Learning From the Children

Today was my Ward's primary program. This is one of my favorite meetings that we have in our church. The children have such strong, sweet, and simple testimonies and I love them all. The song that stuck out to me the most was: Gethsemane. This song tells about our Savior's sacrifice for us in the Garden of Gethsemane. When the children sing it you can't help but notice how strong the spirit is. It's like a wave has overcome the audience. I get the chills every time they sing this song. Today that is what my message is. From the Primary Children to you: Gethsemane. * I want you all to know that I know that our Savior Jesus Christ did in fact come to earth and that he did live. He knows each and every one of you and what trials you are facing and your sorrows and hardships. He loves you more than you can imagine and he took upon himself your every sin so that you could return to live with him and our Father in Heaven someday. Without our Savior we wouldn't be able to do this. I plead with you to partake of the atonement. It is for every one, no matter how big or small the sin may be. Jesus and Heavenly Father still love you. Even though we are imperfect, he loves us perfectly, even if we don't think we deserve his love, he loves us. Nothing you can or ever will do will make him stop loving you. Their love is always there, simply and profoundly ALWAYS there. I know this is true. I know the gospel is true. I know that they live, love us, and know us individually and all we have to do is pray. I love you all.
In the Name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

*Here is a link to the song Gethsemane. I encourage you to read the words as you listen to the song. This song will change your life if you allow it too. (This version is not sang by the primary children, but it's the same song.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0REI3ZzhNgs

It is Possible!

Elder Uchtdorf and his Talk (Link below)

The Book of Mormon

You know how everyone always talks about how you shouldn't talk badly about others? About how you should always have a positive attitude? Have you ever heard those talks where you sit back and you say to yourself: "How on earth is that possible? It just isn't real life for someone like me."? Well lately I have been thinking a lot about how people tell us all the time that we shouldn't gossip, we shouldn't judge others, we shouldn't complain, etc. and seriously all I could think about was: "Okay, maybe for adults that's possible but I'm in high school: how do you not gossip, judge and complain? It's just not possible." Well I'm here to tell you I had a awake up call and yes: it is very possible, even for people like me in high school. Yesterday I had a very eye opening experience. I was with my friend, who is on crutches and just had a very painful surgery this past week. Although we went all over our city park (which is not small by any means) and we went to a dance that night, I never once heard a complaint slip his mouth. Everything he said was so positive, whether it was about himself/surgery, or about crutches, others, etc. Everything he said was positive. This friend of mine never ceases to amaze me and has had his own set of very difficult trials that most of us are never ever asked to face: but he is never negative. I know if I were in his position I would not be as positive as him. He is my real life example of obeying the apostles words: even when it is not easy by any means. (Elder Uchtdorf General Conference talk April 2012)* I know that if we follow and obey the words of our living prophet and his apostles, we will be blessed more than we think possible, for the words of the apostles and prophets are the words of God. (Doctrine and Covenants chapter 1 verse 38)** I know that my friend has been blessed, and he has most defiantly blessed the lives of those around him. By him following and obeying the Prophet and apostles he makes others want to be better too. To everyone everywhere reading this I am here to tell you it IS possible. You can do hard things, and while it is not going to be easy at first, if you honestly and sincerely try, do your best, and you ask our Father in Heaven for help; you will receive the help you need and you will be blessed and bless the lives of those around you. Your weaknesses will be made strong (Ether Chapter 12 verse 27)*** and you will be an instrument in the Lord's hands to bring to pass his work. I beg you to not get discouraged and to not give up. There is hope, believe in miracles and stay strong. I love you all and so does our Father in Heaven and his son Jesus Christ. This is my testimony that I leave with you,
In the Name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

*Elder Uchtdorf gave this message a little while ago and at the time I could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. I couldn't see a way to do what he asked; at first I tried, but then I gradually gave up. Again I am going to try, and this time I am going to pray and ask for help and I know that I will be able to do the things that the Lord needs me too. I encourage you to listen and join with me in applying his 2 word sermon to "STOP IT." Click here to watch: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/the-merciful-obtain-mercy?lang=eng

**Doctrine and Covenants in a Book the Latter Day Saints use. This is modern revelation for us today and this book is very true and brings so much light and truth to us all. This verse reads: " What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my^aword shall not pass away, but shall all be ^bfulfilled, whether by mine own ^cvoice or by the ^dvoice of my ^eservants, it is the ^fsame. "

***Ether is a book in the Book of Mormon, the Book that the Latter Day Saints use as their primary book, and it is the foundation for our church.  This book is true and also contains so much light and knowledge. This verse reads: "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their^aweakness. I ^bgive unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my ^cgrace is sufficient for all men that ^dhumble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make ^eweak things become strong unto them."

Parents Know Best

I want to share an experience that I had this week in California. The last day we spent in California we were at the beach. This particular beach was one with tide pools and many rocks to climb on. There were a few other families at this particular spot other than my own family. One family stood out to me and I quietly watched them as the young children ran through the waves and collected things from the tide pools. One little boy seemed more adventurous than the others. He was posing for pictures with his sister while their dad took them. While their dad was focusing on the daughter, the little boy wandered off up, up, up, higher onto the rocks. Somehow he managed to climb all the way to the top on the edge. When his dad turned and saw him, he called out his name telling him not to move and that he would guide him back down. The young boy turned and saw how far he had come and proudly exclaimed: "Daddy! Look how high I can climb! I did it all by myself!" His dad's reply was what stood out to me: "Son, I need you to listen to my voice, focus and I will guide you down. I know you don't always want my help, but I can see what you cannot. Listen to me and I will help you down the path." The boy was quick to reply: "Okay daddy, I will follow you, where do I need to go?" The young boy and father continued to communicate throughout the journey down the slippery, steep rocks. When the young boy finally reached his father he grabbed him tight in a hug announcing: "Daddy! I made it! I couldn't have done it without you! I love you daddy!" The father softly replied: "Thank you for listening, I love you too son." As I watched and listened to this everyday activity tears were brought to my eyes. I couldn't help but think: how many times does our Father in Heaven see us in dangerous situations and call for us to listen to his voice so that he may lead us safely, because he can see what we cannot? Do we turn like the young boy and quickly reply yes, lead me to safety? Do we carefully listen and come home quickly as the young boy? And lastly, we will be able to run to our Father when we see him again and give much thanks and say: "I love you daddy! I couldn't have done it without you!"? Will he say: "Thanks for listening, I love you too." ? This is my hope that we can all have that miraculous experience with our Father in Heaven, having no regret that we didn't listen and heed his words. I encourage you all to remember the little boy, who is us, and his father, who is our Father in Heaven, their experience and the one I hope we can all have someday. That is my one goal above all other: that when I see my Heavenly Father and my elder brother Jesus Christ, that they will both embrace me and say; "Well done Samantha, you did it. We love you." And that I will be able to say "Thank you for giving me a voice of comfort, peace, and hope to lead me home to you. I couldn't have done it alone. I love you too." This is my testimony that I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ both live and love us. Our Heavenly Father and Mother know best, just like our earthly parents, and even when it's hard for us to listen: if we are quick to listen and obey in the end we will be saved much heart-ache and tribulation that we would have been able to avoid if we listened in the first place. I know it's hard to listen and sometimes we think we can do it alone, but we can't. We can't do anything to our fullest without our Father in Heaven's help. Listen to the voice of the spirit, it will lead and guide you through those 'steep and slippery rocks' of life. I love you all.

In the Name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

General Conference Thoughts

 Conference has blessed my life so much already. Oh my goodness I love the gospel with all my heart. There is so much that I have learned so far and I know I will still learn because as I review the talks online and in the church magazines, I will learn more every single time. Some of the highlights for me right now:
There are currently 80,233 full time missionaries serving in the church right now.
The LDS church just reached 15 million members.

Robert D. Hales

 "What is said is not as important as what I hear." -Robert D. Hales-12 apostles (This quote tells us that what we are taught by the mouth of others is not as important as what we are taught by listening to the spirit.)
 "We gather to hear the words of the Lord, then we return to our homes to live them." -Robert D. Hales-12 Apostles (This quote tells us that what we learn is just words until we put them into action.)

Edward Dube

"It is not what we have done, or where we have been; Rather where we are going." -Edward Dube-70's (This quote tells us how we can be and will be forgiven. After we are forgiven, don't dwell in the past, look toward your bright future and live the gospel.)

David A. Bednar

"When we seek the Savior more, we see more clearly the blessing we have; hear more readily the words we are taught; and our heart is more understanding to the words of the Lord." -David A. Bednar- 12 Apostles (This quote teaches us that if are more readily prepared to learn form the Lord and his teachers, we will more readily learn what he needs us to learn.)

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Doubt your doubt before you doubt your faith." -Dieter F. Uchtdorf- 2nd Counselor in Presidency (This quote teaches us that we need not doubt our faith, and we need to come unto the Lord. Don't doubt things you know to be true before you doubt things you are unsure of.)
"Some wonder if they can live up to the Church's Standards: All the more reason to Come Join With us!" -Dieter F. Uchtdorf- 12 Apostles (This quote is calling to all those who are unsure about the church, that if you are unsure: it's all the more reason to Come, Join With us!)

Boyd K. Packer

"Be not afraid, only believe. Righteousness is stronger than wickedness." -Boyd K. Packer- 12 Apostles (This quote is telling us that we don't need to be scared. God is always there. Choose to be righteous. The righteous will always come out on top; God will never abandon you, Satan will.)

S. Gifford Nielsen

"Exclamation points tell you you are reading a very heartfelt, missionary scripture. Pay attention to them."      -S. Gifford Nielsen-70's (This quote is telling us that we need to pay special attention to the ! in scriptures. They are some of the most important.)

Arnulfo Valenzuela 

Arnulfo Valenzuela of the 70, reminded us of the "Small and Simple things" scripture. (Alma 37:6-7) He reminded us that we need to pay attention to even the small little things and be thankful for what we have been given.

Jeffery R. Holland

"Hope is never lost." "If the bitter cup does not pass, drink it up knowing there are happier days to come."    -Jeffery R. Holland-12 Apostles (Here we are reminded that even when life is hard, God is always there, but sometimes we need to take the trial and let it change us so that we can become better instead of just having God take it away. He knows we need to learn and grow and through this, we can.)

Henry B. Eyring

"The only way to happiness  is through the Holy Ghost." -Henry B. Eyring-12 Apostles (I believe that we are being taught that without the Holy Ghost to lead us in our lives we can never receive the full joy of the gospel of Christ.)

Bonnie L. Oscarson

"Living the gospel principles is the only way to become truly converted to them." -Bonnie L. Oscarson- Young Woman President (Here we are taught that the only way to really become like the Savior is by living the gospel principles in all that we do everyday.)

Richard J. Maynes

"Just as we need to be in shape physically to endure things such as a race; we must be spiritually in shape so that our testimony can endure the hard things in life. We do this through Dedication, Perseverance, and Self-Discipline." -Richard J. Maynes- 70's (This is telling us that if we want to really endure the challenges of life and be exalted on high, we must be prepared. We do this by first studying and learning the teachings of the gospel then going out and doing our best to live them.)

Richard G. Scott

"Don't let Satan use previous sin's guilt to pull you down again." "Repentance is not a punishment, it is a hope filled path to a brighter and better future." -Richard G. Scott- 12 Apostles (Here we are being taught that we must resist sin, and not let Satan make us feel guilty again for repented sin. Also, don't feel like you're in trouble when you repent; when you repent you are telling your Father in Heaven that you love him and you are sorry and this way he can help and lead you to a brighter future.)

Quentin L. Cook

Quentin L. Cook, one of the 12 apostles, reminded us of the importance of using our time wisely and not spending too much time using social networking accounts and too little time with our Savior. 

David M. McConkie

"Go where the promptings take you." -David M. McConkie-Sunday School Presidency (This quote is teaching us that we need to listen to the Holy Ghost and do and say the things that the Savior needs us to do.) 

Kevin S. Hamilton

Kevin S. Hamilton of the 70, reminded us that we need to hold fast to the Word of God (Iron Rod) and not pick and choose when we want to listen to our Father in Heaven. We need to continually hold fast to the rod.

Adrian Ochoa

"Don't neglect to look up." -Adrian Ochoa-70's- (This quote is reminding us that we need to remember to look up to God in all that we do and not forget that he is there. He is there watching over us and guiding us back to him. 

Terence M. Vinson

"You haven't used all of your strength until you have asked your Father in Heaven for help." -Terence M. Vinson- 70's (We need to remember that God is there to help aide us and help us to be the best that we can be. We haven't tried our hardest until we have asked him for help.)

Russel M. Nelson

"Just as Jeremiah of old was chosen before he was born, you were too." -Russel M. Nelson- 12 Apostles (Here we are told that we all have a divine mission on earth too. We were all chosen before we were born to come to this earth at this time for our our divine purpose.)

Thomas S. Monson

Thomas S. Monson (The Prophet) told us that he felt this was one of the most inspirational and spiritually feeding General Conferences he had participated in in his 50 years of being an Apostle. He also told us a quote that says: "Good timber does not grow with ease: The stronger wind, the stronger trees; The further sky, the greater length; The more the storm, the more the strength. By sun and cold, by rain and snow, In trees and men good timbers grow." This quote teaches us that while we are faced with trials and challenges, God knows they are for our good and they will make us stronger and bring us closer to him. 

I know the words which were spoken over the past few days are very true and they are our living scriptures and doctrine to help us in today's world to get back to our Savior. I love the Prophet and Apostles and all of the other General Authorities and everything that they teach us. I know we are so blessed and fortunate to be able to hear from them every 6 months and learn and gather together to teach others. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ and hope that you can also come to a love of this amazing Gospel too.  I bear my testimony with them that this is the true church, God and his Son Jesus Christ do live and love us all. 
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love, 
Samantha