President Nelson's Book of Mormon Challenge

Journal Entry From Wednesday 
December 26 6:57A.M.

I finished President Nelson’s challenge this morning to read the entire Book of Mormon. When I first started this challenge I was worried. I have read the Book of Mormon many times, but never in such a short amount of time. I felt like the odds were against me. Things have been busier and crazier then ever before.  I put trust in President Nelson’s promise that if we tried to finish than the Lord would make it possible and He did. 

From the first day of the challenge, my knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ grew. I now feel as if I know Christ better. The message I kept getting as I read was that the Lord is merciful. He gives us every opportunity to come unto Him. In a world of crime, sadness, and corruption, it is a great comfort to know that I have a Savior. I am His, He loves me and He will get me safely home. 

Looking back on my experience of the challenge, I now feel like I know more about the Savior. The Book of Mormon mentions Jesus Christ so often. In the Book of Mormon there are many accounts that teach how much the Savior wants all God's children to obey.

As I was studying this theme over the past of months I began pasting my favorite pictures of Jesus Christ in the index of my topical Book of Mormon. Art always has spoken to my heart, and it was amazing to look at the different pictures of Christ and think, “oh this one goes perfectly with this particular story I read”. 

I have grown my faith in the Savior. I often think of the blessing of having a record that shows that He did live! It would take so much faith for Nephi or Eve to count on having a Savior, but to know He accomplished His mission makes my heart peaceful. To know that the Savior died so that I could live inspires me to become better in this New Year and to keep “following Him”. 

I also included President Nelsons talk from conference so that I can remember the incredible promises He made the women of the church. 

My main take away from this challenge was the same as Moroni’s when he said “That ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.”

Gratitude

I know we can all have peace no matter our circumstance if we choose to be grateful and fill our hearts with gratitude

How do we fill our hearts with gratitude?

Humility is the foundation.

·     In Kevin Hall’s book Aspire he said “Humility is one of the most misunderstood and misapplied words in all of language. Humility is not being passive and submissive it is about being teachable.” 

·     The root word “humus” is soil specifically rich dark organic soil when a seed is planted in fertile soil it transforms into something far greater, Humility produces growth. 

·     We see this principle taught in the Book of Mormon in Alma 62:41 

·     41 But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened,….; and many were softened because of their ^aafflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility.

o  These people had the same experience of a long hard war, and yet there were two opposite outcomes some were hardened some became humble

o  Like them, we too experience hard trials and we have a choice how to respond. 

o  If we choose to be humble we are softing our hearts so the Lord can bless us. 

o  A humble heart is a grateful heart. 

o  When Lehi’s family was suffering in the wilderness we see clearly the power of gratitude.  Lamen said it would have been better if they had died then to have suffered so many afflictions and Nephi speaking of the same experience expressed gratitude saying that the Lord had greatly blessed them and that their women were strong and able to produce milk for their children and that they were able to journey without murmuring. Because they were humble and teachable they were able to see their  experience differently which filled their hearts with gratitude. 

·     What we look for is what we find

I try to write in my journal daily; about a month ago I changed how I start my journal entries. I began to write a list of what I am grateful for that day. In the beginning it was a real challenge trying to find what to be grateful for… over time my lists become longer and much easier to write. I believe that studying gratitude and making the effort of to find the good changed my outlook. 

Now it’s become more natural to see how the Lord is blessing me even in right in the midst of disappointments or hard days. We are all different so we will all use different strategies for finding and focusing on gratitude, but the miracle is the same.  We find peace and deliverance. 

The scriptures share many stories of deliverance for the followers of Christ both as groups and as individuals. 

One example is the story of the stripling warriors. They went into battle young and inexperienced it was not an easy road, but they had gratitude in their hearts for what mothers had taught them, and they were delivered. Every one of them made it back, but its important to know that it wasn’t with out injury. 

 Deliverance doesn’t mean that our problems will be taken away from us or that we wont be wounded in our battles. But like the stripling warriors the Lord will see us through them. With gratitude in our hearts we are able to feel the enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, even the worst of circumstances. 

Another example of deliverance is the story of the 10 lepers. Hank Smith makes this point, “ The 10 lepers is about expressing gratitude, and not just being grateful. All ten felt grateful. Jesus had healed them from a life of misery they were healed. Only one took the time to come back and express gratitude. He was made whole. Don’t just feel grateful. Say something.” 

The first step is recognizing the Lords hand but the true power comes from expressing it, either to our Father in Heaven or to his children. 

 Being grateful shouldn’t be exclusive to holidays or November but should be apart of our daily lives.

President Hinckley urged us  “Walk with gratitude in your hearts, my dear friends. Be thankful for the wonderful blessings, which are yours. Be grateful for the tremendous opportunities that you have. Express appreciation to everyone who does you a favor or assists you in any way. 

We can’t afford to wait for life to be perfect to be grateful. We can find things to be grateful for all along the way, even in our trials.

Caleb and I have had a really hard time building our family. We have waited a long time but choose to have gratitude for what we do have. We are able to travel and build strong relationships with our nieces and nephews and other family members. 

I have a testimony that when we fill our hearts with gratitude there isn’t room for worry or unhappiness. We are delivered from these and other tools of Satan. Instead we find peace in the prince of Peace. I know He lives and wants us to be happy. 

My Scripture Study Must Haves

Youtube video of the following:
https://youtu.be/oHAIgOkFwy8

Recently I went on a vacation to Jackson Hole for the Hill Climbs. 

As I was packing to leave I thought what can I not live with out for my scripture study while I am gone (I am a little dramatic :D). And I thought I would share my favorites with you

Here is a video that shows each object

White out

I know such a weird thing. But it is what really takes care of mistakes in the scriptures. I found this on my mission and the white has held up all this time. It makes me less stressed to write in my scriptures, knowing I can fix it. 

https://www.amazon.com/BIC-Wite-Out-Correct-Correction-Supporting/dp/B002JG0GUC/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1524098321&sr=8-7&keywords=white+out+tape

Sticky Notes

You guys!!!!! These are a must have, and you can never have to many if you ask me!!!! I love all sizes and colors. This makes it so much easier to insert notes into your scriptures. 

https://www.amazon.com/Post-Sticky-3-Inches-Orange-654-5SSNO/dp/B008PAIEPK/ref=sr_1_3?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1524098387&sr=1-3&keywords=sticky+notes

Big Atlantis Pens

This is my favorite pen. It’s easy to hold and it’s super fine. I love it because it doesn’t have those little ink clots. 

https://www.amazon.com/BIC-Atlantis-Exact-VCGN11-BLK-Retractable/dp/B00OA6WKQC/ref=sr_1_4?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1524098471&sr=1-4&keywords=bic+atlantis+pens+black

Glue Stick

This is for glue in’s from favorite talks or typed quotes. I love the purple because you can see the glue on the white paper.

https://www.amazon.com/Elmers-Disappearing-Purple-School-Sticks/dp/B008O0DO2E/ref=sr_1_5?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1524098549&sr=1-5&keywords=glue+stick+purple

Twistables

I have searched high and low for the perfect colored pencils. I have used the pen with multiple colors in one. I have used regular colored pencils and I could never erase them, it almost would stain the page. The crayola’s are amazing because you can color code and they come with erasers like a pencil so you can make them perfect. You don’t have to sharpen them and they last for a long long time. Plus they are cheap on amazon its $30 for like $7!!!

https://www.amazon.com/Crayola-Twistables-Colored-Assorted-Coloring/dp/B000REI1FU/ref=sr_1_6?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1523585888&sr=1-6&keywords=crayola+colored+pencils

Scripture Marker

It’s a clear bookmark looking tool that has outlines for lines and boxing verses. This thing is amazing. It makes your markings clear and clean and its easier to mark.

https://ldsbookstore.com/scripture-maker-bookmark-for-large-scriptures

Scissors

I got these scissors from target a while back and have loved them. As soon as I saw them on the aisle I told them, get in my cart…I just love the colors on them. I love being able to trim posted notes or other inserts

https://www.target.com/p/scotch-153-multi-purpose-scissors-8-printed-blades/-/A-14796078

Cases

I use two types of cases or carriers. I love sunglass holders for pens and keeping things organized and easily accessible. I have another pouch that I love it has an elastic on it, so I can put it over my book of Mormon and it keeps my pages nice. 

https://shop.meandmybigideas.com/collections/the-happy-planner-accessories/products/pocket-folders-well-planned-life 

Preparing For General Conference

The Church Starts preparations for General Conference in Advance… Shouldn’t we too??? General Conference is one of my favorite times of the year!!! I love hearing from the leaders of the church. When the conference is over I always feel recharged and excited to make changes and improvements. It is a time of reflection and learning. 

I wanted to share some ways to prepare for this special weekend so that we are able to capitalize on this event that only happens twice a year.

1= Block out the Days for both 

Saturday and Sunday Sessions

The first key is to block out the time of General Conference. This looks different depending what season of life you are in. When I was young my Mother knew it would be hard to contain four troublemakers for the both sessions on Saturday. So my parents planned to take us on a picnic that just happened to be a few hours away. We would be restrained and listening while we drove and then during the break we would have lunch and play and then drive home also listening to conference. When we were older we would play bingo and get treats for answering questions. Now that it’s just Caleb and I we try to make sure we don’t make any plans and we watch and take notes from the session. I am a firm believer that when we take time for General Conference we are greatly blessed for our efforts. When we make little efforts it not only teaches patterns but it is also those small steps that make the biggest difference. 

2= Prepare Questions

Elder Neil L. Anderson said, “As you listen, the messages you receive may be very literal or they may be customized just for you.

I promise you that as you prepare your spirit and come with the anticipation that you will hear the voice of the Lord, thoughts and feelings will come into your mind that are customized especially for you. You have already felt them in this conference, or you will as you study the messages in the weeks ahead.”

  

Coming with questions to general conference, gives me something to look for while listening to the meetings. I have received many answers during the meeting and find even more when I study the talks after. 

3= Have a list for improvements and changes 

that need to be made

 “President Boyd K. Packer … has a question he often asks when we have made a presentation or given some sort of exhortation to one another in the Twelve. He looks up as if to say, ‘Are you through?’ And then says to the speaker … ,“‘Therefore, what?’ I think that is what the Savior answered day in and day out as an inseparable element of His teaching and preaching. … These sermons and exhortations were to no avail if the actual lives of His disciples did not change” ---Jeffery Holland

We can't just walk away after conference and go back to the same ol things. We need to make those changes to become better. I make a list of improvements or things that I can change to be better, so that I don't forget.

Here are a few videos that go perfectly with this topic 

Video on Preparations made for conference https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-03-38-conference-behind-the-scenes?lang=eng

Our preparation affects what we gain from general conference. https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-of-the-living-prophets-teacher-manual-2016/chapter-6?lang=eng&query=preparing+for+general+conference

jOuRnAliNg

 I love journaling!!!!! It's right up there with Diet Coke and Caleb. I have always loved writing and recording things I am learning in life and in my gospel study. I am a creative speller but I don't let that stand in my way. 

During middle and high school I have sporadic entries from a lot of different journals that were just too cute to pass up. (I am sure you know what I am talking about... You find a journal that is so darling, soooo amazing you cannot live with out it. So you write three or four times and then a few months later there it is the newest most darling journal. So it goes the serial journals). 

I started writing consistently when I decided to go on a mission in 2008 (yikes the years are sneaking up). Since then I have filled 24 journals. I started #25 a few days ago and I finally feel like I have "the perfect set up". I wanted to share how I set up my journals. You will find that you will take tips and tricks from all over and come up with the perfect set up for yourself. 

This is one of my favorite video's that helped me know how and why to journal... It is a must see!!!!!!! Take the time and watch it!!!

https://youtu.be/51AhzkPnn6I

Each new journal includes:

Here is a video that summarizes this blog that I made:
https://youtu.be/hTUZaJn7QGc

  A cute journal=- Lets face it if you don't like the thing you won't want to reach for it. I usually like things matchy matchy but I do love to have different journals. I get them from Deseret Book, Barns & Noble, or Amazon are my favorite places to find them. You want to make sure that it has quality paper so that your writing is legible down the road. 

          Index=-This is in the first couple of pages so that I can find important or meaningful entries quick and easily. For this reason numbering the pages are key. 

This is an index filled out in one of my journals

This is a blank index so you have an idea of how to set it up

           Highlights-= Is how I tract important dates that happen during each journal. This is great to remember important dates and events at a glance. 

  Patriarchal Blessing=- I put a copy of my blessing in each journal so that I always have it with me so that when phrases or words come up I can add notes or insights. I usually write it so that I can work on memorizing it. This time I color-coded it according to warnings, blessings, and promises.

  Book List=- A list of the books I read during the journal span.

          Start and End Dates- in the front cover I add the start date that I start writing and then The last date. That way I can track event with in those dates.

My Favorite quotes about journaling

"The prompting that goes unresponded to may not be repeated. Writing down what we have been prompted with is vital. A special thought can be lost later in the day through the rough and tumble of life. God should not, and may not choose to repeat the prompting if we assign what is given such a low priority as to put it aside."

Elder Neal A Maxwell

"I've found, as I'm sure you have, that when you're trying to learn from the Lord and you feel an impression from the Spirit, it's important to make a note so it will not be forgotten. The more you not only hear but abide by what you've been told, the more the Lord will give to you. It will come more and more rapidly and you will begin to hear and feel those impressions of the Spirit more quickly than you have previously done."

Elder Gene R. Cook

"Get a notebook, my young folks, a journal that will last through all time, and maybe the angels may quote from it for eternity."

President Spencer W. Kimball

"We often leave the most precious personal direction of the Spirit unheard because we do not record and respond to the first promptings that come to us when the Lord chooses to direct us."

Elder Richard G. Scott

"Knowledge carefully recorded is knowledge available in time of need. Spiritually sensitive information should be kept in a sacred place that communicates to the Lord how you treasure it. This practice enhances the likelihood of receiving further light."

Elder Richard G. Scott

https://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/o-remember-remember-1

Love this video!!!! This video totally changed my life and how I feel about making sure we are paying attention to how the Lord is present in our lives if we are paying attention.