"When Christ and the disciples had gone "as far as to Bethany," where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived, He "lifted up his hands, and blessed them." (Luke 24:50.) And when He had spoken, He was taken up until a cloud received Him out of their sight. As the Apostles stood gazing toward heaven, two personages clothed in white apparel appeared. They spoke to the eleven, saying, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:9-11.)

"Worshipfully and with great joy, the Apostles returned to Jerusalem. The Lord's ascension was accomplished. It was truly a literal departure of a material being, as His resurrection had been an actual return of His spirit to His own physical body. Now the disciples began to comprehend more fully some of His last words-"Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33.) Because of Christ, the grave had no permanent victory. Death was overcome!”

As a clerk, I would often make calls to courts and places of employment to find out the status of documents or payments. Most of the time, I wouldn't run into many problems and phone calls were quick and generally effective.

However, there was one court that was frustrating to call. On average, I would be on hold for an hour in order to ask a simple question that would last all of two minutes. No matter what time of day I called, the result would be the same. While more times than not, I would receive the answers and updates I was looking for from them, I was always waiting and often dealt individuals on the other line that were more irritated with my bothering them than willing to help.

One day, I made the dreaded call to this particular court. I had saved a few questions and updates for them so once I got through, I would be able to save time, as I had done on many other occasions. I was on hold for about 45 minutes before, out of the blue, I was disconnected. That hadn't happened to me before when I'd called them. Frustrated that I had just wasted 45 minutes, I called them again. This time I was on hold for over an hour before I received a message that the court was now closed. Needless to say, I was rather frustrated with them. Not only had I dreaded to call them, I'd experienced so many hiccups. Not to mention the annoyance every time this pleasant, prerecorded voice came through the same repetitive cords of hold music saying, "Your call is very important to us."

The following day was a Friday and I went to make the calls first thing in the morning, hoping that I might get through sooner which was sometimes the case. Before I began, I was informed by the administrator over that particular state that the court I was to call was closed. She had already called that morning and received a message informing her. It was odd because it wasn't a holiday on that day, but it was the Friday before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, so we wondered if they had just closed for an extra day or if it was a state holiday. Regardless, it was frustrating leaving some tasks incomplete before the weekend.

Monday was the holiday and I had taken the day off from work for some personal time. When I returned to the office on Tuesday, I figured I would experience nothing wrong with calling the court but the annoying amount of time I would be on hold. Again, I was on hold for about an hour before I received a message saying the court was closed for the holiday. I was annoyed, but this sometimes happened after courts were closed and automated systems weren't corrected.

I attempted again the next two days with the same or similar results, informing the administrator every day. She had contacted the attorney to see if there was some unknown reason why the court wouldn't be answering calls. The attorney informed her that there wasn't. We both tried different numbers and ways to get through the court, to no avail.

It shouldn't come as a surprise that we were both frustrated. This was a court and we needed information from them, but we couldn't do much about it other than what we were already doing.

Finally, after a couple weeks, she was finally able to get through and start getting answers.

Now, I don't tell this story to complain about a work experience or how courts might be. That isn't it at all. I would hope that this was just some fluke experience. However, I couldn't help but wonder if there was a spiritual lesson to be learned here.

I wonder if the Lord gets frustrated with us, in His perfect way, when He is trying to get a hold of us and we aren't able or willing to answer. Of course, He is perfect, but I wonder how He feels when we are stubborn. Unlike the story of this court and myself, our Savior is perfect and loves us with a perfect love that we cannot comprehend in this life. He has a perfect knowledge of all things and He knows us individually better than we know ourselves. He has the benefit of an Eternal perspective. But it must still hurt Him when we reject His help in our lives.

The image of the Savior at the door without a handle comes to mind. He is always there waiting, but we have to choose to open the door and invite Him in. He will be there to accept the invitation, but He won't force His presence on us.

Let's look at the experience with the First Vision. Joseph had selected a place in the Sacred Grove to pray and "offer up the desires of [his] heart to God". It was in this moment that Satan forced himself upon the boy Joseph, binding his tongue so he could not speak. He felt as if he were "doomed to sudden destruction". Just when he thought he was lost forever, his tongue was loosed enough to cry out to the Lord for help, to be freed from whatever held him bound. It was then that he saw a pillar of light.

Satan will (and does) force himself into our lives. He knows that he's going to lose and we wouldn't go finding him. He will grab on and drag us down however he can. Nevertheless, we stop him when we choose to cry out to the Lord and His Light will cast away all darkness. Choosing the Savior is what freed Joseph and what frees us.

May we always choose to invite the Lord and His Spirit into our lives so we may be blessed and protected by His perfect love.

I recently received a promotion at work. Life got fairly crazy as I have been training for my new position while completing my usual tasks as we are waiting for someone new to fill that post. For several weeks, I have been juggling two jobs in a way, making sure that everything was covered and what is in most need of attention is able to be resolved.

During this time, I didn't feel well on a Friday and took a sick day. I wasn't concerned about that week as things seemed to be under control, but I was nervous about what my tasks would look like once I returned the following Monday.

It was as if the odds were stacked against me. One of the administrators who handled half of my accounts prior to my promotion was to be out of the office for a week. The stack of documents I processed as a part of my previous position was much higher than normal. And it was my first real week handling the bulk of my accounts in my new position. I felt like I could do it all, but it was a lot to handle and I felt like I was looking at a busy week ahead of me.

Instead of allowing myself to get overwhelmed about the tasks at hand, I said a prayer that I would be able to accomplish all that I needed to and that I would have the skills necessary to have a successful week. I started by working on one account and one project at a time. I had a plan for what I needed to accomplish each day, but knew the bulk of what I had to be done was during Monday and Tuesday.

So I got to work. I was busy reviewing documents, submitting check requests, emailing attorneys, and preparing documents to be sent to the court. When I finally looked up at the clock, it was past one in the afternoon and everything that I needed to complete by the end of the day was done. I was impressed, but knew that the Lord was in it. He was able to guide me through to not only catch up, but get ahead so I could go into work more proactively and be able to get more accomplished. By the end of the week, I saw the rewards of a good week of hard work.

If we allow the Lord to put His Hand into our lives, we will achieve success. It will not be a seamless, effortless story, but one where we work with the Lord and become a Team. We will learn and grow as we work with Him to become who He needs us to be.

"No mere mortal can conceive the full import of what Christ did for us in Gethsemane."

Thomas S. Monson

There have been times in my darkest hours when I feel that nothing can be worse than what I was experiencing. The agonizing pain of heartbreak and disappointment and sorrow has been enough to nearly destroy me. It is in those moments that I think of the Savior in the Garden and know that if He could complete the Atonement with the help of our Heavenly Father, I certainly can accomplish anything that I might be going through if I lean on Him. My Savior, in Gethsemane, felt the exact pain I feel in my darkest hours, the pain that no one else can know or understand. But He does. And He did it for me so He could help me. And He did it for you.

President Thomas S. Monson taught, "To understand the meaning of death, we must appreciate the purpose of life. The dim light of belief must yield to the noonday sun of revelation, by which we know that we lived before our birth into mortality. In our premortal state, we were doubtless among the sons and daughters of God who shouted for joy because of the opportunity to come to this challenging yet necessary mortal existence. We knew that our purpose was to gain a physical body, to overcome trials, and to prove that we would keep the commandments of God. Our Father knew that because of the nature of mortality, we would be tempted, would sin, and would fall short. So that we might have every chance of success, He provided a Savior, who would suffer and die for us. Not only would He atone for our sins, but as a part of that Atonement, He would also overcome the physical death to which we would be subject because of the Fall of Adam.

"Thus, more than 2,000 years ago, Christ, our Savior, was born to mortal life in a stable in Bethlehem. The long-foretold Messiah had come."

He gives us purpose for our lives. While we all have plans for us created by our Heavenly Father, all that we do wouldn't matter if the Savior didn't complete His plan. Because of Him, we have a purpose for eternity.

President Howard W. Hunter taught, "In the days that followed his resurrection, the Lord appeared unto many. He displayed his five special wounds to them. He walked and talked and ate with them, as if to prove beyond a doubt that a resurrected body is indeed a physical body of tangible flesh and bones. Later he ministered to the Nephites, whom he commanded to "arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.

""And ... the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come" (3 Ne. 11:14-15).

"It is the responsibility and joy of all men and women everywhere to "seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have [testified]" (Ether 12:41) and to have the spiritual witness of his divinity. It is the right and blessing of all who humbly seek, to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit, bearing witness of the Father and his resurrected Son.”

The Church recently renovated the Church History Museum in Salt Lake. I've had the opportunity to go through and see all the amazing exhibits that are the result of these updates.

The theme of the main floor is the Restoration. As visitors walk through, they get to experience the full story of the Restoration of the Gospel, beginning with Joseph Smith.

As I walked through, I was like a kid at Disneyland. I've studied the life and times of the Prophet Joseph since I could read, so this was my playground. I have been to Palmyra, New York on three different occasions, Nauvoo, Illinois twice, and Kirtland, Ohio once. I've been to the locations where the events of the Restoration happened. However, there were a lot of artifacts there that I hadn't seen, either live or in pictures.

I believe that the most incredible thing I've seen in my life time was during this trip to the Church History Museum. As I walked into the section that covered the martyrdom of Joseph, Hyrum, and Samuel Smith, three brothers who died because of the attacks to Carthage Jail on June 27, 1844. In the center of this room, there is a case that held the vest and pants of Hyrum Smith, the very clothes he was murdered in.

I have always felt a close connection to the Smith family, especially Joseph and Hyrum. I've studied their lives and teachings and believe in what they fought for. They were incredible people, led by the Lord to bring His Gospel back to His people.

Words cannot express how powerful seeing these two articles of clothing was for me. Simply put, it was a sacred experience. Tears nearly filled my eyes as I saw the hole left by the bullet that took the life of one of my heroes. The reality of his life seemed more real to me than ever as I could imagine how he might have looked if I was one of the Saints who saw him when his body was returned to Nauvoo.

Joseph and Hyrum Smith stood side by side in life and again in death for the case of Jesus Christ. May we stand with them as members of the Last Dispensation before our Master and Redeemer and say that we carried on the legacy and fight that these incredible men gave their lives for.

President Howard W. Hunter taught, "In the days that followed his resurrection, the Lord appeared unto many. He displayed his five special wounds to them. He walked and talked and ate with them, as if to prove beyond a doubt that a resurrected body is indeed a physical body of tangible flesh and bones. Later he ministered to the Nephites, whom he commanded to "arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.

""And ... the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come" (3 Ne. 11:14-15).

"It is the responsibility and joy of all men and women everywhere to "seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have [testified]" (Ether 12:41) and to have the spiritual witness of his divinity. It is the right and blessing of all who humbly seek, to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit, bearing witness of the Father and his resurrected Son.”

"The literal resurrection of every soul who has lived and died on earth is a certainty, and surely one should make careful preparation for this event. A glorious resurrection should be the goal of every man and woman, for resurrection will be a reality.

"Nothing is more absolutely universal than the resurrection. Every living being will be resurrected. "As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (1 Cor.

15:22.)"

Ezra Taft Benson

Choosing The Plan of Salvation and coming to this Earth meant that we would be resurrected. This was the gift for choosing His Plan. If we live our lives according to the Gospel, we can live eternally with our Family. However, the pinnacle of this entire Plan was the birth, Atonement, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without His completing this, we would not have been able to receive these blessings.

President Russell M. Nelson taught, "President Benson has spoken of one of these priceless records. The activities of the living Christ in America followed his own resurrection from the dead. Many witnesses in many places have seen the risen Lord, before, during, and after the account to which President Benson has referred.

"1. The first mortal person known to have seen the resurrected Savior was Mary

Magdalene (see John 20:16-17).

"2. Another recorded appearance of the risen Lord was to other women. Witnessing this event were Mary (mother of James), Salome (mother of James and John), Joanna, Susanna, and many others (see Mark 16:1; Luke 8:3).

"3. Jesus appeared to Simon Peter (see 1 Cor. 15:5), the senior Apostle, who held the keys of priesthood authority on earth then, as President Benson does now.

"4. Later the same day, Cleopas and presumably Luke, while journeying on the road to Emmaus, were met by the resurrected Lord. The Savior partook of food with them (see Luke 24:30, 33).

"5. He also revealed himself to the Apostles in an upper room. He showed them his hands and his feet. "They gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he ... did eat before them" (Luke 24:42-43).

"6. Eight days after he so appeared to the Apostles, Jesus came again to them. This time, skeptical Thomas was present (see John 20:26-28). Christ said unto Thomas, "Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed" (John 20:29).

"7. At the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus appeared to seven of the Twelve who had fished all night and caught nothing. The Master then caused their nets to be filled with fish. Later, Peter was commanded to feed the flock of God (see John 21:1-24).

"8. Perhaps the greatest congregation in Palestine to witness the risen Lord occurred on the mount near Galilee's shore. Here he was seen by more than five hundred brethren at once! (see 1 Cor. 15:6).

"9. Later the Master again took the eleven to "a mountain where Jesus had appointed them." There he gave that endless charge to his Apostles, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations" (Matt. 28:16, 19).

"10. Then Jesus was seen by his brother, James, who became one of his special disciples (see 1 Cor. 15:7).

"11. Paul added, "And last of all he was seen of me" (1 Cor. 15:8; see also Acts 9:4-5).

"12. Prior to his ascension from the Mount of Olives, Jesus bade farewell to the leaders of his Church in Asia and foretold, "Ye shall be witnesses unto me ... unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8; see also Mark 16:19, Luke 24:50-51).

"13. When Stephen was stoned as a martyr at the gate of Jerusalem, he "looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God" (Acts 7:55).

"14. The ministry of the resurrected Lord to the Nephites who lived on the American hemisphere has been spoken of so eloquently by President Benson. He told us that there at least twenty-five hundred souls (see 3 Ne. 17:25) heard his voice, felt the nail marks in his hands and feet, and thrust their hands into his side (see 3 Ne. 11:7-17). I sense that many of them wet his feet with their tears of joyous adoration.

"15. The postmortal ministry of the Lord continued in other realms. Jesus ministered unto the dead in the postearthly spirit world (see 3 Ne. 23:9-10). Peter testified that "the gospel [was] preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit" (1 Pet. 4:6; see also 1 Pet. 3:19-21). John taught of this as well: "The dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live" (John 5:25). In our day, additional scriptures have been added which attest to the ministry of the living Lord among the dead (see D&C

138).

"16. From the Book of Mormon we read that Jesus was to visit the lost tribes of the house of Israel-to do for them, we presume, what he had done for others (see 2 Ne. 29:13; 3 Ne. 17:4; 3 Ne. 21:26).

"After almost two thousand years, new witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus have added their testimonies of this transcendent truth.

"17. The Prophet Joseph Smith was visited in 1820 by God the Father and his Son, the resurrected Lord (see JS-H 1:17). Joseph saw them and heard their voices. He received a personal witness of the divine sonship of Jesus from the Father himself. Joseph learned that "the Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man's; the Son also" (D&C 130:22).

"18. Twelve years later, the Savior again revealed himself to Joseph Smith and to Sidney Rigdon. "We saw him," they exclaimed, "even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father" (D&C 76:23).

"19. On April 3, 1836 (151 years ago yesterday), with Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple, the Prophet Joseph saw the Master once more: "We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; ... "His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying: "I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father" (D&C 110:2-4).

"Yes, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most carefully documented events in history. I have mentioned many of those appearances, but additional instances have been recorded.

"Even more remarkable is the fact that his mission among men-the Atonement, the Resurrection-extends privileges of redemption from sin and a glorious resurrection to each and every one of us! In some marvelous way, fully comprehended only by Deity, this is his work and his glory-"to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39).”

President Howard W. Hunter taught, "In the hours that followed, he sweat drops of blood, was scourged by the very leaders who claimed to be custodians of his law, and was crucified in the company of thieves. It was as King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon prophesied: "He shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people. ...

""... He cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the children of men; ... and even after all this they shall consider him a man, and say that he hath a devil, and shall scourge him, and shall crucify him" (Mosiah 3:7, 9).

"We are indebted to the prophet Alma for our knowledge of the full measure of His suffering: "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.

""And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities" (Alma 7:11-12).

"Think of it! When his body was taken from the cross and hastily placed in a borrowed tomb, he, the sinless Son of God, had already taken upon him not only the sins and temptations of every human soul who will repent, but all of our sickness and grief and pain of every kind. He suffered these afflictions as we suffer them, according to the flesh. He suffered them all. He did this to perfect his mercy and his ability to lift us above every earthly trial.”

Valentine's Day is all about focusing on those you love. On February 14, people share cards, flowers, candy, gifts, and fancy meals with one another, all in the name of love.

But where did this come from?

The legends of St. Valentine.

According to the Catholic Church, there are at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, who were all martyred.

One legend speaks of Valentine, a priest in the third century in Rome, who fought against the degree of Emperor Claudius II. He had decided that single men where better soldiers than men who had wives and children. Because of this, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine found this to be an injustice and continued to perform marriages for young couples privately. Claudius discovered Valentine's work and sentenced him to death.

Another legend of Valentine sets him to be someone attempting to help Christians escape Roman prisons, where they were beaten and tortured. He was also killed due to his work.

There was another Valentine who, while imprisoned, sent the first 'valentine' to a young girl, potentially the jailors' daughter, who had visited him while imprisoned and he had fallen in love with. Before he died, it is said that he wrote her a letter signed, "From your Valentine".

So whoever Valentine was or whatever the purpose of tradition, let us remember those that we love on this and every day!

"The greatest events of history are those that affect the greatest number for the longest periods. By this standard, no event could be more important to individuals or nations than the resurrection of the Master. The eventual resurrection of every soul who has lived and died on earth is a scriptural certainty, and surely there is no event for which one should make more careful preparation. A glorious resurrection should be the goal of every man and woman, for it is a reality. Nothing is more absolutely universal than the resurrection. Every living being will be resurrected. "As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (1 Cor. 15:22.)

"Almost immediately after the glorious resurrection of the Lord, Matthew records, "The graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, "And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many." (Matt. 27:52-53.)

"Yes, the resurrection of Jesus Christ was a glorious reality. He became the firstfruits of them that slept. He truly rose from the tomb the third day, as He and His prophets foretold, and became in very deed "the resurrection, and the life." (John 11:25.) He broke the bands of death for all of us. We, too, will be resurrected. Our spirits will be reunited with our bodies, never to be separated."

Ezra Taft Benson

"On this beautiful and sacred Easter weekend, surely no doctrine will be the subject of more sermons nor the object of more praise than that of the atoning sacrifice and the literal resurrection of the Lord, Jesus Christ. And so it should be at Easter and at every other season of the year, for no doctrine in the Christian canon is more important to all mankind than the doctrine of the resurrection of the Son of God. Through him came the resurrection of all men, women, and children who have ever been-or ever will be-born into the world."

Howard W. Hunter

The Lenten season, for me, helps to prepare for Easter and bring us closer to Christ. President Howard W. Hunter reminds us of what He did for us.

"In the hours that followed, he sweat drops of blood, was scourged by the very leaders who claimed to be custodians of his law, and was crucified in the company of thieves. It was as King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon prophesied: "He shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people. ...

""... He cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the children of men; ... and even after all this they shall consider him a man, and say that he hath a devil, and shall scourge him, and shall crucify him" (Mosiah 3:7, 9).

"We are indebted to the prophet Alma for our knowledge of the full measure of His suffering: "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.

""And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities" (Alma 7:11-12).

"Think of it! When his body was taken from the cross and hastily placed in a borrowed tomb, he, the sinless Son of God, had already taken upon him not only the sins and temptations of every human soul who will repent, but all of our sickness and grief and pain of every kind. He suffered these afflictions as we suffer them, according to the flesh. He suffered them all. He did this to perfect his mercy and his ability to lift us above every earthly trial.”

Ezra Taft Benson said, "The greatest events of history are those that affect the greatest number of people for the longest periods. By this standard, no event could be more important to individuals or nations than the resurrection of the Master."

The two most important events in history are the birth and resurrection of Christ. Because He chose to come to this Earth and accomplished all that Heavenly Father had for Him to do, we can all have the opportunity to come Home. Without this selfless act of love, we wouldn't have hope.

Let us always remember the importance of these events and the direct impact on our lives.

I remember when I first heard of Lent. I was working at Thanksgiving Point and had a Catholic coworker who explained everything to me.

For me, I feel like Lent is very similar to what the LDS fast is all about, but in a 40 day period versus two consecutive meals or 24 hours. Both Lent and fasting are all about committing and focusing more on the Lord.

I read an article about making Lent more meaningful. There are seven ways to make Lent awesome:

(1) Regardless of your religious background, you can fully participate in the Lenten season.

Although Lent is about giving up something to become closer to God and the 40 days is to follow the fasting of the Savior Himself before His ministry, anyone can participate in Lent. For me, it is more about becoming a better person. Whether you choose to remove something from your life or add something, participating in this will commit a new habit into a routine that will help you to become better.

(2) It's more than just giving up something.

As I said, it's about removing things from or adding things to your life to become better and closer to Christ. Some people give up sugar or soda while others add a new exercise regime, etc. Whatever you choose to do, if your focus is on the 'why' and not the 'what' you are sacrificing, you will be able to refocus on what's most important.

(3) There isn't an award for the most creative "Lenten sacrifice".

When deciding what you are going to do for Lent, it's about what you need to focus on to become better. It's an individual process. Look inward. Make it a matter of prayer. When you make your choice, pray to Heavenly Father to help you to be able to accomplish the task and to come closer to Him through your sacrifice.

(4) Get creative and be realistic with yourself and, if you have them, your kids.

If you are single or married without children, remember to be realistic with the goals you set. Don't take on some crazy project that isn't realistic with what you can do. Choose something that will help you grow and be successful.

If you have children, get creative on how you can incorporate them into this tradition. Work with them and their individual lives with what they could do and what would keep them excited about it. Help them to learn the real purpose from a young age. As they get older, they will continue to gain more and more appreciation for the true meaning.

(5) To take off Sundays or not.

As a part of the tradition, some people allow themselves "a free day" essentially on Sundays. So if they aren't eating sugar or drinking soda, etc., they are allowed to on Sunday. There are mixed feelings on this, of course. Some may feel that "a free day" is a good idea because it helps to motivate them for the other six days of the week while others feel it cheapens the experience.

For myself, if I were to do something like no sugar, I would probably participate in "a free day" like I would on any other diet. In my experience, that works best for me. However, if I did something like adding more time to my scripture or personal study, not doing that on Sunday is a little counterproductive.

Each person needs to choose to celebrate Lent however is best for them. Others need to be respectful and not judgmental of what works for one person and what works for another.

(6) Consider this season as your own spiritual retreat.

I love how Kathryn, the author of the article, puts this. She says, "You may not be sitting in the warm sun, at a beautiful retreat center basking in the silence. No, I'm more likely to be reading a daily devotional holed up in my bathroom with five kids banging on the door. You know, REALITY. Consider this. It's the one time of year that the church provides a plethora of ways for you to grow closer to Christ. There are parish missions, penance services, Bible studies, days of reflection, increased adoration hours - so many things from which you can choose to say no to the extraneous stuff and yes to the big man. Maybe you can't head up to the church for all those fabulous things, but you know what you can do? Start saying no. Start cutting back on the things which pull at your time, your heart and your financial and emotional resources. Be content to just be."

While the LDS church doesn't practice Lent, we do have a lot of preparation for General Conference and Easter during this time. Regardless of what ones church, ward, or stake is doing, you can create your own spiritual retreat by listening to uplifting music, reading, watching, or listening to talks from Church leaders, etc. Spending this time surrounded more often in the Spirit of the Lord will help to power you through anything and mold you into the disciple that He needs you to be.

(7) If you have a rough patch, don't give up!

If you have a day or two (or several) where you slip up, cut yourself some slack. Things happen. Take things one day at a time, one hour at a time, or one minute at a time if you have to. The Lord is a forgiving and loving One and He wants you to become better. Because His ultimate goal is for you to return to our Home, He is very patient with us, much more than we tend to be for ourselves. So if you stumble a bit during your Lent experience, stand up, dust yourself off, and keep going!

Though I'm no expert on the Lenten season, I do know that when I've participated, I've grown closer to my Heavenly Father in ways similar to when I fast. The Lenten season, to me, is just an "Advanced Placement" type of fasting experience. I hope that as we choose to participate in Lent, that we will achieve success and become closer to the person that we're striving to be.

It is important to know how the people you love feel love. It's also important for you to know how you feel love.

Gary Chapman is famous for "The 5 Love Languages". They are: (1) Words of Affirmation, (2) Acts of Service, (3) Receiving Gifts, (4) Quality Time, and (5) Physical Touch.

A lot of people are a combination of these and it may vary or change based on the circumstances and time of life.

No matter what relationship you are in (family, friend, or romantic), it is important to think about how the person you love receives love in order to know the best ways to show your love for them.

For example, I learned as I was growing up that one of the ways my dad shows his love for us is through giving us gifts and spoiling us. Whenever he would go on trips for work, he would always bring us back a little something. One year for his birthday, he told my mom that she didn't need to worry about getting him anything because he knew exactly what he wanted and he would get it. We were all surprised that for his birthday, he bought my brothers new bikes, my mom a nice new camera, and me paying off part of a trip I was going on that summer. We all felt special on a day that we were trying to make special for my dad, when in reality it was special for my dad because all he wanted for his birthday was for us to feel special.

Another time I felt loved was several years ago. I had been working hard right after my divorce and trying to get back into college without going into too much debt. Unfortunately, the semester was getting closer and closer and the money wasn't coming together. My parents knew how stressed I was and offered to help me by loaning me the money until I could earn a little more.

On Christmas morning, I opened my stocking present and read a letter that I would get one semester of college paid for as a gift to me, not a loan. I was overwhelmed with gratitude because that was a large weight off my shoulders and I knew that my parents knew how much that would mean to me. Every time I think about this experience I am astounded remembering how much that gift meant to me.

As I said, not everyone has just one love language. There is a quiz you can take to find out what your or your loved ones love language(s) is/are.

My love language scores were very telling about me. Tied in first place are Physical Touch and Words of Affirmation. Just one point under that, tied in second place are Acts of Service and Quality Time. Receiving Gifts is two points under that. Having this understanding, I know what I need to feel love. I know that I feel loved when positive words and actions complement one another. I can help my loved ones show me their love for me in a way I can receive it. When I learn what works best for my loved ones, I can do the same. This will mutually benefit and strengthen those relationships.

I found a graph online for examples of showing love in the home using "The 5 Love Languages".

It is meant for parent/child relationships, but I think it is a good example to get ideas flowing for each type of relationship. And remember, all you need is love!

There is an incredible song by Hilary Weeks entitled "Beautiful Heartbreak". I attended a Time Out For Women event in Salt Lake with some of the women in my family when I first heard this song and nearly burst into tears. I cannot find words that express this better than she does, so I will let her lyrics speak for me.

This song is a more powerful way of expressing my testimony of getting through trials. As we struggle and fight, but cling to the Lord, we will come out better and stronger. While we don't want to go through hard times, we can use those moments to become who the Lord needs us to be and they will be sacred experiences in our lives.

I had it all mapped out in front of me,

Knew just where I wanted to go;

But life decided to change my plans,

And I found a mountain in the middle of my road.

I knew there was no way over it,

So I searched for a way around;

Brokenhearted I started climbin',

And at the top I found...

Every fear, every doubt,

All the pain I went through;

Was the price that I paid to see this view;

And now that I'm here I would never trade...

The grace that I feel,

And the faith that I find;

Through the bitter-sweet tears,

And the sleepless nights;

I used to pray he'd take it all away,

But instead it became a beautiful heartbreak.

I never dreamed my heart would make it,

I thought about turning around;

But heaven has shown me miracles,

I never would have seen from the ground.

Now I take the rain with the sunshine,

Cause there's one thing that I know;

He picks up the pieces,

Along each broken road.

Every fear, every doubt,

All the pain I went through;

Was the price that I paid to see this view;

And now that I'm here I would never trade...

The grace that I feel,

And the faith that I find;

Through the bitter-sweet tears,

And the sleepless nights.

I used to pray he'd take it all away,

But instead it became a beautiful heartbreak.

I would never trade...

The grace that I feel,

And the faith that I find;

Through the bitter-sweet tears,

And the sleepless nights.

I used to pray he'd take it all away,

But instead it became a beautiful heartbreak.

A few years ago, I was called as a Young Women Advisor in my family's ward. I was in my early 20s and thought it was a little out of the ordinary, but was up to serve wherever the Lord needed me. I was assigned to work with the Beehives mostly, but as our Young Women group was fairly small at the time, I worked with all the Young Women, and a lot of our Young Men, in our ward.

As I was serving as an advisor, a new Beehive came in. The leaders had shared concerns that she was shy and was fairly inactive with Church activities at the time. I took note, but didn't make anything a big deal. I didn't want to pressure her or make her feel like she was some sort of service project. It hadn't been that long since I was a Young Woman and I remembered what it felt like. I interacted with this new Beehive just as much as I interacted with all the Youth. My goal was to have them all feel like they could trust me and come to me if they needed anything.

It wouldn't matter what the leaders did to make this new girl feel welcome. What really impacted her was how the other Young Women welcomed her. All our girls were very close knit, but they welcomed her with open arms, always inviting her to do things with them. They wouldn't push her to do anything she didn't want to or what she wasn't comfortable with, but more and more we saw her come out of her shell and try new things.

The best interaction I think I saw in that calling was at a sleepover we had as Young Women before General Conference. We stayed at a house on the Friday night, woke up Saturday morning, had breakfast together, and watched the first session of Conference together before we returned to our families for the remaining sessions. I purposefully sat back a lot and watched how all the girls interacted, particularly this one young woman, now a Miamaid. They were one big happy and giggly family. There were no groups that sectioned off from each other. When they were getting ready for bed, they made sure they all slept as close to each other as possible. During the session, they were glued to the screen and taking notes, sharing with each other during hymns and breaks their favorite moments.

Without that love that invited that one young woman into the fold, as well as every one of those girls, this beautiful scene wouldn't have happened.

Another example of service came from a recent Mormon Message. This particular Message was powerful for me because I knew the Youth involved, including my youngest brother, McKay, who is featured.

"Service Through Song" shows a group of Youth who decided without leader or parent suggestion, to go sing to an elderly care facility each Sunday night. This started 17 years ago, actually around the time my youngest brother was born, and continues to this day. Tomorrow, being Sunday, if you were to be there, you will see youth standing and singing the Hymns of Zion to the citizens of this facility in Bountiful, Utah.

All three of my brothers, and various cousins, have been going since they went to high school. Two have graduated and are now in college, but they still share fond memories of the people they served. I know a lot of the Youth who also attend, as they are often with my brothers in my parents' home, and they all share the same affection for the service and people who have touched their hearts.

It wasn't just the singing, though all my brothers are talented singers. After the Youth sing, they go into the audience and talk with the individuals who reside in the facility. They learn about them, talk with them and their families, and exchange love. The residents know these Youth, so much so that if a Youth member is a frequent attender of "Sunday Singing", as my brothers call it, and they aren't present on a Sunday, the residents will ask where they were the following week.

"Sunday Singing" isn't done because some adult is making them go. These Youth are choosing each and every Sunday to go to share their love and talents with these tenants, going because they know that it means something to them. The Youth know that shining the Light of Christ is powerful and evident as they go each week.

Check out the story as told by the Youth and the Church. *On a proud sister note, my favorite is the handsome guy with the red tie. But I'm not biased.*

May we all be like these Youth. Reach out with love to invite people to come unto Christ. Showing love is more powerful than any words we can say. The Gospel is love, so may we all reach out to those, regardless of circumstance, and help them, even in the littlest way, to feel that love.

What can we do to become better disciples of Christ? I can't take credit for these all of these tips. I read an article in the Deseret News by Jason F. Wright called "11 can't-miss tips for successful LDS missionaries" (August 13, 2013). While his message was for missionaries, I feel these can be applied to those striving to be better disciples of Christ. I have taken some of his suggestions as well as adding a few of my own.

(1) Be obedient.

In order to be His Hand on Earth, we need to be obedient to the things He asks us to do. In this article, Jason mentions four times the importance of being obedient - period, every minute, in all ways. As we follow the Plan and keep the commandments, we will be able to accomplish whatever the Lord needs us to do.

(2) Don't judge.

We never know where people are coming from or what is going on in their lives. Withholding judgment is a first step to loving someone and seeing them through the Lord's Eyes. It isn't our place to judge. That role is for the Lord. We are here to bring everyone unto Him and judgment is a road block.

(3) Serve others.

Service can be anything from simply having a conversation with someone in line at a grocery store to helping someone move to doing temple work for the dead. Keeping a focus on helping others can help you get through even the mundane things in life. Service is one of the best ways to show and gain love for those you serve.

(4) Give praise.

We live in a world of negativity. We are often wrapped up in competition, comparison, and feelings of being enough (as Hank Smith would say). Focusing on the positive is vital to success as a disciple of Christ. Words of affirmation are a sign of love, support, and trust. When they are communicated, a place of safety is created and the ability to serve others and serve with others becomes easier because the focus is positive.

(5) Love.

Christ is who He is because of love. He lived His life because of love. What better way could we become more like Him and be His disciples if we learn to and practice love?

(6) Exercise faith.

There is a lot we don't know or understand because we live here on Earth and have passed through the veil. We have to have faith that Heavenly Father has a Plan and that we can be His tools, even if what He's asks us to do may seem challenging or not the way we would have approached the situation. His Plan is perfect so we need to trust and act in faith that we will be able to accomplish His Plan with His guidance.

(7) Be yourself

He created you to be yourself. Do you. You have unique talents and abilities that will touch people in ways you may not have imagined. Just be you and let the Lord guide you.

(8) Study His words.

Reading ancient and modern texts can help us to know and understand the way the Lord speaks to us. The more we practice these skills, the more He will be able to speak to us. The more familiar we are with His words, the better we will be at being able to have those brought to our memory when He needs it.

(9) Marinate in the Spirit.

I attended a fireside with John Bytheway about marinating in the Spirit. Surround yourself with good, wholesome, and uplifting things. Read the scriptures, attend Church meetings, go to the temple, and be wherever the Spirit can be present. Remove things from your life that would offend the Spirit. As we marinate in the Spirit, we can build that relationship. As we do this, we will better understand how He communicates with us and when the Lord calls, we can respond.

(10) Take it one day at a time.

Cut yourself some slack. The Lord does. He knows that you won't be perfect every day. He doesn't expect you to. All He wants and needs you to do is to focus on becoming better. When you make mistakes, rely on Him and apply His Atonement in your life. If you miss something in a day, that's okay. Focus each day on becoming better. As long as we are moving towards Him, we're going in the right direction.

Let's focus on defining a few terms:

Hanging Out: when a group of people (usually around the same age) get together at one location to have fun, get to know one another, and promote comradery.

Dating: when two individuals spend one on one time participating in some form of activity/activities to promote getting to know one another better. Also used to see if the other person is someone they would like to pursue further.

Courtship: also known as "in a relationship", commonly mistaken for "dating". This is when two individuals have participated in dating and have decided together to pursue their relationship further. This stage of relationship may end in furthering the relationship into a strong friendship, engagement, marriage, etc. or may end in break up.

Now that we have those basic definitions, we can discuss them further.

While hanging out is a lot of fun, there are down sides. If we rely solely on hanging out as our venue for a social life, continuing on further up the relationship ladder is put on hold. Occasionally, it is fun to be around different groups of people, with all different personalities. It is a quick way of eliminating prospects for dating as well. If you are already stuck when it comes to finding someone to go out with, hanging out with different groups of people may be the way to go.

However, we must be wary of falling into this trap. Hanging out provides a sense of safety and security and it takes risk to move forward. If we become too comfortable in the "hanging out" stage, we will stay there. Usually this is where being put into the "friend zone" occurs because we don't provide the opportunity to see others out of this element. When given the opportunity, we see different sides of people in different elements.

Dating and courtship are often mistaken for one another. Dating is going out on a date (maybe a few dates) with someone in order to get to know them better. A date is often misconstrued. A first date does NOT equal marriage! Only one of your first dates will lead to a marriage. Saying "yes" to a date with someone whether or not you consider "marriage material" or "your type" does not mean the same as saying "yes" to a marriage proposal. You never really know if you like them in "that way" unless you give them the opportunity.

My rule for dating is this: if a guy has the guts to ask me out (and it does take quite a bit of courage to ask someone out on a date for the first time), I will say yes. The only reasons I would say no are: (1) if I'm in a relationship (for obvious reasons), (2) I fear for my personal safety (to which I would politely decline; I have never encountered this situation up to this point), or (3) I could not attend the specific date given, to which I would then give several opportunities where I would be available. Accepting or going on one date with an individual does not mean you are in love with them or that you even have a crush on them. A date is meant to get to know one another better. That is all it really is.

What a lot of people say about this is, "I don't want to lead them on." If you have spent a lot of time with someone and have given them the opportunity for you to see different sides of themselves and at that point you realize for whatever reason that they aren't someone you would consider pursuing and that is when they ask you out, accepting that date may be misleading. It would then be appropriate to say politely that you do not see them in a romantic way, but would still like to continue your friendship.

If someone you don't really know or haven't had the opportunity to get to know on different levels asks you out and they don't seem your type, not wanting to lead them on is invalid until you know for sure that they aren't your type. You don't know you don't like sushi until you've tried it. (Who knows, maybe you might like it!) Accepting a date here to get to know them better is not leading them on if we understand a date for what it is.

In all of reality (unless you have very unique situations), only a few of your first dates will lead to something further. Most of the time they might lead to friendship or you might not ever see them again. If after a date or two, you do not see the relationship going any further romantically, then accepting any further dates does constitute leading them on. At that point, you must inform them of your feelings.

Courtship, on the other hand, happens when you have gone on several dates with a specific individual, feelings are beginning to form on both sides, and you both decide you want to see where this relationship could go.

How do you know when to make that step? From my experience, I usually give someone up to three dates. This isn't some number I've planned, but after three dates I've usually known if I am interested in that particular person enough to continue a relationship with them and what relationship I would like to pursue at that point. A first date can be amazing or awkward. A second date might be the same or opposite. The third date is the tie breaker. If the first two dates are amazing, of course I would accept a third date assuming that it would also go well. If after that third date we both agree, we would then continue to play by ear unless or until we feel otherwise. Sometimes first dates are awkward and if the second date is as well, then I know that most likely this isn't someone I would pursue further. Usually in these cases, we remain friends. If the first date is awkward and the second date is amazing or vice versa, the third date will determine how I will handle future encounters. If the third date is awkward, the relationship usually becomes a friendship. If the third date is amazing, I'm willing to see what will happen.

With all this being said, there are exceptions to the rules. Really, there AREN'T any rules. All you can really do is trust yourself and your heart to know what is best for you.'

Remember to keep the Lord with you in your decisions. He will guide you throughout the hanging out, dating, and courtship processes. While He may not be specific about someone who might be right for you, He will let you know when or if someone is wrong for you. If you bring Him with you in the process of growing a relationship, He has promised to bless it.

My plea is to let us remember what these words mean and to de-complicate our love lives by using them and acting in them properly. There is a time and season for every stage of life and each have their importance in helping us grow. 

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it's all about relationships! It is important in any stage of a relationship to spend quality time together to fuel the fire of the relationship. I recommend setting aside at least one night a week for a date night. Make it a sacred, untouchable night. I'd advise that it be the same night every week, but if that isn't possible, look at the upcoming week and plan a date at the beginning of the week and do not budge on date night. This is VITAL to your relationship.

Date night is like a check up with one another, taking a break from the day-to-day monotony and enjoying one another. Make sure you have something fun planned. You can always find ideas in my Friday Five posts each week. Another idea is to start a hobby together. You could try something new or start with something you both like. Here is a list of ideas to try together:

Aeromodeling

Studying astronomy

Taking care of pets

Indulging in arts and crafts

Studying astrology

Playing a sport

Learning a new sport

Heading out for some surfing

Creating items out of bead work

Collecting shells

Bicycling to new places

Bird watching

Co-authoring a blog

Playing board games

Sailing on weekends

Following a fitness routine

Gardening together

Making your own micro brewery at home

Participating in social work

Learning calligraphy to write postcards

Camping at different places

Candle making

Baking together

Canoeing

Car Racing

Being involved in church activities

Collecting stamps, coins, buttons and other little trinkets

Scrap booking

Collecting antiques, artwork

Composing music together or jamming

Cooking together and trying out new cuisines

Solving crossword puzzles and jigsaws

Taking dance classes together

Photography

Being voluntary food critics

Taking educational courses together

Fishing

Watching movies (specific genre of movies)

Learning a musical instrument

Learning handwriting analysis

Hang gliding

Hiking

Repairing home by yourself

Jewelry making

Keeping a journal together

Flying kites

Learning a foreign language

Learning magic tricks

Clay modeling

Pottery

Attending meditation camps together

Collecting stones, rocks and gems

Mountain biking

Learning origami

Playing paintball

Making papier-mâché items

People watching

Playing team sports

Puppetry

Quilting

Rafting

Reading together (can be quite a challenge)

Rescuing animals

Scuba Diving

Shopping

Soap Making

Socializing

Storytelling

Traveling

Tutoring children

Citizen journalists

TV watching

Woodworking

Butterfly collecting and watching

Horse riding

Learning a form of self defense

Going on a diet for a healthy lifestyle

Metal detecting

Rowing

White water rafting

Nature trails

Exploring different styles of paintings

Collecting paintings

Designing, such as interior designing, clothes or jewelry

Coaching for an activity that both of you know

Treasure hunting

Kayaking

Jet skiing

Event planning

Shell collecting

Making chocolates at home

Making mosaic patterns

Cloud watching

Volunteering to work for the elderly

Planting your own kitchen garden

Landscaping your garden

Wendy Watson Nelson taught, "Consider President George Q. Cannon's approach to tithing when he was an impoverished young man. When his bishop commented on the large amount of tithing poor young George was paying, George said something like: "Oh bishop, I'm not paying tithing on what I make. I'm paying tithing on what I want to make." And the very next year George earned exactly the amount of money he had paid tithing on the year before!"

Now, I'm not sure if that specific blessing will be bestowed on all tithe payers, but we will be blessed as we pay a full and honest tithe.

I've always struggled with tithing. I would pay it and knew that it was something that my Heavenly Father asked me to do. However, if I didn't put it as a priority as soon as I received a paycheck, it would slip away and I would get out of the habit, then be trying to play catch up a few months down the road.

I think a lot of my, and a lot of other's, struggle with tithing is about the money. I currently live on my own, pay my own bills, with no other source of income than what I bring in. It's a daunting task to make sure all the bills are paid so I have a place to live, a way to get to work every day, food to eat, and clothes to wear. On top of that, being a young single adult is expensive. A lot of social involves going out to eat, see a movie, or other forms of paid entertainment. When all is said and done, money is a stressful.

As I say this or think about it, I realize it is a first-world problem. I am grateful that I have what I have. I'm fortunate to have a nice car, have graduated from college, have a good job with a great company that provides health benefits, and can afford to live on my own. I live fairly comfortably and am working towards paying off student loans, being able to own my car outright, and being able to save for the future.

Despite acknowledging my blessings, money has its challenges. There are days when I'm moving money around and wondering if I'll ever be out of debt, be able to travel, and save for emergencies, let alone the future. I have a constant prayer in my heart that nothing happens to a tire or part of my car because in the case of emergency, I'm not sure where the money would come from. Even though tithing is 10% of my paycheck, every little bit makes a difference.

Eventually I came to the realization that it isn't about the money. Tithing isn't about money. Tithing is about your heart. When the Lord asks you do sacrifice something, there is a reason for it, whether it be time, talents, or money. There are lessons that He needs us to learn, even if it's just to be obedient.

There is some folklore in my family about "The Beast Wagon". When my brother, Jake, was born in 1994, my family got a minivan. That was the family vehicle through most of my childhood and into my teen years. Within a year of my 16th birthday, my family purchased a new van to replace the old one. My parents considered selling, but thought with my turning 16 soon and extended family coming in and out of town during the summer, it would be nice to have the extra vehicle for as long as it lasted. So I drove the family van from 16 until my early 20s. Eventually my brother, Jake, as able to drive and needed a vehicle, so he would drive it and I would drive other family vehicles available. After Jake, Alex drove the van, which they're friends lovingly named "The Beast Wagon". And now, my baby brother, McKay, is driving this van.

This van has survived the side being dented by a fence, being bottomed out, having the front grill and bumper fall off, the side door handle breaking and no longer allowing passengers in or out, and a key breaking off in the trunk, requiring unconventional ways to open, in addition to the typical bumps and bruises of surviving four teen drivers.

Somehow this vehicle still passes inspection and runs. We thought that it would barely make it through my high school years, let alone my baby brother's, who will graduate 10 years after me. My mom as always said that the only reason that thing still runs is because they pay their tithing. And I am sure that my family has been blessed because my parents have been obedient.

Personally, I don't have a life changing story as some do that when I started faithfully paying my tithing consistently this miraculous thing happened. While that could happen, that's not how the Lord teaches me. Like with the story of "The Beast Wagon", I know that I have been blessed as I am obedient to the will of the Lord. As I do all that He has asked, or strive to, He will help me and bless me with whatever I need.

As I have learned, it isn't about the money. It isn't about the time or whatever else the Lord has asked you to do. It is about the heart and your intention to do what the Lord needs you to do. In reality, in the scheme of things, 10% of my paycheck is a simple sacrifice and easy thing to keep as a commandment. All we have to do is pay our tithes with our heart willing to do so because the Lord has required it of us. If we do so, we will be blessed with more than a simple 10% could ever provide.

Once in Sunday school, we were discussing failure. The teacher and class were using this word over... and over... and over again. A quote from The Princess Bride came to mind, "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."

What comes to mind what you hear the word "fail"? I think of a big red "F" on the top of a test or an assignment in school.

There's a lot of negative connotation with the word "failure". According to Webster's 1828 Dictionary, failure means, "A failing; deficience; cessation of supply, or total defect; ... Omission; non-performance; .... Decay, or defect from decay; .... A breaking, or becoming insolvent. ... A failing; a slight fault."

Failing makes it sound final. Once you've failed an assignment, there is nothing you can do to change it. You failed. You failed and so you might as well not have tried.

BUT this is not how life works! Sure, in school if you didn't get as good of grade as you liked you weren't able to change it. Once that's over, it's over and you can try to better on the next assignment or test.

Failure VS Weakness

I think the word we need to use is "weakness". According to Webster's 1828 Dictionary, weakness is, "Want of physical strength; want of force or vigor; feebleness; .... Want of steadiness. ... Infirmity; unhealthiness; .... Want of moral force or effect upon the mind; .... Want of judgment; feebleness of mind; foolishness."

Ether 12:27 reminds us that weakness isn't a bad thing:

"...I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

That's how life works. You are not perfect. You will make mistakes. You have weaknesses, and that's okay. We all do! That's part of being human! Having and acknowledging your weaknesses gives you the drive or "want" to change.

Think about a child learning to walk. The parents will put their child in a safe environment and allow them to take steps on their own. Very likely, the parents have had their child hold onto their fingers to practice walking or given them various walkers or other baby items that train them to be prepared for this moment.

The child, while trying to independently walk, will most likely fall. Did the child fail? No. No parent after watching their child fall once or many times will look at the child and say, "You are a terrible person! You can't walk! You've failed at life!" Funny as it sounds, this is ridiculous! No, the parents will pick the child up, knowing that it's possible, knowing that it will take time, and knowing that if the child falls it will be just a bump, no serious injuries. And the child trusts the parents. The child keeps trying, even if they are discouraged. And while it may not happen the first time or the hundredth time, the child will eventually learn to walk.

I worked as a behavioral therapist for several years. When I began working with a client, a four-year-old boy with autism, I wondered why we were doing programs the way we were. I didn't see the bigger picture.

As more time went on, I saw that while teaching this boy to draw a line for months seemed pointless, it would progress into a square, triangle, and a house. It set the ground work to draw circles, cars, and snowmen. And all of this prepared him to be able to start writing letters, numbers, and before we knew it, he was writing words and stories. Spending several months or years on the monotonous lines and simple shapes made a difference and paid off when I watched him learn the alphabet and was writing full sentences within a month. He had the training, he had the skills, he knew what to do, and he was prepared, so when the moment came, he excelled!

This is precisely how our Heavenly Father is. He gives us tools to being to prepare us for the tasks He needs us to do and then He puts us in a safe learning environment. We go through things, trial and error, with His guidance, until we get it right. The more we continue to practice the correct way, the more it becomes one of our strengths. So if one day we are faced with a problem, trial or temptation, that needs us to use that skill, we are prepared.

Let us remember that weakness have been promised to become strengths if we go to the right Source. 

The first musical I saw in high school was Children of Eden. This performance gave me the spark to join theatre. I'd always appreciated theatre - it was one of the things my dad and I could do together - but I hadn't thought much about really being involved. I had done plays and musicals at various times in my life, but when I saw Children of Eden, it changed my life forever.

There is a song in the musical that is sung by Eve in the beginning. She and Adam had just been created by the Father and this song is her exploring this gift of life that she was given.

Beyond, beyond

It sounds full of wind and mist, doesn't it

It means other things exist, doesn't it

Beyond, beyond

It says Adam leave your list, doesn't it

Father why does my head feel this joy and this dread since the moment I said

Beyond!

I've got an itching on the tips of my fingers

I've got a boiling in the back of my brain

I've got a hunger burning inside me, cannot be denied

I've got feeling that the Father who made us

When he was kindling a pulse in my veins

He left a tiny spark of that fire, smoldering inside

The spark of creation, is flickering within me

The spark of creation, is blazing in my blood

A bit of the fire that lit up the stars

And breathed life into the mud, the first inspiration

The spark of creation

I see a mountain and I want to climb it

I see a river and I want to leave shore

Where there was nothing let there be something, something made by me

There's things waiting for me to invent them

There's worlds waiting for me to explore

I am an echo of the eternal cry of Let there be!

The spark of creation, is burning bright within me

The spark of creation, won't let me rest at all

Until I discover or build or uncover

A thing that I can call, my celebration

Of the spark of creation

The spark of creation, may it burn forever

The spark creation, I am a keeper of the flame

We think all we want is a lifetime of leisure

Each perfect day the same

Endless vacation

Well that's alright if you're a kind crustacean

But when you're born with an imagination

Sooner or later you're feeling the fire get higher and higher

The spark of creation!

To me, this reminds me of what life is all about. We are here on this Earth to create - whether it's families, art, music, literature, food, etc. We are here to make something of it. During this moment in the musical, Eve is discovering that she has a motivation or a spark in her that pushes her to go out and live life to the fullest. This is something that we need to discover as well. We need to find our own spark that leads us to become the creators we are destined to become.

Every time I hear this song from The Lion King, I image myself singing this to my Heavenly Father. There are times when I am in a dark moment where all hope is gone.

Where has the starlight gone?

Dark is the day

How can I find my way home?

Home is an empty dream

Lost to the night

Father, I feel so alone

You promised you'd be there

Whenever I needed you

Whenever I call your name

You're not anywhere

I'm trying to hold on

Just waiting to hear your voice

One word, just a word will do

To end this nightmare

When will the dawning break

Oh endless night

Sleepless I dream of the day

When you were by my side

Guiding my path

Father, I can't find the way

You promised you'd be there

Whenever I needed you

Whenever I call your name

You're not anywhere

I'm trying to hold on

Just waiting to hear your voice

One word, just a word will do

To end this nightmare

Eventually I'm given this peace from my Heavenly Father that this is temporary. He's there, even if I'm distant from him. No matter the trial, if I keep fighting and moving toward my Savior, He'll be right there and will get me through everything. One day we will all be Home as the Son will rise and reign forever.

I know that the night must end

And that the sun will rise

And that the sun will rise

I know that the clouds must clear

And that the sun will shine

And that the sun will shine

Life is challenging. We all go through the roller coaster of life and it isn't easy. Happy moments aren't always easy and devastating moments aren't always complicated. The older I get and more life experience I gain, the main thing that I have learned that one of the only constants is change.

The most important constant in life is the Savior. He is and can always be there for us. He wants to be.

I am the oldest sister with three younger brothers who are 5, 7, and 10 years younger than me, respectively. There have been times in their lives when I've watched them struggle through things that I've been through. I've wanting nothing more in those moments then to reach out my hand and help them. All I can do is let them know that I'm there and let them choose to come to me for guidance.

I'd imagine that these experiences are just a sliver of what our Brother feels each and every day. Times when He's us struggle or fall and He wants to come and interfere. All we need to do, is ask. When we go to Him and seek Him out, we will see His hand in our lives.

Abide with me! fast falls the eventide;

The darkness deepens. Lord, with me abide!

When other helpers fail and comforts flee,

Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me!

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day.

Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away.

Change and decay in all around I see;

O thou who changest not, abide with me!

I need thy presence ev'ry passing hour.

What but thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'r?

Who, like thyself, my guide and stay can be?

Thru cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me!

Repenting isn't easy. It takes humility as well as work to make things right and to make better choices in its place. No matter what it takes to become closer to Christ, it is worth it because of the power of the Atonement and the peace that it brings when forgiveness comes.

I was driving my parents car one day and accidentally backed into a curb or something that I couldn't see, making a scratch on the back bumper. Keep in mind this wasn't when I was a new driver - this was while I was an adult and had been driving for almost a decade! I felt awful and knew I needed to tell them what had happened. I got out and assessed the damage. It wasn't bad, just a small scrape, and wasn't really noticeable unless you got down to see it. It was an old car with other scratches and bumps, so mine just blended in. If I hadn't said anything, it would have probably just been written off as something else - another scratch from a rock or little kids, another car tapping it in a parking lot somewhere, or something. But I knew that I needed to be honest about it and make whatever repairs I needed to.

Shaking, I walked in the house and told my mom what happened. She got off the couch to come assess the damage. She was a little upset, but could see it wasn't really a big deal and thanked me for telling her.

My dad came home as we were looking at the car. Now my dad was the one I was worried about. He can be an intimidating guy, and I think everyone can relate to the feeling of going to one parent over the other if there is a problem because you know they'll react better. He came and joined us to check out the damage. He brushed it off saying, "It happens." We went inside and didn't really talk about it again.

The relief of telling the truth of my mistake and being forgiven was powerful. If I hadn't said anything, they might have never noticed and I would have felt guilty that I never told them. Or if they approached me later about it, I might have been tempted to lie about it or felt guilty that I hadn't told them sooner. I would have been in trouble more for not telling the truth than the actual accident.

Though this is a simple example, the same principle applies. If we go to our Heavenly Father, whether our mistakes are small or large, and work with Him to make things right, He will bless us with forgiveness. Just like in my situation, the car didn't matter. I was safe and it was just a scratch on metal. What mattered is I told the truth. Though my dad is a great man, our Heavenly Father is perfect. He doesn't want just to be burdened with guilt and sin. He wants us to feel joy and happiness so He will work with us, even if it takes time. Turn to the Lord and feel that sweet peace that comes through true repentance.

In Matthew 4, the Savior teaches us two principles. The first is about how to avoid temptation. The Spirit takes Jesus up to the temple and into the mountains to teach Him. There He is tempted of the devil. As it says in Doctrine and Covenants 20:22, He "gave no heed" to the temptations of Satan. Christ "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15) in order to help us through life's journey.

This is a part of the Atonement. Because Christ experienced all things to the furthest degree and because He knows each of us individually, He knows exactly what we can handle. 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." That promise happens because Christ knows the temptation fully, He knows what we can take, and He will help us through what we can handle while covering the rest.

This time of temptation came as Christ was preparing to publicly preach His gospel. Satan tries to do the same thing today. As you are serving the Lord, becoming His disciple, Satan will do everything in his power to stop you. We must follow the example of the Savior and overcome temptation.

Neal A. Maxwell said, "Instead of dismissing temptations as Jesus did, it is giving heed to them which gets so many in trouble! My mission president used to say we may not always be able to keep an evil thought from entering our minds, but we don't have to offer it a chair and invite it to sit down."

Our Heavenly Father and Savior are merciful. They love us perfectly, with an infinite, eternal love. Pray for His strength to help you conquer the adversary. This is His gospel. He will do everything to help you if you do your part.

I grew up having a testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It just has always made sense to me. While I haven't been perfect, I've never wavered on his testimony, teachings, or the gospel that was restored through him by the hand of the Lord.

While I was growing up, I would listen to Church history books on tape and playing with my Lego's or Barbie's. I knew the story of Joseph Smith from beginning to end, inside and out.

As a teenager, I was invited to be a part of a choir for a commemoration of the life of Joseph Smith. During one of our rehearsals, our chorister broke down the lyrics to our last song, "Praise to the Man". As she did this, the Spirit testified to me in the most powerful way that I could never doubt the truthfulness of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah!

Joseph, as a 14 year old boy, saw and spoke to Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. He spoke with the Savior on that and several other occasions throughout his life. He knew Him.

Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer.

The Savior called him to be the Prophet to restore His truthfulness to the Earth for the last time, bringing back The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Every other Prophet and Seer, previous and since, were all called by the Savior Himself.

Blessed to open the last dispensation,

Being the Prophet to open the final dispensation before the Second Coming of the Lord was what Joseph was ordained to do from before the world was.

Kings shall extol him, and nations revere.

Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines 'extol' as: "To raise in words or eulogy; to praise; to exalt in commendation; to magnify."

Moroni, another Prophet called of God, said this of Joseph Smith, that his "name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people." (Joseph Smith - History 1:33).

This prophecy has been and will continue to be fulfilled every day.

Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven!

Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain.

Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren;

Death cannot conquer the hero again.

Though in this life he had many enemies and people out to get him, to kill him and destroy all he had fought for, Joseph continued fighting. He could not deny what he knew. He never denied what he saw.

Praise to his mem'ry, he died as a martyr;

Honored and blest be his ever great name!

Long shall his blood, which was shed by assassins,

Plead unto heav'n while the earth lauds his fame.

He stood by his every word and teaching and sealed his testimony in his blood.

Great is his glory and endless his priesthood.

Ever and ever the keys he will hold.

Faithful and true, he will enter his kingdom,

Crowned in the midst of the prophets of old.

His calling as a Prophet is eternal, just as all Prophets before him and since, from Adam to President Thomas S. Monson. All these incredible men have stood for the same cause. I sustain every single one of them and the Brethren and Sisters called to serve with them.

Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven;

Joseph Smith did more, save the Savior only, for the salvation of men in this dispensation. With that work, countless sacrifices were made by Joseph, his beloved wife, Emma, and their family. All that sacrifice will be made up by a loving Heavenly Father.

Earth must atone for the blood of that man.

Wake up the world for the conflict of justice.

Those who sought or still seek to destroy him and His work will find their justice in due time.

Millions shall know "Brother Joseph" again.

I cannot wait for the day when I pass on from this world into the next and get to meet one of my biggest heroes. After the Savior, I cannot wait to approach him with teary eyes and thank him for his sacrifice so that I could come to know my Savior. Until then, I will continue to strive to live as he did, sacrificing all that I am for the work of my Lord and my God.

I had always wondered why I have such a connection to music and why it has such a strong effect on me. Then one day while driving home from a family gathering, it hit me. It all started there. With my family. Every family get together I can remember was full of music, Christmas especially. I can remember watching the adults sing, "Baby, What You Going to Be" and longing to be included. It wasn't until I had really grown up until I realized its effects on me.

Around that same time, I did a lot of thinking about music. I would listen to specific songs to help vent angry feelings or stir up happiness and excitement. While still in thought, I realized that I had always done this. I can remember a time while driving home from my grandparents' home in Bountiful, Utah and listening to the song "Time" sung by Jericho Road and relating it to the crush I had at the time. Listening to that song now, I have no idea what that particular song had to do with my childhood crush, but I remember the thoughts and feelings that I had at the time, even years later.

Being brought up in the LDS culture must have also taken an effect on me. Watching choirs sing on various occasions and singing in Primary myself, then in Young Women's, then onto Ward Choir.

Seeing a musical does the same thing to me. I know that I am energized when I see a show like "Children of Eden" or "The Lion King".

Another thing I noticed in all of these thoughts was that if I didn't want to be effected, I'd turn the music off. Whether I wanted to be angry or couldn't contain my excitement and no songs could express it, I'd sit in silence.

This century gives us multiple venues to have music in our lives all the time: mp3 players, cell phones, laptops, radios, etc. I stood back and really thought about it and I could only pick out a few times when I did not have music with me.

John Bytheway once told the story of a science project that his daughter did. She got eight mice, split them into two different groups, and put them in different parts of their house. Each day she would have them go through a maze and would time them to see if over the period of the experiment, their time would be affected. So what was the difference between the two groups? She set up music to be played next to their cages 24 hours a day for the entire experiment. One set of mice listened to classical music, while the other hard rock.

In the beginning, all the mice ran the maze in similar times. By the end of the experiment, the mice who listened to the classical music were significantly faster in completing the maze than those who were completely surrounded by the hard rock.

At the conclusion of the experiment, she linked the two cages together and allowed them to pass freely through. She was curious to see where they would end up. When she checked on them again, ALL eight were in the side with classical music playing.

She proved that music really does have an effect on those who listen to it. With this lesson in mind, we need to look at ourselves and see what we are listening to and how it is effecting us. Are we as uplifted as we need to be? As focused as we need to be? If not, what changes can be made?

I promise that as you surround yourself with good music, you will be more motivated, inspired, and productive as you will have the Spirit with you to help.

In the parable of the lost sheep, we learn that there is a shepherd with 100 sheep. One of the sheep goes missing and the shepherd leaves the 99 to find it.

After thinking about this parable more, I came up with some thoughts. We don't know much about the lost sheep. We don't know the gender of the sheep. We don't know what the sheep looked like. We don't know how many went out to find it or how long it took. The only thing we know is that the shepherd sole goal was to find that one sheep and return it to the rest.

As a Church, we teach from a young age that the shepherd is the Eternal Shepherd, even the Savior, and that we, Heavenly Father's children, are the sheep. This parable acts as a reminder of how important each of us are to the Savior and that He will do whatever it takes to rescue us.

Just as the shepherd in the parable did, Jesus knows everything about us and exactly how to rescue us. He knows us perfectly and what is best for us.

I don't know if you've ever had experience with a pet. Growing up, we didn't have any pets, but after I graduated from high school I worked at Thanksgiving Point and would often be around the animals on the farm. The more I interacted with them, the better I knew their individual personalities and how to work with them. While leading tours, I knew based on that knowledge which animals to grab on tours for people to pet. Because I knew that there was a particular goat that was very territorial, I would watch myself as I was in the goat bin and tried to make sure she realized that I wasn't intruding too much.

When my family got a dog when I was an adult, I was very involved in helping her adapt to our family. We learned that her energy was more due to excitement than aggression. She would playfully nip, but never bite. She did best if she could see the people she could hear. Shadow, our dog, is very much a pack animal - if she is with her people, she's fine. Because we know the specifics about her, we know how to calm her if she's barking or handle other situations as needed.

Because Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are perfect and created us, They know exactly what works best for us, without having to learn it. They watched us grow as spirits and now here on Earth.

The shepherd in the parable found the sheep and returned it home. If I've learned anything working with sheep is that they need to want to go with you in order to get them. You need to be trustworthy to get them to do what you need them to. It takes a lot more work, and many more people, to get the sheep where you need if they don't willingly go with you.

In essence, the sheep has a choice. As we are the sheep, it's up to us to want to be rescued. It's up to us to trust in the Shepherd and allow ourselves to be brought to safety. Our Shepherd won't force us, but will provided every way for us to return Home. It is up to us to choose Him.

President Russell M. Nelson spoke to the young adults in a Worldwide Devotional on Sunday, January 10, 2016. To check out the full text, audio, or video, go to lds.org.

Before we get into this talk, I wanted to share an experience. While searching for my career, I had several interviews at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City. In EVERY interview I had, they asked me, "What can we do for the young adults? How can we help them?" The Brethren are very concerned and mindful of this generation. They truly do pray for us always and are striving to guide us in the way the Lord needs us to go. When they speak, they are speaking for Him. We need to listen.

President Nelson began, "We are thankful for your devotion to the Lord and His restored gospel. We are grateful for each time you stand up and speak up for truth--especially when it is not popular."

It's not easy to be a member of the Church. It never has been. It's not easy to be a disciple of Christ. Despite the difficulty, we will be blessed as we stand for the truth and act as a light of Jesus Christ.

He then starts on the topic of his talk, "Many people refer to you as Millennials. I'll admit that when researchers refer to you by that word and describe what their studies reveal about you--your likes and dislikes, your feelings and inclinations, your strengths and weaknesses--I'm uncomfortable. There is something about the way they use the term Millennial that bothers me. And frankly, I am less interested in what the experts have to say about you than what the Lord has told me about you.

"The term Millennial is perfect for you if that term reminds you of who you really are and what your purpose in life really is. A True Millennial is one who was taught and did teach the gospel of Jesus Christ premortally and who made covenants with our Heavenly Father there about courageous things--even morally courageous things--that you would do while here on earth.

"A True Millennial is a man or woman whom God trusted enough to send to earth during the most compelling dispensation in the history of this world. A True Millennial is a man or woman who lives now to help prepare the people of this world for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and His millennial reign. Make no mistake about it--you were born to be a True Millennial."

President Nelson then poses this question, "How can you stand and live as a True Millennial?" Throughout the talk, he gives four recommendations:

1. Learn who you really are.

2. Expect and prepare to accomplish the impossible.

3. Learn how to access the power of heaven.

4. Follow the prophets.

While speaking about the first recommendation, he advises, "Take time to think prayerfully about these facts:

"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!"

President Nelson continues, "You are living in the "eleventh hour." The Lord has declared that this is the last time that He will call laborers into His vineyard to gather the elect from the four quarters of the earth. And you were sent to participate in this gathering. Again and again I have seen firsthand the powerful influence of True Millennials as they bring others to a knowledge of the truth. This is part of your identity and your purpose as the seed of Abraham!"

He declares, "True Millennials...know who they really are. They are devout disciples of Jesus Christ who instinctively seize every opportunity to help themselves and others prepare for the millennial reign of our Savior."

He concludes the first recommendations saying, "Therefore, my first recommendation is to learn for yourselves who you really are. Ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, how He feels about you and your mission here on earth. If you ask with real intent, over time the Spirit will whisper the life-changing truth to you. Record those impressions and review them often, and follow through with exactness.

"I promise you that when you begin to catch even a glimpse of how your Heavenly Father sees you and what He is counting on you to do for Him, your life will never be the same!"

Speaking about his second recommendation, President Nelson states, "God has always asked His covenant children to do difficult things. Because you are covenant-keeping sons and daughters of God, living in the latter part of these latter days, the Lord will ask you to do difficult things. You can count on it--Abrahamic tests did not stop with Abraham."

He adds, "But the Lord is able to do His own work, and I was privileged to watch the unfolding of one miracle after another--always, and only, after I had brought my best thinking, my most courageous efforts, and my most fervent prayers to the task."

He also says, "As a True Millennial whom the Lord can count on, you will make history too! You will be asked to accept challenging assignments and become an instrument in the Lord's hands. And He will enable you to accomplish the impossible.

He concludes, "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. As a True Millennial, anchored in pure doctrine, when you are asked to do impossible things, you will be able to step forward with faith and dogged persistence and cheerfully do all that lies in your power to fulfill the purposes of the Lord."

Moving on to the third recommendation, he begins, "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.

"However, I promise you that as you follow Jesus Christ, you will find sustained peace and true joy. As you keep your covenants with increasing precision, and as you defend the Church and kingdom of God on the earth today, the Lord will bless you with strength and wisdom to accomplish the impossible."

He continues, "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.

"At this very moment some of you are struggling to know what you should be doing with your life. Others of you may wonder if you have been forgiven of your sins. Most of you are wondering who and where your eternal companion is--and those who aren't should be.

"Some may question why the Church does some of the things it does. Perhaps many of you are not sure how to get answers to your prayers.

"Our Heavenly Father and His Son stand ready to respond to your questions through the ministering of the Holy Ghost. But it is up to you to learn how to qualify for and receive those answers."

He then gives several ways we can prepare for and receive answers.

(1) "Begin by spending more time in holy places. The temple is a holy place. So is the chapel, where you make new sacramental covenants each Sunday. I invite you also to make your apartment, your dorm, your home, or your room a holy place where you can safely retreat from the dark distractions of the world."

(2) "Prayer is a key. Pray to know what to stop doing and what to start doing. Pray to know what to add to your environment and what to remove so the Spirit can be with you in abundance."

(3) "Plead with the Lord for the gift of discernment. Then live and work to be worthy to receive that gift so that when confusing events arise in the world, you will know exactly what is true and what is not."

(4) "Serve with love. Loving service to those who have lost their way or who are wounded in spirit opens your heart to personal revelation."

(5) "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."

He continues, "My dear brothers and sisters, 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."

Concluding this section, he declares, "My dear young friends, 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.""

With his last recommendation, President Nelson taught, "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. I know this is true! I have experienced it for myself over and over again."

He goes on, "The Lord has promised us that He will never allow the prophet to lead us astray. President Harold B. Lee declared: "You may not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may contradict your political views. It may contradict your social views. It may interfere with some of your social life. But if you listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord Himself, with patience and faith, the promise is that 'the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name's glory' (D&C 21:6).""

Continuing, he says, "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."

He reminds us, "Around 41 b.c., many Nephites joined the Church, and the Church prospered. But secret combinations also began to grow, and many of their cunning leaders hid among the people and were difficult to detect. As the people became more and more prideful, many of the Nephites made "a mock of that which was sacred, denying the spirit of prophecy and of revelation."

"Those same threats are among us today. The somber reality is that there are "servants of Satan" embedded throughout society. So be very careful about whose counsel you follow."

He concludes stating, "My beloved brothers and sisters, you were born to be True Millennials! You are a chosen generation, fore-determined by God to do a remarkable work--to help prepare the people of this world for the Second Coming of the Lord."

This was one of the best parts of the talk. I was told in an institute class to look for anytime an apostle gives a blessing and ever since then, I've been on a hunt. Here is President Nelson's most recent blessing as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Now, as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I bless each one of you, as though I had my hands upon your heads, with the ability to become the True Millennial you were born to be. I bless you to have the desire and ability to learn your true identity and purpose, that you will expect and prepare to do "impossible" things, that you will be undaunted in your efforts to learn how to access the powers of heaven to help you solve your problems and answer your questions. And I bless you to follow the prophets with exactness, to feel peace in your heart as you do so. I bless you to know and feel how much the Lord loves you and how much confidence He has in you."

As we follow the guidance given to us by President Nelson, we will receive this beautiful blessing. All we need to do is act.

Every talk I've heard or read from Wendy Watson Nelson is amazing! The talk that she gave to the young adults in the Worldwide Devotional on Sunday, January 10, 2016 was powerful! For the full text or to listen and/or watch it, check it out at lds.org.

Sister Nelson begins, "As I offer a few ideas, I pray that you will use your agency to invite the Holy Ghost to teach you."

I think this is an important point. Anyone can talk, but it's up to us to choose to be taught. If we go in with the right mindset and a prayer in our heart, we will be taught by the Spirit from any situation.

She then reminds us of three stories in the New Testament - of the woman who touched the hem of the Savior's garment and was healed, of the man who had been plagued by an illness for 38 years and was healed at the pool of Bethesda, and when the storm threatened to capsize a ship with the disciples and the Savior before He calmed the seas. She asked us what these three stories had in common. Here is her answer:

"They were desperate! Desperate for the Savior to heal them, help them, cleanse them, guide them, protect them, and save them! They were desperate for Jesus Christ to help them do things they could never do on their own. They were desperate to have the Savior's strength and power in their lives."

Sister Nelson then states, "Desperation can actually be a great motivator."

Reminding us of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his struggles in Liberty Jail, she says, "Because of such intense spiritual desperation, the Prophet received some of the most sublime revelations of this dispensation."

She continues, "When we're desperate to be guided by heaven, we work harder than ever to tune in to heaven."

I find this to be true in my life. When I've been in my rock-bottom times, turning to the Lord and seeking His guidance has turned those awful times into learning experiences.

In this vane, she said, "When we're desperate to become the people we were born to be, our vision changes. We wake up from the spiritual amnesia the adversary so cleverly administers, and suddenly we see things about ourselves, others, and our lives we've never seen before. The world's "fun" and "entertainment" start to look almost ridiculous, perhaps even spiritually dangerous. We begin to see the adversary's tricks and traps for what they really are - temptations to make us forget our true identity and our destination."

She adds, "When we're desperate to be the true disciples of Jesus Christ we were born to be, we suddenly find the courage and determination to remove anything and everything from our lives that is unholy and impure. Our willingness to follow the advice of our leaders' changes. We seek counsel and are eager to follow it. Humility pushes pride and arrogance aside. The scriptures become our "go-to source" for answers and for the comfort we may realize we've often been seeking online."

To help us in our times of desperation, Sister Nelson extended a 30 Day Challenge: "Daily kneel and thank your Heavenly Father for the scriptures. Tell Him the one question you most need to have answered that day. Plead to have the Holy Ghost with you as you read. Then open your scriptures anywhere, and read until you find the answer. Try it for 30 days and see what happens."

Sometimes our moments of desperation are sparked by things without our control. However, sometimes they are caused by our actions. Sister Nelson taught, "When we're desperate to grow into the people God needs us to be, we may realize that an unnecessary burden is holding us back. That burden may be spiritual pain, which always accompanies bad choices and unrepented sin. The truth is that unrepented sin is like a magnet for more sin! So, if you need to repent, start now. When we, like King Lamoni's father, want to give up all of our sins (even our favorite sins), then procrastination falls away, embarrassment flees, and we are willing, even eager, to go--actually, we feel like running--to our bishop for the help we need to truly repent."

She goes on saying, "There is a 100 percent guarantee that if we will truly repent, the Savior will cleanse us and heal us--thoroughly, totally, and completely!"

Sister Nelson adds, "Gratefully, the Savior has paid the price for every gift of the Spirit we will ever need to help us. It's up to us to prayerfully discover which gifts we need. We may need the gift of self-discipline or of cheerfulness. Perhaps we need the gift of patience, or the gift to be healed, or the gift to forgive. Perhaps we need the gift to have our sexual feelings be in harmony with eternal laws. Perhaps we realize that we cannot live one more minute without the gift of unshakable faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. When we're desperate for any gift of the Spirit, that is when we will finally pray with all the energy of heart for that gift. And the great news is that each spiritual gift we receive takes us one more step forward into our true selves."

As a reminder of what is to come, she states, "My dear brothers and sisters, whom I love, the reality is that someday you and I will each have an individual, face-to-face interview with the Savior Himself. When this eventuality becomes real to us, we will be willing to do whatever it takes to be prepared!"

She asks us, "What if you learned that the Savior had already returned to this earth--that He, as part of His Second Coming, had already met with some of His true followers in several marvelous, large gatherings--gatherings about which the world, including CNN and the blogosphere, knew nothing. If you found out that the Savior was already on the earth, what would you desperately want to do today, and what would you be willing and ready to do tomorrow?"

Sister Nelson concludes, "I pray that this year you will have some moments of anguishing desperation that will propel you further along the path to becoming the man or woman you were born to be. Your true self is spectacular! Never settle for less."

Unfortunately, we are in the final days and, I would argue, that this is the time of desperation. The world around us is crumbling and becoming more corrupt. I add my testimony that as we prepare for and fight through the times of desperation with the Lord, we will see success.

Those who know me well know that I am a fan of all things Harry Potter. Yes, I have a snowy owl on a Gryffindor scarf, daily calendar, a full shelf, and even Christmas tree dedicated to the Wizarding World. And yes, I'm 26 and dressed as Hermione for Halloween this year.

Along with all the other fans out there, I was saddened by the news of the passing of Alan Rickman. I have seen him in several of his films, but no one will be Severus Snape the way he was. I remember reading the books as a kid and imagining what Snape would look like. When the movies came out, I was surprised to realize that I had been picturing Alan Rickman! He was an incredible actor and will be missed.

I was reading an article written by Jake Healey that I agree with:

Spoiler Alert: This article assumes the reader is familiar with the plot of the Harry Potter series. If you aren't, you should stop reading now, pick up the first book, and have your mind blown by its excellence. Then come back and read this.

I, like many other millennials, spent a good chunk of my early years lost in the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter book series. I eagerly anticipated all the new books and movies, I dressed as Harry for Halloween, and to this day, I'm still proud to call myself a Ravenclaw.

The story of Harry Potter did more than just entertain me, though. In many ways, I think the series helped to shape my moral compass. I learned from and admired the virtues of many characters-the wisdom of Albus Dumbledore, the authenticity of Luna Lovegood, and the bravery of Severus Snape.

That's why, when I heard of Alan Rickman's passing, it didn't feel like just another celebrity had died-it was a lot more personal than that. Rickman's flawless portrayal of Professor Snape was an integral part of my childhood. He brought the man to life in a way I don't think anyone else could have. In fact, it's largely because of Alan Rickman that, in a series with a ton of amazing characters, Snape is my favorite. So today, as the world mourns the loss of a great actor, I'll remember five of the valuable lessons I learned from his most iconic role.

It's possible to love even those who hate you.

Perhaps one of Jesus Christ's most beautiful teachings is His charge to "love your enemies, bless them that curse you, [and] do good to them that hate you." It's also one of the hardest to follow. I mean, it's not always easy to love those who love you, much less those who don't-but that's what Severus Snape did.

He loved Lily Potter even in his childhood, but the years strained their bond. Lily eventually refused to even talk to Snape and ended up marrying his worst enemy. However, even when Lily died, Snape's feelings for her did not. He selflessly placed himself in constant danger in an effort to protect her son, and ultimately gave his life in the process. Ironically, the character in Harry Potter who seemed to have the smallest capacity for love turned out to be the one who loved the most.

Treat people kindly-even when it's not easy.

Snape was the man. He was utterly awesome. But since that's out of the way, I'll be the first to admit that he wasn't perfect. In fact, he was one of the most two-sided characters I've ever encountered in literature. He could be mean, prejudiced, and vengeful. His peers found him reclusive and strange.

As a result, James Potter and his schoolmates made it their life's mission to torment and bully Snape. On one occasion, they pulled his pants down and dangled him upside down in the air-in front of the girl he loved, no less. The scars from this boyhood abuse stayed with Snape throughout his life, leaving him with a cold and abrasive personality. He even seemed to delight in returning that abuse to his pupils.

I remember my elementary school self being moved by the traumatic and lasting effects of James Potter's bullying. I learned that even though people have flaws, nobody deserves to be treated unkindly.

It's not "once a Death Eater, always a Death Eater."

He may have been weird as a kid, but Snape actually became straight-up evil for a while there. One might have even thought him among "the vilest of sinners." After Hogwarts, he joined the ranks of the Death Eaters and became one of Voldemort's most trusted servants. In fact, by relaying the contents of Sybil Trelawney's prophesy to the Dark Lord, Snape was indirectly responsible for the murder of James and Lily Potter.

But though his sins were crimson red, Snape eventually saw the light. He spent decades as a spy for Albus Dumbledore, masquerading as a Death Eater and risking his life at every turn. Many in the Order of the Phoenix questioned his loyalty-"No one stops being a Death Eater," said Sirius-but ultimately, Snape never wavered. His repentance proved absolutely critical to Voldemort's demise.

Don't judge the Slytherins too harshly-sometimes they're the best among us.

"If the Sorting Hat had tried to put me in Slytherin," said Ron Weasley, "I'd have got the train straight back home." This attitude toward Slytherin house was not uncommon in the wizarding world. Although they were selected for their cunning, resourcefulness, leadership, and determination, Slytherin students had a bad-though perhaps partly deserved-reputation. As Ron explained, "There's not a witch or wizard who went bad who wasn't in Slytherin."

For most of the series, readers had no reason to believe that Snape was good other than Dumbledore's unexplained trust. And why would they? Snape was mean, vindictive, and perhaps most foreboding of all, the head of Slytherin house. But his late-game heroics proved a powerful point-bravery and value are often found in the unlikeliest of places. Readers never judged Snape correctly because they didn't know his whole story.

The same is true of us today. How often do we judge others only to find out we were mistaken all along? Or, even if our assumptions were correct, how often do we learn something about them that gives us more insight into their struggles? Sometmes the most difficult people to love or trust are the ones who most need it.

In the fight between right and wrong, one person can make a difference.

As a "peculiar people," we're charged to make a difference in the world--but the world is so troubled that it's sometimes easy for me to get discouraged. "Even if I do what I feel is right," I often think, "what difference would it make?" With the wrong mindset, even good things like giving what I can to the poor or being kind to those around me seem painfully insignificant. After all, I'm not going to solve world hunger, and I'm not going to stop unkindness. So why even bother?

Perhaps Snape thought the same thing on occasion. He'd witnessed the powers of evil firsthand, and they were fearsome and strong. Was there any point in fighting it? Right up until Snape's death, it seemed as though those battling for right were simply prolonging the inevitable-but with his final acts, he turned the tables in favor of good. The courage of Professor Severus Snape set in motion a chain of events that ultimately led to the collapse of Voldemort's power and the redemption of the wizarding world.

Not bad for a peculiar kid from Slytherin.

Guys and girls are different. Yes, I know that must shock you. I'll give you a minute to digest that....

It is good to mention that we communicate and experience things differently because we are wired differently. And that's okay. The most important thing is that we understand, accept, and work with one another to communicate effectively.

Whether guy or girl, everyone communicates and interprets communication differently. This is what makes relationships with the opposite sex so complicated.

The key is to verbally communicate what you are really thinking and feeling. Yes, tact is key; playing games or beating around the bush is no bueno. Really respecting those with whom you are in a relationship with (whatever the type of relationship) is shown through honesty in communication. If you are interested in someone, say so. If you are not, say so. Whatever your feelings, express them. No one can read your mind, guy or girl.

Of course, when communicating, how you express your thoughts is important. You can say the same thing with the same meaning either in a polite way or not so politely. Be polite and respectful in your communications. Using communication and respect will get you far, not just in dating and romantic relationships, but in all relationships.

We're into the New Year. Resolutions have been made. We're moving right along and before we know it, it will be 2017! Need some ideas to make the most of this year and your creativity? Check this out:

10 Minutes or Less

- Listen to music.

- Write by hand.

- Meditate.

- Get someone else's opinion.

- Free-association (open the dictionary to a random word and write down everything it makes you think of).

- Think about something far away.

- Daydream.

- Look at something blue or green.

- Free write anything and everything that's on your mind.

- Gesture with two hands.

- Sit outside the box.

- Lie down.

- Rethink labels.

- Laugh a little.

- Exercise the eyes.

30 Minutes or Less

- Use the hands.

- Spend time outside.

- Get social.

- Exercise.

- Try something new.

- Do some yoga.

- Play video games.

- Get some sleep.

Long Term

- Don't expect perfection.

- Visit a foreign country.

- List problems.

- Play at work.

- Create a treasure chest.

- Make a creativity room.

- Work when you are tires.

- Hang out with sarcastic people.

- Deal with rejection.

- Write ideas down.

- Spend time alone.

As a little kid in Primary, I always wondered why we sung this song. I mean, it's a cute song, but I'd always wondered what lesson it taught us. No, as a 6 year old, I wasn't thinking, "What deep doctrinal principle is this Primary song teaching me?" But I do remember wondering what streams and rain and singing 'give' a bunch of times was teaching us.

If we look at the words, there is the obvious lesson to give, or serve, others as the Savior did. As I read the lyrics as an adult, I notice something that is a little more subtle. The stream and the rain are seen as "little" or "small". They acknowledge their size, but that, despite this, they will do what they can to give and serve.

There are times in our lives, no matter the age, when we feel like we are unable to make a difference or have insufficient skills to accomplish anything. It's almost as if we are thinking that the Lord has asked us to conquer this epic task, when really He's just asking us to serve and make a difference wherever we go and in whatever we do.

My mom always uses the analogy of eating an elephant. If you look at a task ahead of you, it may seem impossible or too difficult to accomplish, like being asked to swallow an elephant whole. That's not possible. However, if we take things one thing at a time, the task becomes conquerable, especially with the Lord, and the elephant disappears.

I believe that this song is teaching children, all of His children, that it doesn't matter your age, size, or status in life, the Lord needs you to serve wherever He has you. He has a Plan for you and you can make a difference.

"Give," said the little stream,

"Give, oh! give, give, oh! give."

"Give," said the little stream,

As it hurried down the hill;

"I'm small, I know, but wherever I go

The fields grow greener still."

Singing, singing all the day,

"Give away, oh! give away."

Singing, singing all the day,

"Give, oh! give away."

"Give," said the little rain,

"Give, oh! give, give, oh! give."

"Give," said the little rain,

As it fell upon the flow'rs;

"I'll raise their drooping heads again,"

As it fell upon the flow'rs.

Give, then, as Jesus gives,

Give, oh! give, give, oh! give.

Give, then, as Jesus gives;

There is something all can give.

Do as the streams and blossoms do:

For God and others live.

"But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.

"And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst.

"Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you."

Alma 32:41-43

Growing up in the gospel I always wondered about all the garden and plant growth examples. I mean, I understood it. Planting a seed and watching it grow being used metaphorically as how to nurture faith or your testimony, etc. was a part of my gospel training from a young age. Can you say, "Faith is like a little seed..."?

As an adult, I have found this to be more and more relatable. This concept can be applied to anything you want to obtain.

Before I get into some examples, let's dissect this for a minute.

So you want to grow a plant. First step is to decide what you want to grow. Could be a fruit, vegetable, flower, or tree. An important step here is to figure out what would grow in your area. If you were to plant pineapple in Salt Lake City, Utah, you'll more than likely be disappointed.

Once you decide what to plant and obtain it, you have to choose the place to plant. Depending on what you are growing will require certain access to the sun. Some plants want minimal while others need full sun. Choosing the location is vital to the growth of a plant.

Next you need to prepare the ground appropriately in order for that specific plant in the type of soil you have can be the most successful. You have to till and treat the spoil appropriately in order for the plant to grow and get the nutrients it needs.

Planting is the next step. You dig a hole according to the needs of your chosen plant. You wouldn't dig a foot deep hole for pea seeds. They'd never reach the surface! Though a simple concept, how you plant your desired plant makes a difference.

After it is properly planted, you have to water, weed, and continue to make sure the ground is still providing the proper nutrients to the plant to help it grow.

Throughout the growing process, there can be many other steps - potting, replanting, pruning, etc. - depending on the needs of the plant.

If you've continually provided what was needed and the weather is appropriate, you will see success.

While I'm not a gardener and this is just a general step-by-step list of how to grow a plant, the concept is what's important.

Think about anything that you want to achieve in your life. It requires proper planning, preparation, "planting", execution, and care in order to see the fruits of your labors.

One example from my life included my struggling to become better at improv. Most people would think, "Well, it's improv. You make it up on the spot. How do you prepare for that?" And while that's true, there still is preparation to do.

First off, let me explain what improvisational comedy is. Often people get it confused with stand-up or skit-based comedy. Stand-up has a routine and set of memorized jokes the comedian uses. Sometimes they will adlib and add to their show here and there, but most of it is set ahead of time. Skit-based, like SNL or Studio C, is also scripted ahead of time. Improvisational comedy is completely made up on the spot. We have the games and rules set up, but other than that, we have no script. We get a suggestion and go with it.

While I don't prepare jokes before a show, I can prepare for a show in many ways.

Something huge some improv troupes do is holding workshops frequently as a group and practice skills. Improvisers work on their projection, musical games, step-outs, pun-based games, characterization, using the stage, listening to your team, "Yes-and"ing, gifting to your fellow improvisers, coming up with ideas rapidly, etc. Basically, we take the skills we use in a show and work them. Each workshop is like a show without an audience except other improvisers where we can give and receive feedback of what works and what could be improved.

I know a lot of improvisers prep for shows differently, having their own personal routines. I'll share what I do when I have a show.

I will watch and/or listen to comedians all day. If I'm at work, I'll go through listening to all my favorite comedians Pandora stations. If I'm at home, I'll watch "Whose Line Is It Anyway" video clips on YouTube.

As I'm getting ready, I'll always make sure I feel confident with how I look. I'll take the time to do my hair and makeup. I always wear flats. While this may seem random, if I feel confident with my appearance, I'm not worrying about how I look and can focus on my performance.

At some point before I leave, I will do some sort of puzzle. I was given the advice from a fellow improviser that the part of your brain that helps with your creative side is connected to the one that does math. I'll do Sudoku or a crossword (or several) to get my brain focused. This helps me think about the task at hand instead of the millions of other things my brain is thinking.

The last thing I'll do before leaving to the show is brush my teeth. Simple thing, but I hate having bad breath so I get them good and clean.

Driving up to the show, I'll listen to upbeat, pre-show dancing music. This is a playlist I created for when I'm in charge of music for a show. I add things periodically. It is full of music to get the audience (and/or improvisers) pumped up for the show.

When I get to the theatre, I do warm ups with the other improvisers in the show. We will play games to get our improv skills going. We'll play a variety of things that will help get our creativity flowing, pump us up, get energy moving, and connect us with each other before the show.

Right before I go on stage, I pray. Sometimes several times. I pray for the energy and focus to perform to the best of my abilities and that the show will be a good one for me, my fellow players, and the audience.

When I'm in a show, I'm living in the moment. I let jokes fly, flow with my team members, and enjoying the fun and energy of the show.

After a show, improvisers often sit down and do notes. We go through, one player at a time, and say what we thought of the show - positive or negative - and give feedback on how to improve. I personally will put in my phone who I performed with and the games I played. Within a day or two after the show, I'll sit down with a notebook I've dedicated to show notes and go through game by game giving positives and things to improve on for myself. I will review these before my next performance and sometimes before workshops to help me improve.

Doing what I need to for my improv helps to make me a better improviser just as doing what you need to do for your plant will help it be successful. This concept can apply to anything in your life - personal, work, or spiritual goals. Put in the work - the right work - and watch your efforts be fruitful!

I remember the first time I heard and sung this hymn I knew I wanted it sung at my funeral. It is a beautiful message of the importance of the individual people in our lives.

Every time I sing this hymn, I think of all the people who've made an impact in my life - family, friends, colleagues, teachers, etc. All those who've meant something to me, living or dead. It's the people in your life that makes life worth living.

Each life that touches ours for good

Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;

Thou sendest blessings from above

Thru words and deeds of those who love.

What greater gift dost thou bestow,

What greater goodness can we know

Than Christlike friends, whose gentle ways

Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.

When such a friend from us departs,

We hold forever in our hearts

A sweet and hallowed memory,

Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.

For worthy friends whose lives proclaim

Devotion to the Savior's name,

Who bless our days with peace and love,

We praise thy goodness, Lord, above.

Autocorrect is a killer to communication. I saw a screen shot of a conversation that went like this:

Girl: Thanks again for a great date. I had fun. :)

Guy: Me too. :) The night would have been perfect if it wasn't for your fartbreath.

Girl: That's really mean. You could have told me in person. :/ I'm a little offended.

Guy: NO I WROTE FLAT TIRE! I do not know what happened. You do not have fart breath!

As humorous as this is, this is a great example of the issues that come with technology and how it impacts our relationships.

(1) Human/Technology Error

Like this example, autocorrect fails or typos on our account can send messages we don't wish to send over text, instant messaging, social networking, or any other form of impersonal communication. Speaking in person or on the phone eliminates these errors. Of course, we still misspeak or say the wrong word(s), but the tone in our voice and immediacy in response can repair any misgivings.

(2) Inflections

Without hearing a voice, you cannot actually hear how the other person is communicating their message. This is especially true with sarcasm. It is difficult to read compared to actually hearing it. Sometimes with people you know well and have talked to (meaning in person or via phone) a lot, you can grow to understand what they say, how they say it, and generally what they mean by it. Once you understand that, it is possible to understand their meaning through text. This still, however, is subject to error.

(3) Safety Zones

Using texting and social networking is easier. It takes away the nerves of having to actually hold a conversation or asking seemingly awkward and/or embarrassing questions. You can get to know the little things like favorite color, favorite family vacation, etc. quicker than in person, but you don't get the full story told through facial expressions and other explanations that may be given if told over the phone or in person. Sometimes sending texts take too long and could be said better over the phone or in person rather than giving yourself carpal tunnel. Essentially, using technology depersonalizes your relationships.

BIGGEST DATING NO-NO:

DO NOT ASK SOMEONE OUT OVER TEXT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Yes, it is THAT important!)

I know it is awkward to call someone up and ask them out or to ask them out in person. I've done it. It takes nerve asking someone out no matter how you do it. It is a sign of respect for the person you are asking out to ask them in a more personal way (in person or over a phone call). Asking them out through text or instant messaging on social networks is very impersonal and sends the message that you are not as interested or even that you are lazy. It's easy to send a text, but it is impressive to ask face to face.

Often I have had the experience where I am talking to someone via text or on a social network that seems to be leading to him asking me out. Almost every time, the guy has said, "Can I call you?" and then formally asked me over the phone. Can you say, "brownie points"?

Communication is key. The simpler the communication is given, the simpler it is received. Avoiding these technology traps will help you to avoid miscommunication.

I have found that one important rule in dating and relationships is to be yourself.

Oscar Wilde said, "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." All you can be is yourself. We need to accept that in ourselves as well as accepting.

Bernard M. Baruch said, "Those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." Not every person is going to accept you for you. At least, that's my experience. In all of reality, that's their loss. Not every personality clicks. When it comes to dating and relationships, find those that click.

And when it comes down to it, if you can't be you someone you're interested in, that's your cue to move on.

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

It's the beginning of the year! Goals are being set and we're all striving to have the best year yet.

Here are some ideas to keep you motivated when you hit the bumps in the road or just the grind of daily life:

~ Get up 15 minutes early

~ Prepare for the morning the night before

~ Keep a planner

~ Be tidy

~ Prioritize projects

~ Make a "to do list" every morning

~ Break large tasks down to small tasks

~ Arrive 5 minutes early

~ Say goodbye to "friends" who take advantage of you

~ Avoid negative people

~ Make at least one new friend each month

~ Smile!

~ Stop saying negative things to yourself or others

~ Exercise daily

~ Eat healthy

~ B-R-E-A-T-H-E

~ Write a poem, story, script, novel, etc.

~ Collect jokes, puns, cartoons, and funny stories

~ Watch a funny video

~ Look up at the stars

~ Walk barefoot in the grass

~ Sit under a tree

~ Go for a hike

~ Splash in the rain

~ Go sightseeing

~ Ask for a hug

~ Write a note to a friend, just because

~ Express your gratitude to someone

~ Take someone to a movie, etc.

~ Play with kids

~ Take time to play every day

~ Dance wildly

~ Laugh

~ Sing in the shower

~ Think about yourself first

~ Live in the moment

~ Have self-goals

~ Look for tender mercies

~ Quit trying to be perfect

~ Note your achievements and strengths

~ Do it today!

~ Keep a journal

~ Look at problems as challenges

~ Don't give up

~ Don't worry or hold guilt

~ Think about consequences

"Saturday is a special day..." is not just a line from a Primary song. Today is really the day to prepare for Sunday. Heavenly Father blessed the Sabbath Day, I believe, for two reasons. The first was to worship the Lord and renew our covenants with Him. The second was for us to become rejuvenated - physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. It is a day for us to take a break from the world and everyday life to focus on what matters most - the Lord, the Gospel, and our loved ones.

I made a commitment to the Lord a long time ago that I would never work on Sundays. This meant my actual job or school work. I have been able to keep that commitment until this day and have been blessed for it. However, this is not possible for everyone. This was something I personally committed to the Lord as a child. I am grateful for the doctors, police officers, firefighters, and people in the military, etc. who need to work on Sunday to protect or provide services for those in need.

Really it's not about whether or not you work or not work on Sundays. It all about what you do to focus on the Lord and take that time to recharge to be better prepared for the upcoming week. It isn't about what you "can't do" on Sundays, but what you do that really matters.

Here are some ideas that you can do to recharge on Sunday's this year:

(1) Act out scripture stories together as a family. Use simple props and costumes. Perform them for parents, grandparents, or even to people in assisted care or family friends.

(2) Look at family photo albums or watch home movies.

(3) Work on memorizing a scripture, Article of Faith, quote, or other motivational words.

(4) Take an "alphabet walk" as a family. Find things outside that start with each letter of the alphabet.

(5) Write a letter to a missionary or family member.

(6) Work on your FHE assignment.

(7) Call a grandparent or other family member to ask questions about their childhood. Be sure to document their answers.

(8) Plan and perform a family talent show.

(9) Learn how to conduct music.

(10) Write in your journal.

(11) Make up a story with your siblings or parents. One person starts the story, and each person adds to it. Keep going until the story is complete.

(12) Make a calendar for the upcoming week.

(13) Read!

(14) Prepare any future talks or lessons.

(15) Visit those you know in the hospital or might need some visitors.

(16) Visit temple grounds.

(17) Watch videos or shows (live or recorded) that are uplifting. LDS.org and BYUTV have tons of amazing things!

(18) Pair children up in separate rooms together with games or books. This can teach them to build those relationships. Rotate partners each Sunday.

(19) Work on filling in family scrapbooks or journals.

(20) Tell your children stories of when you were their age.

(21) Plan and rehearse a family musical recital. Perform at an assisted care or hospital.

(22) Make shadow portraits or silhouettes of family members or of Church leaders.

(23) Record a special program for a missionary or loved one away. Include talks, stories, and songs.

(24) Set goals.

(25) Work on Church programs such as "Faith in God", "Duty to God", or "Personal Progress".

(26) Compose an original song.

(27) Invent and design a family crest, emblem, or logo.

(28) Practice a skill such as knitting, embroidery, etc.

(29) Invite return missionaries into your home to learn more about other parts of the world.

(30) Customize copies of the Book of Mormon for the missionaries to give out by marking your favorite scriptures and adding your testimony. Or, instead of giving them to the missionaries, take them with you to give to someone as the Spirit prompts you.

(31) Produce a puppet show of a historical Church event.

(32) Make a set of paper dolls representing the members of your family. You can also use these in flannel board stories at FHE to personalize lessons.

(33) Write a book. Illustrate it then make an audio recording of it.

(34) Make a recording or letter. Have your children set goals for the year and share their testimonies. Save these for a year and listen and/or read them.

(35) Make family progress charts, achievement cards and award certificates.

(36) Use salt dough or craft supplies to build a scripture scene or Church artifact.

(37) Study Preach My Gospel.

(38) Make puzzles from pictures in old Church publications.

(39) File favorite articles in Church publications for future reference.

(40) Expand your collection of visual aids by removing pictures from old Church magazines and mounting them.

(41) Make personalized cards for every occasion.

(42) Make a scroll story using butcher paper and two sticks.

(43) Plan a family service project.

(44) Have each member of the family take turns reporting on a General Authority or other Church leader. Tell stories and show pictures.

(45) Have personal family interviews.

(46) Write a family song or cheer.

(47) Write a family newsletter to send to friends and relatives.

(48) Play games as a family.

(49) Make goals for the week.

(50) Study a topic from the gospel that you'd like to gain or build a testimony of.

As you focus on what matters most on Sunday, and every day, you will be blessed with the strength to overcome any challenges that will come your way.

Hello and welcome!

I first wanted to introduce myself and talk a little about what brought me to write this blog, as well as my objective.

My name is Lauren Elizabeth. I am the oldest of four children and am the only girl. I graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor's of Integrated Studies in English, Communication, and Theatre. I've worked in all sorts of places from fast food to call centers, education to finance. I love studying history and I love writing. Most importantly, I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Coming to the decision to write this blog was actually several years in the making. I've always loved writing and I've always loved talking about the Gospel. In the last 10 years or so, I'd always felt that I needed to merge the two, but wasn't sure how to go about it. During that time, I felt the need to focus on school and getting through that phase of life. When I graduated from college, I felt that I needed to start coming up with a plan for my writing. Every time I started working on a book, I would get sidetracked or lose interest. Nothing was really connecting with me. I struggled with what topic to start with as well as the style of my writing.

It was during the October 2015 General Conference when it hit me. (Interestingly enough during a talk about young single adults and dating.) A blog was the right way to go! I'd kept blogs before and that style has worked well for me. I also felt that it was a good way to reach more people quickly through this blog as well as the social media sites connected to it.

Once I'd decided on the style, I needed to discover the topic. I remembered what I had done when one of my brothers was serving his mission. I had decided as a gift to my brothers as they served missions that I would write them a physical letter each week. While writing the letter, I would use my personal studies during the week to help uplift him, give him insight, or bear my testimony. Though this was intended to benefit him, I feel like it was more of a benefit to me. Reflecting on this experience let me know what I should write about.

So this will be a daily blog full of uplifting and inspirational topics. While I am LDS and some of the scriptures, quotes, or topics I'll discuss come from that background, my hope is that anyone of faith or a belief in Christ can relate.

As a disclaimer, I do not speak for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is not an official blog for The Church. This is a personal opinion blog based on its teachings. For The Church's official stance, please see www.lds.org or www.mormon.org.

I hope that this will be an outlet to spread more light and happiness into a world that is becoming darker. I hope that something said here motivates you to do just a little more good in the world. My prayer is that this will help people become closer to Heavenly Father and closer to who they can become, even if it's just me.