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 

Prepare Now :)

Come Listen to a Prophet's voice. (Conference Center-SLC Ut)

Good Afternoon everyone! I hope everyone is doing well! Today my message is going to be on how to prepare for General Conference. General Conference is a Semi-Annual event for the Latter Day Saints. This event takes place over the course of a weekend, one in April and one in October. This is a time for our living Prophet and Apostles to speak to us about revelation they have received from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. There are 4 general sessions and 1 Priesthood session. As Latter Day Saints we are encouraged to watch all 4, and the men are encouraged to watch the 5th (Priesthood) Session. General Conference is one of my very favorite things! I really look forward to hearing from our Prophets and Apostles. To be able to get as much out of Conference as I can, I do my best to prepare to hear the words that will be spoken to us. Today I learned of something to help us come more prepared for conference. ATTEND! Not only does attend literally mean to attend conference (whether you watch it on TV, go to the conference center, or listen on the radio, etc.) but attend is also an acronym. (An acronym is a word where each letter stands for something.) A: Attitude, T:Think of Questions T: Take the time E: Eternal Perspective N: Note taking         D: Determination
I want to take a minute and talk about each of these. A: Attitude; To me this means that I need to come to conference with a great attitude, a willing heart to learn, and and open mind to the things that I will be taught. T: Think of questions; Conference can be a time where we can receive personal revelation for things in our lives. We need to go into conference ready and prepared with questions that we have been praying about and we need to be willing and ready to receive answers. Although you may not directly receive an answer right then and there during conference, you may receive it later as you review the things you were taught. T: Taking the time; conference takes an effort. Each session is 2 hours long, so it takes some commitment, and while it may not be easy, it is ALWAYS a blessing. Take the time to listen to the words of the Prophet and his Apostles. E: Eternal Preservative; while watching keep in mind that no one is perfect, and that this life isn't all we have. We have eternal life to continue to grow and learn and become more like the Savior. Don't forget that this life isn't the end and that while we need to make changes in our lives to be the best we can, this isn't the end and we have eternity to continue to be more like Christ. All our blessings and gifts are eternal. D: Determined; you need to be determined to make a change. Generally after Conference you will realize things that you know you could/should change to be more like our Savior. Be determined to change, because Conference is just Conference until you put some action into it. One last thing I want to share with you is a scripture that tells us we need to be prepared to hear the things the Prophet and Apostles will teach us or we will not be able to receive the things we need too because our minds and hearts will not be prepared to hear those words. 3 Nephi chapter 17 verse 3*: Ponder, Ask, Prepare. These are the 3 key points from this scripture. I know that if we want to learn and grow we must do these 3 things in all areas of our life. We must learn to ponder, because sometimes the answer we are looking for comes when we are thinking about it at a later time, and not when we are on our knees in prayer. We need to learn to ask, because if we don't ask, how are we to receive the help we need? We need to learn to prepare, because if we are prepared, we will not fear, we will be ready when it is time, and we will be able to help those in need. I know that the words of the Prophet and his Apostles are our living scripture. They tell us of modern day revelation specifically for us today to help us come back to Christ. I know this is true. I encourage each and every one of you to take the time you need to prepare for Conference and to really listen this next week as Conference is being broadcast. I promise it will bless your life in all areas. I love you all, I love this Gospel with all my heart,
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

*This scripture comes from The Book Of Mormon, the book that the LDS faith uses. This verse reads:
 3 Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ^aponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and ^bprepare your minds for the ^cmorrow, and I come unto you again.
**General Conference is available in many different ways. To find the best way for you to watch and listen to these amazing meetings, click here: http://www.lds.org/church/events/october-2013-general-conference-dates-announced?lang=eng
Here it contains all the information you will need to watch and listen. I HIGHLY recommend listening to the words of our living Prophet and Apostles. (If you cannot listen to all of Conference this next weekend, it will always be avaible on http://www.lds.org/?lang=eng  If you have any questions about this please please email me at: sammystout@gmail.com

Standing Strong During the Storm

I live by this quote: read below to find out why. 

Hello everyone! This week I have been pondering what I wanted to share with you all. As I pondered and prayed about the message I should share I finally found an answer today. I would like to share with you all my testimony of standing strong during the storm, even if this means standing alone. For those of you who read my blog every week, or know me personally, you may know that I love comparing things in life to storms. (This is a little obsession of mine, that our lives are our own personal storms and that we can choose to hide in the house during the storm or run out and dance in the rain. -this is why the name of my blog is Dancing Through Your Storms.) To some, the sound of a storm is scary and frightening. For me: it is a song of peace and comfort. I love the rain, and I dance in it every chance I get. When I dance in the rain, it reminds me of the love of my Father in Heaven and my Elder Brother Jesus Christ and how they will lead and guide me and that even in the darkest of times in my life, I can find joy, happiness, comfort, love, and peace. Sometimes finding this in the middle of my life's storm means that I have to stand alone. When I think of standing alone I am always reminded of the Mormon Message* given by our living Prophet: Thomas S. Monson. This message tells of his experience of a time when he had to stand alone, and even though it was frightening he chose to stand alone because he knew what he was doing was right, and in the end, he wasn't alone. When we have to choose to stand alone, we have to remember who we are. This reminds me of a talk by a women I look up too. Her name is Sis. Elaine S. Dalton, she is the former Young Women's President of the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. (Mormon Church-The Church I belong too.) She gave a talk titled: Remember Who You Are!** In this talk she says:

 "yes, we will continue to stand firm no matter what storms may rage around us because we know and testify that “it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that [we] must build [our] foundation … , a foundation whereon if [we] build [we] cannot fall.” ^"

This quote reminds me that if I build and center my life around the gospel, that I will building on a foundation that cannot fall. I will be preparing myself to stand alone when the storms rage and no one else is standing with me, but my Savior. I want you all to know that even though standing alone can be scary, you really are never alone. If you stand up for our Savior, he will stand up for you. You are never completely alone. Heavenly Father and Jesus will always stand with you if you let them. I know that Storms may sound scary, and it may be something you dread to have happen, but I want you to remember this: The storm is what you make it. Are you going to sit in your house and watch the storm go by, or are you going to run out and dance in the rain? I know I am going to dance. I hope and pray that each of you choose to dance too. I know this gospel is true, and I know that we can do hard things and Jesus and Heavenly Father will never leave us if we don't leave them. Never give up. I love you all.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

*Mormon Messages are brief messages that The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints puts out to share the message of the gospel with others. To watch this particular message click on this link: http://www.mormonchannel.org/mormon-messages-for-youth?v=1634378330001
(feel free to scroll through the others and listen to as many as you want! They are all amazing and all testify of the truthfulness of this amazing gospel.)

** If you would like to read the rest of this inspirational talk here is the link:
http://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/general-young-women-meeting/2010/03/remember-who-you-are?lang=eng&query=remember+who+you+are
(I love this talk and highly recommend reading it.)

You Can Reach New Heights

Hello everyone! I just wanted to tell everyone something that stood out to me this week.



This quote made me realize that sometimes our answers to our prayers come in "strange and unusual packing". We need to open our eyes and see the blessings in disguise that we have. Heavenly Father can't just hand over what we ask for. If he did that, how would we learn and grow? Yes, sometimes it hurts, sometimes it extremely painful, but I believe and know that "to every dark night, there is a glorious and beautiful day ahead." This quote is another one I love:

I think that this sums up what I wanna tell you all today. I want to leave you with my testimony that I know my Father in Heaven lives and loves me. His son, Jesus Christ is my elder brother and he came here to earth and lived and died for me so that I could return to live with them both again. I know that the Holy Ghost will lead and guide my life and that he will keep me safe from harm if I just listen to his beautiful still small voice. I love this gospel and I love the happiness it brings. I hope that you all feel it too and let the joy of the gospel flow in your life. Come unto Christ. He is waiting for you to return to him. He loves you. He knows you. He will never leave you. No sin is too great. He will always forgive you. Just come back to him always. I promise this is true. I love him, and he loves me.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

What Matters Most:

This past week has been a real life changer for me. I have learned so much in a short amount of time. The thing I want to share with you today is a goal I made to become better. My goal is to find the things that matter most and strengthen, nourish, and give thanks everyday for them. I want you to know that I do know what matters most. At times I know that I take these most important things for granted and I forget how important they are in my life, but then something happens and I realize all over again how blessed I am. I do know that the gospel is the single most important thing I have ever been given. Without the gospel, I am and would be completely and utterly lost. I am so thankful that Jesus and Heavenly Father are always there, and I can pray to them anytime, anywhere. I am so thankful for my family as I know that we will be together forever and all eternity. My family this week has blessed my life so much. I love my mom and dad with all my heart. They have always been there for me and I know that I can always count on them. My mom is my best friend and I know she will always talk to me no matter what time it is and she will always know what to do to make it better. My dad is always there too, and I am so thankful that he can see the "non-emotional" side of hard things and help me to see them in a different light. My family and the gospel the most important things I have, and if I had nothing left but those 2 things, I know everything would be okay, and I would be happy. I am so blessed to have them both in my life, and to have the support and love of both hand in hand. This little video* from our Prophet Thomas S. Monson touched my heart today and I hope it helps you understand what this whole message is about. I challenge you all to think of the most important things in your life, and really think about what they are, and to give thanks and do something to show that thanks. I love you all.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

*Here is the link to the video. http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages#mormon-messages-what-matters-most  Feel free to scroll through all of the other messages from our leaders of the church and watch as many as you want!

Prayers

I just wanted to bear my testimony of the power of prayer. I know that we have a loving Father in Heaven who hears us when we pray and who answers our prayers too. I know that sometimes the answer we receive isn't always the answer we would like, but I know that he can see our lives down the road and sometimes today's no, opens tomorrow for an even better yes. This week I learned a lot about prayer. Sometimes when we want an answer "right this minute" to our problems we need to remember to be patient; God has perfect timing. I know that Heavenly Father knows and loves me. I know that Jesus Christ came here to earth and lived and died for each of us. I know that life isn't easy, but I know that God won't let us fail if we put our trust in him. He will answer our prayers according to our faith. I know that if we put our faith in him, anything is possible and he will lead and guide us. I want him to lead me back home to him, so I choose to trust in him completely, even when the storms get really hard and I can't see my silver lining, I want him to be my guide. I know that everything will be okay in the end. If you want something bad enough, and it's important to you, a desire of your heart, it is my belief that somehow, when it's the right time: you will receive. I know that I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ. I know that everything will be okay in the end, we just need to endure. One of my favorite scriptures right now helps me to remember that there is hope and love always, and if we endure it well we will have eternal life with our Father in Heaven. (2 Nephi Chapter 31, Verse 20)* I know this is the true and everlasting gospel. I know that God will help us become better if we trust him and do our best. He will make up our difference if we can't do it all alone. ("Footprints" my favorite poem reminds of this.)** I love you all. 

In the name of Jesus Christ, 

Amen 

Love, Samantha 

*2 Nephi is found in the Book of Mormon, the book the Latter Day Saints use. it reads: " Wherefore, ye must press forward with a ^asteadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of ^bhope, and a ^clove of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and ^dendure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have ^eeternal life." 

link: http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/31.20?lang=eng

** This is one of my favorite peoms ever. It reminds us that we are never alone, and that Heavenly Father will lead us and lift us through our hardest trials, that he never leaves us comfortless and alone. it reads: