To All The Dear Fathers

He is our Father.

I have many things I would like to share this week, but seeing as it is Father's day I would like to share with you my thoughts and feelings about our Father's. I do want to say, this post will not be as long as the one I wrote for Moms on Mother's day. I feel as if I speak about fathers/adult males in our life a lot so hopefully this isn't too long and repetitive.

I want to start out with an experience that happened to me this week. This past week I had the opportunity to go with my stake on a pioneer trek! This was not an easy experience, but it was so worth it! I grew so much and learned so much in a short 3 days. One of the things that I learned was the love of my parents. (They got to be pioneer ma's and pa's.) One morning, the morning of the "women's pull, my dad shared a thought about our fathers and how much they love us and sacrifice for us. He reminded us that he loves us very much and that he is always there for us. This didn't hit me until I was going through the "women's pull". This is where the men in the group must stop pulling the handcart and let the women do it alone. This is usually a very hard part of the trail. We do this to help us see what it would have been like if our fathers and brothers had died or gone to fight in the war, leaving only the women to travel the hard and perilous trail here to Utah. When we got to this part of the trail, we were asked to not talk, and the young men and fathers were asked to walk on the other side of the trail. They had come earlier in the day to plow this part of the trail so that the dirt/sand was very loose and there was incline. We had to go around a corner as well. This was very hard for the women. It is an experience that is hard to explain in words. When we got to the part where the fathers and young men could join us again, my dad came and took hold of the handcart. I kept trying to help pull, feeling like it was still my job to help, but my dad could tell I was tired and hurting. My dad then looked at me and said: "Samantha, it's okay I got this. You can rest. I will pull for you." When my dad looked at me and said this to me, tears were brought to my eyes. I knew right then how much my dad loves me. My dad was tired too, but he loves me and my other family members enough to tell us all: "It's okay, I will pull this load for you." How true is it that our father's not only are willing to pull our "trek handcart loads" but our life's loads as well. They are willing to drop things that they are doing to help us and make our life's easier and more bearable too.

Even when our dads can't physically take our burdens away from us, they "pull" for us on the side-lines. Along with our amazing mothers, our fathers are our biggest "cheerleaders." They love us so much and would do anything for us.

I wish to take a moment and talk about our Heavenly Father. Of all the names He could have chosen to be known by or called, the one He wants us to call Him and know Him by is: Father. How precious this knowledge is; that He loves us so much that He wants us to be able to remember that we literally are His children and we call Him our Father.

To those of you who do not have a father currently in your presence, or who wish they were fathers but that time has not yet come for you: Do not doubt or worry. Your time will come soon. The Lord works on a different time table than we do, trust that your day will come to be a father, even if you cannot be a father to a biological child: you can be a father. If you are not married: you can still be a father figure in a child's life. There is probably now, or will be soon, a child that looks up to you and needs your influence in his/her life. I know it is not easy to not have a child of your own, but your day will come. Do not loose hope or trust in your Father in Heaven. If you have lost your father, if your father cannot be with you physically for any earthly reason: Trust in your Heavenly Father. You will see your father again. Families are forever. Heavenly Father knows what He is doing, and He will send you a spirit of comfort and love to watch and protect you, especially during your times of trail and sorrow. You father is not far. He still loves you. He still watches over you. He is not lost or gone. He is proud of you. You are still his child. Do not loose hope. I know that today is not an easy day for you: but I do know that your father wants you to be happy, even if you cannot be together physically today. His spirit is with you always. Do not give up, do not loose hope, do not doubt Heavenly Father's plan for you and your father.

I want to share with you this video that talks about fathers and everything that they do for each of us. Click Here for watch this short video.

I just want to wrap up by saying thank you to every man who has been a "father figure" in my life, whether you are an uncle, close friend, grandpa, etc. I want to thank 4 men specifically for their influence and example in my life.
1. My uncle Jeff. You are the reason I started dancing. You told me to follow my dreams. Thank you for helping me want to be a better person and for helping me have a desire to follow Christ. You are one of my best friends and I know I can always count on you. I love you!
2. My uncle Jeremy. Now you watch me from Heaven, but I cannot ever thank you enough for setting such a great example for me. You have some of the most amazing kids ever and I know it's because you are such an amazing dad and have left such an amazing legacy. I will never forget you and the love and care you showered on us. Thanks for always being my "Tickle Monster". I love you.
3. My Grandpa Holt. Grandpa's are great dads with a little more experience right? Well in that case, you must have been the most amazing dad ever. You are such an amazing example to me of what I want when I am older. You have taught me lots of life lessons. We go fishing in the summer, and we have BBQs too. You are a wonderful cook and you love everyone no matter what. I love you too Gramps!!
4. (Last but certainly not least) MY DADDY!! Dad, I just want you to know that I love you so much. You set the prime example of what kind of husband I want someday and what kind of father I want for my own children. You are the most hard working and skilled man I know. Mom is sure lucky to have you. I could never ask for anything more. I know that I am pain sometimes, but at the end of the day you still wrap your arms around me and tell me you love me. I am so blessed that no matter where you go or how long you have been gone, that you always return with honor and you remain worthy to do the Lord's work at any moment you may be asked. You being a worthy priesthood holder has changed and blessed my life from day one. Dad you have such a special spirit and I love you. I don't know how you do all you do, but I do know that no matter what you do you always give it your very best and you do all things with passion. You have been a major, major key to my success and helping me learn and grow in the gospel. You and mom are my best friends and I know I can always count on you. I am so thankful for you dad. Words cannot describe the relationship I have with you. I will never forget those nights when I would ask you to sing me to sleep and you did it every time! I will always be your little girl, and you will always be my best friend. I know I can always count on you. I love you daddy. Happy Father's Day!

In closing I just want to say: I know that the church is true. I love it and I know that it is because of the church and my Father in Heaven that I have the family and the Father I have today. I know that each of us has a plan for us specifically and that if we choose to follow Heavenly Father we will blessed and we will be able to be the best we can be. I love you all. Happy Father's Day to every dad out there!

In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

Judge Not and Have Charity Towards All

Judge not: Love instead!

This past week I have had a lot of experiences that I felt would be really appropriate to share with all of you, but as I thought about what I should be sharing, as I prayed about it and pondered my thoughts of the week: I felt strongly that I should share a message of "charity and judging not" today.

This week has been a week full of emotion and "mini" trials for me. I have had to remember to not judge others because I do not know the whole story of why they may be acting the way they are. I know I am not perfect and I am still learning, so maybe this spiritual thought is for me to learn from too: because I know that I judged others without reason this week.

When we judge others negatively we are not looking at them the way God sees them. We are looking at them as the world sees them. When we compare ourselves to the world we will never be happy. We can even judge ourselves. Judging negatively, whether it be others or ourselves never helps us or those around us to be happy or grow spiritually. It only tears down our self esteem and makes us sad. Sometimes we judge negatively without even knowing it. Sometimes we judge negatively based on limited facts and then when we find out all the facts: we feel stupid for thinking or saying what we did about a certain person or their action. Judging negatively doesn't bring us closer to our Heavenly Father: it pulls us from Him and makes us sad. There is a Hymn entitled "Lord, I Would Follow Thee" that talks about this. In the second verse it reads: "Who am I to judge another when I walk imperfectly? In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can't see. Who am I to judge another? Lord, I would follow thee."  In order to not judge negatively, we need to learn to see others as God sees them and to love them with the pure love of Christ. 

This pure love of Christ is called Charity. Let me use a scripture to explain to you what charity means. This scripture is found in the Book of Mormon, in the book of Moroni in chapter 7 verse 45. It reads:  

"And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."

This scripture teaches us what charity is and is not. Charity is not puffed up, it does not seek for it's own good. Charity is all about putting other's needs before your own and loving them no matter what they look like, how they act, what they think, etc. Charity is loving no matter what. Every single day. The only people who have complete and perfect charity are the Savior and our Heavenly Father and our Heavenly Mother.

I want to share with you two videos today that will help you understand why we should not judge and instead why we should have charity towards all. The first video is about not judging others. It is entitled: "Looking Through Windows" Click Here to watch. 

The second video is about having charity and loving all. It is entitled: "My brother Hyrum." Click Here to watch. 

In these 2 videos we learn from our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, that we need to love others with the pure love of Christ. We need to have Charity towards all: both men and women, and we need to refrain from judging others. I know that if we can learn to not judge others and have charity and love them instead we will be much happier people and we will be able to have the spirit with us more, and we will also be able to recognize the spirit more. I know that if we can love others for who they are and we do our best to have a charitable love towards all that we will be able to have more friends, we will be happier people, we will have stronger families, etc. I know that this is true. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only true church on this earth and that by learning more about the gospel and doing our best to have His spirit with us always and learning to love others no matter what that we will be blessed and we will be able to do all things that we are asked to do, no matter how hard. I love the gospel and I have a testimony of the Savior and His everlasting love for me and you. I know He knows you and loves you. I challenge you to not judge others and to love all. I know it will bless your life. 

In the name of Jesus Christ, 

Amen 

Love, 

Samantha 

Hope For Good Things To Come

Anything is possible with God by your side. Don't give up.

I want to share with you all two Mormon Messages today. I don't really know what to say about these videos, I just know that I need to share them at this time. I am aware of some people's situations and how they are going through a hard time right now and need a little boost: so I hope this is what you need.

The first video is called: "The Power of Hope" from Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf. In this message Elder Uchtdorf shares with us how through Christ, we never need loose hope for better things to come. He shares with us that no matter how bleak and dark our lives seem today, that because of Christ: the end of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations. He wants each of you to know that he loves you and he wants you to hang on and remember to never give in, never give up; that the love of our Savior pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow and gladdens every heart. Click Here to watch this short and powerful video.

The second video is from Elder Jeffery R. Holland. In this video, he talks about how we all have times that we need a little hope and we need to know that things will get better in times ahead. He tells the story of a young family who are traveling to a new place to live. He tells of some trouble that they run into and how the father goes to get help. The father is given advice from a farmer that touches his heart and humbles him. He tells of a "flashback" experience and what he learned in that moment. This is the message I want to share with each of you. Blessings will come, don't quit. The Lord knows what He is doing and He will watch over you, and lead you to where you need to be. Don't give up. Click Here to watch video number 2.

I want each of you to know that I love you. I know that life isn't easy and that we each have to do things in our lives that we never thought we would have to deal with. I want you to remember that thought I shared a few weeks ago about "our trials being compliments from God." Remember that He loves you very much and He would never give you anything too big or too much for you to handle. YOU can do this. This life was given to you because you are strong enough to live it. I know that at times it seems that all our efforts and our help/service to others is wasted time and energy: but don't you ever quit. The things you do for others are never a waste of time and effort. When we are serving others we are serving our Heavenly Father. (Mosiah chapter 2 verse 17-This is found in the Book of Mormon) Time spent serving our Heavenly Father is never a waste. You are not a waste. Do not ever give up. I love you and I want you to know that I am here for you. Better things are in our future if but hold fast to the gospel and love the Savior and do what He asks us to do for Him. Follow Him, and where ever that might be or lead you: it is where you are supposed to go and better things will come. Trust in Him with all your heart and you will be blessed. Let the Lord know that you are willing to do His work whatever and where ever that work may be. Just don't ever give up. When life gets hard and the storms of life are raging: don't turn away from God: turn to God. He loves you more than you will ever know and He desires to be there for you and help you. It's your job to let Him in.

I know these things are true. I love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ with all my heart, being, and soul. Do not ever give up hope. If you feel like you don't have strong enough faith: hold fast to the faith you do have. That will be good enough for now, and in time it will be strengthened and you will find yourself able to do great and amazing things for the Lord. He loves you. I want you to know that. I love you. I leave you with this, my testimony, In His sacred name
Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

Never Postpone a Prompting

Always act quickly. 

What is a prompting? The dictionary says that the word prompting means: to move or induce to action; to occasion or incite: inspire; to assist (a person speaking) by suggesting something to be said. Promptings from the spirit are just that. They are thoughts inspired to us from Heavenly Father through the Holy Ghost to do something that requires action. The key word is action. A prompting is something that you must DO something about. The dictionary says that it is a verb. A verb means it is an action word. I want to share with you two videos. Both are about promptings our Prophet Thomas S. Monson received. The first is when he failed to act quickly, and the second is when he acted immediately. Click Here for the 1st video. Click here for the 2nd video.

Thomas S. Monson tells us that we must never, never, ever postpone a prompting. As we saw and heard in the 1st video, bad things can happen if we postpone a prompting and try to work on our own time table. We need to remember to trust the Lord and when we receive a prompting the time to act is now. Not 5 mins later, not a day later, but rather: right now. The Lord can see what's ahead and a lot of times the promptings we receive are to protect us or others and sometimes they are to get us to help someone who may be in need, and we can only reach them at that moment.

I know that it is not always "convenient" to stop what you are doing and follow a prompting, but I do know that if we can learn to stop, and do that thing we are prompted to do we will be blessed and so will the lives around us. We need to learn to act quickly and be obedient. By doing so we are showing the Lord that we trust Him and that He can depend on us to do the things He needs us to do when He needs them done. I feel as if Thomas S. Monson can say this better than I can, so I am going to share this with you. Click Here  I love the part (about half way) when he says: "I always want The Lord to know, if He needs an errand run Tom Monson will run that errand." This is my hope too: that if The Lord needs someone to be an answer to someone's prayer or He needs someone to do anything for Him: that I, Samantha Stout, will run that errand.

I add my testimony to Thomas S. Monson's that this is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the work is true, and I know it. I love the gospel and I am so thankful that I know that if I don't postpone a prompting: I can help fulfill someone's prayer or need. I am so thankful for my Savior's example and His love for me.

In the Name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

Overcoming Challenges is Possible

 Through Prayer and Faith you can overcome.

Life is hard. Whether you are in elementary school, Jr. high, high school, collage, a parent, etc. I know that no matter what stage of life you are in, we all face challenges every day. Although we all face challenges, we all face them differently. Some of us might greet our challenges with sorrow and anger, some of us with passive feelings, while others of us greet them with a smile and an attitude to overcome. Some of us may be 5 and face the challenge of deciding what juice we want for lunch, some 14 and trying to be a positive influence among crazy kids in Jr. high, some 18 and facing graduation in a few short weeks, some of us 20 and trying to make the right decisions to some of life's hardest choices (Marriage and school), some of us grandparents who don't know how to best spoil their grand-kids. While some of these challenges are obviously much harder than others, I know that there can always be success in facing a challenge as long as we go about it in the correct and best way for us. Today I want to speak to you about how I know we can always be successful and have peace when facing a challenge. 

I want to start out by telling you of some challenges I have had personally or have been affected by in the past 2 weeks. I will start with last Saturday night. I was asked about a month ago to choreograph a dance for a close friend of mine for her senior solo. Saturday night was the last performance. We were second after intermission. During the intermission I went back stage to get into my costume. (She had asked me to dance with her.) When I got back there, my friend had tears in her eyes. I asked her what was wrong and she told me that she had gotten something in her foot and it was really hurting her. She told me to look at it and see what to do. I did and realized we needed to pull it out. We got the supplies to do so and when we pulled it out it was much much bigger than we had anticipated and it started bleeding a lot more than we had originally guessed it would. We called for the director to come back stage and see what to do because we were on next and she obviously couldn't dance yet. I said a prayer in my heart that it would work out and she would have peace and she would be able to finish dancing tonight, as this would be her last performance with this particular group because she is graduating in a few weeks. She got her foot all bandaged and she stood up to see if she would be able to dance. She said it didn't hurt at all anymore and she could do it! I was so surprised and thankful that she was going to be able to finish the show. As we performed she had the biggest smile on her face. I was blown away by the quick answer to my prayer, and by her unfailing faith that she could do hard things. 

My second story was this last Monday. My uncle had been in the hospital because of a heart attack and I got news Monday morning that he had passed away. I went home early for lunch to go see my grandma and make sure she was doing alright. I hadn't planned on doing this but felt it was the place I needed to be that Monday morning. My grandma and I talked for a little while and when my grandpa got home I felt like I could leave and go see my mom, so I did. My uncle is the 7th person that has passed away in 5 yrs that I have been close with. My initial response was to be upset with God because my great grandpa had just passed away about 7 month prior. I was sad that I had to loose another person so quickly. I was suddenly worried that my whole family would slowly all die over the next few years, because at this rate: it wasn't going to take long. When I got home I prayed that I would be able to have an understanding heart and mind and that my loved ones would be able to live long lives. I expressed to my Father in Heaven my concerns and worries. I suddenly felt comfort and knew that everything would be okay and that no matter what happened: He loved me and He would never leave me comfortless and alone. 

My last story took place last night. I was asked to speak in our Stake Conference Saturday night session. I was not scared at all until I realized last night while I sitting on the stand, that there was going to be a lot of people. Before the meeting, I went to the bathroom to quickly say a prayer and to ask for help to not be nervous and to be able to deliver the message He needed me to and in the way He needed me too. As I walked back to the stand to sit in my place I looked over the audience and noticed that I knew, or recognized most of them from different places. I felt peace overcome me, and I felt that it wasn't a "big deal," I was just talking to all my friends and family. When I got up to deliver my message, I was no longer scared and I did my best knowing that the Lord was standing with me and that He would fill my mouth with the words He needed the audience to hear.* 

All of these stories at least 2 things in common. Prayer, and Faith that my prayer would be heard and answered. I know that faith and prayer are always the answer when we face challenges. I had a dance teacher once who told me: "I look at my trials and challenges as compliments from God." When I asked her why, this was her explanation: "Trails and challenges always seem to come when you feel you are doing great, like nothing can stop you. At this point, God looks down at us and says: 'You have mastered that trail/challenge, now it is time for you to grow.' He wants us to grow so that we can become better and be more like His son Jesus Christ. So I look at my trials and challenges as compliments because it means that Heavenly Father thinks I am doing a good job and is giving me something to help me be even better!" When you think of a trail or challenge as compliment from God, doesn't it make the trial or challenge seem just a bit easier to handle? Even when the trial seems unfair or unnecessary, if we keep this in mind it helps us remember that Heavenly Father sees in terms of forever and knows what is best for us and our spiritual growth. 

In Doctrine and Covenants section 136 verse 31** it reads: "My people must be ^atried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the ^bglory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will not ^cbear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom." This scripture reminds us that we must be tried in all things if we want to inherit the kingdom of God. It reminds us that our trials are preparing us to be able to handle the glory that we will inherit with the Kingdom of God. In another scripture in Doctrine and Covenants in section 58 verse 4 it reads: "For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand." This scripture (along with the other one in section 136) tell us we must tried in all things. It is only after these trials that we will be blessed. Our trails are our test in our "test"imony. 

Praying to our Heavenly Father and having Faith that He will hear and answer our prayers is the key to having success, peace and comfort in our times of trial and challenge. Sometimes our success may not come immediately, but rather be met by another challenge. However I do know that success will most definitely come to those who are faithful and stay close to the Lord during their times of trial instead of pushing him away. We need to learn to remember that our trials are not Heavenly Father's way of punishing us, but rather a way He shows His love and concern for us: that He wants us to be able to learn as much as we can and grow. He wants us to be able to progress in all areas of our life and the only way to do so is to have challenges. I KNOW that our trials/challenges are blessings. I know that if we remember this and we meet our trials/challenges with a smile and an attitude to overcome: we will be much happier, and we will have the Lord's spirit to lead and guide us through our challenges much more abundantly. I know that Heavenly Father sees in terms of forever, and because He does He knows what is best for us. This also means that He knows the best solution for you individually to each and every one of your challenges and trials. All He wants is for you to turn to Him and ask for His help. He is waiting and willing, it's up to you to ask Him. 

I know that I belong to the only true church on this earth: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints. I know that my Heavenly Father will never leave me alone to face a challenge and that He will be there every step of the way as long and I do my part and ask Him for His help. He will never give me a challenge that I cannot handle. Every challenge I receive is for a reason, and I trust Heavenly Father to give the appropriate challenges to help me to help me learn and grow the best I can so that I can be the faithful servant and daughter I need to be for Him. I know that this is true. I love the gospel with all my heart. I know Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet and he leads and guides us according to the revelation he receives from Heavenly Father. I know these things are true. 

In the Name of Jesus Christ, 

Amen 

Love,

Samantha 

*I knew that the Lord would fill my mouth with the words He needed me to speak because of a scripture I remembered from Moses (a book in the Pearl of Great Price that tells about Moses life. This book was what Joseph Smith translated from the Book of Genesis from the bible.) This scripture is Moses chapter 6 verse 32 it reads: And the Lord said unto Enoch: Go forth and do as I have commanded thee, and no man shall pierce thee. Open thy mouth, and it shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance, for all flesh is in my hands, and I will do as seemeth me good.

** The Doctrine and  Covenants is a book that we believe was written scripture for our day. It is a book that consists of a lot of revelation to Joseph Smith during the restoration of the church. I know that Joseph Smith was and is a true prophet and that even though he was only a young boy: I KNOW he saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ and that he restored the true church. 

In Honor Of Mothers Day...

"May each of us treasure this truth."

I have had many great experiences this week that I wish to share with all of you at one point in time, however I feel the strong need to share with you today about the importance of mother's on this fine Mother's day. I want to start out by saying thank you to each mother that reads this. Every mother every where, no matter her position in her family; weather she be divorced, widowed, struggling with addiction, etc., Every single one of you deserves to be told thank you. I want you to know that you are important and your impact on every one around you, especially the impact on your kids, is one that only you can have. Mothers share a bond with each of their children that only they can have with them. A mother's bond with her child is of up most importance. While I know that in some circumstances this bond isn't easy to have, or it may not be possible at this time, I know that your child still loves you. I know that the role of motherhood is a sacred calling from Heavenly Father. "You are a child of God who He entrusted to your mother’s care, her hands substituted for God’s as she bandaged a skinned knee or wiped away your tears." Therefore, when you are a mother, you are caring for a spirit straight from Heaven and it is your responsibility to help that child grow and become like the Savior. You are stepping in for Heavenly Father while that child is on earth. It is your job as mom (and dad, but we are focusing on moms today) to be a teacher, a heart ache healer, a care giver, a secret keeper, a best friend, a shoulder to cry on, etc. It is your sole responsibility to be what your child needs you to be for them, and also for you to be what your Heavenly Father needs you to be to watch and care for His child. I want to share with you this short video about mothers. Click Here

 Now I want to share with you some quotes about Mother's:
"Mothers are endowed with a love that is unlike any other love on the face of the earth."               -Marjorie Pay Hinckley. A mother's love is one of the most powerful and unconditional things on this earth. A mother carries her child for 9 months in the womb, and that child knows its mother even before it is born. There is a bond between mother and child that is unlike any other.
"There are few things more powerful than the prayers of a righteous mother." -Boyd K. Packer. How true this is, that a mother's prayer for her child is one of the most sacred and powerful things. And it's because of that bond she has with her child and that love mentioned in the quote above.
 "All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother." -Abraham Lincoln Like it said in the video, our mothers are our biggest cheerleaders. We owe everything to them, from allowing us to come to earth, from running us to all the places we need to be throughout our childhood, to making us food when we are hungry, teaching us to read, to walk, etc. Everything we are is because of our angel moms.
"There is no limit to what a mother can accomplish. Righteous women have changed the course of history and will continue to do so." -Julie B. Beck Moms can do anything.

For those of you who are not yet a mother, or who do not have biological children, this is possible for you too. Just because you may not have children of your own yet, does not mean it will not happen. Weather it be in this life or the next: you will be a mother someday too. And what's stopping you from being a mother now? You do not need to have your own children to be a mother figure in a child's life. I know that it must be extremely difficult for some of you that want children of your own and it's not possible at this time; but I want you to know that you are still appreciated and you are a mother still. Chances are you have children all around you and you are seen as a "second mom" in a child's life in someway. I know being a "second mom" may not be ideal, but if you do not have children of your own for whatever reason, it is because Heavenly Father has a plan for you and you need to have faith in him and trust him that in the end everything will be okay. Heavenly Father knows you and loves you and wants you to be able to have all the opportunities that you want to have (as long as they are good) and he will bless you with them in some way at the right and appropriate time. I beg of you to not give up hope and to stand strong. I love you, and Heavenly Father loves you. Don't quit.

 I want to take a moment and thank the two most important and significant moms in my life. My mom and my mom's mom: my grandma! These 2 women have blessed my life every single day since the day I was born, and even before that. I am lucky enough to live only 4 houses away from my grandma, so I can see her whenever I want. This has blessed my life being able to have such a close relationship with her and being able to learn more about my mom from listening to my grandma's stories. My grandma is able to be there for all my dance performances and my successes in school, and for everything I need her there for. She sews my clothes when they rip and is my personal seamstress for my dresses so that I can be comfortable and modest so that I can always have the Spirit with me. She is such a great support to me and I cannot express in words how thankful I am to her for all she does for me and that she raised my mom to be the mom she is to me.

My mom is my very best friend. I know I can tell my mom anything and she will still love me no matter what I have done and she will help me learn and help me fix my mistakes. I know that my mom does so much for me every day, from stopping whatever she's busy doing to allow me to come home for lunch to spend 45 mins with just me and her to help me to keep going on my day, to allowing me to have parties at our house, to making the effort to know my friends and let them know that they are welcome and loved at our house, to staying up late to wait for me to come home and tell her about my night's adventure, to teaching me how to cook, to teaching me how to care for children, to teaching me how to use money wisely, to everything: I owe it all to my mom. My mom is my superhero. My mom is always there for me: and makes it possible for me to chase my dreams and be successful. She takes time from her busy schedule to bring me the things I forgot for school, to run me to my many jobs and dance classes, she does it all. Why? Because she loves me. I cannot express in words how much I love my mom and how much I appreciate her and every single thing she does for me. And to top it off: she doesn't just do this for me, she does it for all 5 of her kids! I have no idea how my amazing mom has the time to do all these things for every single one of us, have an amazing and strong relationship with my dad, clean the house, do the shopping, do the laundry, and make dinner every night. She is my cheerleader at every concert, she has been my nurse since I was born, she is my rock and my constant. She is my example of everything I want to be. She taught me the gospel along with my dad since the day I was born. It is because of her strong testimony that I am the young woman I am today. It is because of my mom that I want to be married in the temple, it is because of my mom that I know that if I work hard: all my dreams will become a reality. It is because of my mom that I know I want to be a mom someday too, and not just any mom: I want to be just like her. I hope and pray that when it is time for me to be a wife and mother that I can be half the mom she is to me every single second. I love my mom with all my heart, and I hope that she knows that. I want to share my testimony with her,  because she helped me build it:

I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true. Without a shadow of a doubt: I know it. I know that Joesph Smith is and was a prophet. I know that he faithfully restored the gospel on the earth today. I know that power of the Priesthood has been restored on the earth today, and that my Dad is a worthy holder of the Priesthood. I know that the blessings of the priesthood are from God and that it is his power given to his faithful and worthy sons to bless and heal each of us. I know that the Book of Mormon is the most correct and true book ever written and it has changed my life and will change the life of any who read it. I know that our Savior came to earth, He lived, and He died for us. I know that he felt every single pain, sorrow, heart ache, and every single emotion for every single person who does live, who has ever lived and who will ever live. I know that the power of the atonement is real and unshakable. I know that it is open to every single person who has faith in the Savior. I know that because of the atonement I am never ever alone and I can do all things through Christ because of His strengthening power. I know that my family will be together forever and all eternity if we live worthy lives because my parents were sealed in the temple. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the true and living prophet of the church today. I know that he receives revelation directly from Heavenly Father and he knows how to adequately lead us to be like the Savior so that we can all return to live with our Father in Heaven and our Savior forever. I love the gospel with all my heart and soul. I know these things are true. I know I am not perfect and I still have far to go in this life, and much to learn, but I know I these things are true. I know it, without question.
It is because of you mom, that I know these things. It is all because of you mom. I love you mom. Happy Mother's Day!

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Love,
Samantha

Blessings From the Priesthood

This boy is receiving a blessing by the power of the Priesthood.

This week I have been thinking a lot about blessings, specifically blessings we receive from the Priesthood. Some of you may know this, but my little brother, Wade, came down with something this week. He got a really high fever, and got all those symptoms that come along with fevers. When we took him to the doctor and they couldn't find anything (like an infection) wrong. I felt so bad for him because it seemed like right when he would start to feel okay again, it would suddenly be worse! This has been going on for about 4 days now. My daddy was gone for business and when he came home he gave Wade a Priesthood blessing, for the healing of the sick. I was immediately comforted and knew that he would be okay and in time he would get better. I know that the blessing helped Wade too.

Today at church, my cousin's husband blessed their new baby with a name and a father's blessing to help him start off his life. I was again reminded of the power of the Priesthood.

The Priesthood has been restored to the earth today because of Joesph Smith. The Priesthood is the authority and power that God gives man to act in all things for the salvation of man; "the authority to act in God's name." My Father holds the Priesthood, and that is why he can give us blessing such as: Father's blessings (a blessing of the Priesthood that can be given at any time-usually for comfort, peace, reassurance, guidance, etc.- by a worthy Priesthood holder.-This blessing does not have to be given by your father, it can be given by any worthy Priesthood holder.) He can also give blessings for the healing of the sick and afflicted. These blessing are given by any worthy Priesthood holder. For this blessing there are usually 2 Priesthood holders. (When you are administered this blessing, the Priesthood holder uses blessed and consecrated oil. One man will anoint the oil, and the second will seal the oil with a blessing straight from your Heavenly Father to you specifically.) There are many other blessing that are performed by the Priesthood, like the blessing and passing of the sacrament each week, these are just some of the more common ones.

When my daddy is gone, I can feel an absence of the Priesthood sometimes. (Like this week when Wade got sick.) My mom does what she can as the mother of our home to keep the spirit here and bless us in different ways without the Priesthood, but there is a special feeling of having the Priesthood in our lives each day. I know that I am very fortunate to have this blessing, that I live with both of my parents and that my daddy works so hard every day to keep himself worthy to exercise his Priesthood at any moment. I know that by him doing so, I have been blessed my whole life.

I just wanted to share with you all today of the power of the Priesthood. I know that the Priesthood has been restored in its fullness to the earth today. I KNOW it. I have seen it work miracles, and I have personally felt the spirit it brings and it blessings it brings to all those around. I am so thankful for the Priesthood and the connection it gives us to our Father in Heaven. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only true church on the earth today, and I know that we are led by a living prophet: Thomas S. Monson. I know that the Savior came to earth and died for each of us and all our sins. I know that we are never alone and that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.* I love the gospel, I know it's true.

In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

* In the Bible, in the book of Philippians in chapter 4 verse 13 it states: 13 I can do all things through ^aChrist which ^bstrengtheneth me.  Because of this scripture, I know I can do all things because Christ is always there and will strengthen me.