How Do You...

Always remember Him by keeping His commandments 

This post is going to be short, but very important if we want to learn, repent and try harder to become like Him. I feel that the message I will share with the videos I have found will bless your life if you will truly open your heart and let the Spirit teach you. With that, I will start. 

Today I have two questions for you: 

1. How do you "Always remember Him (Christ)?" 

2. How do you show Him you "always remember Him?

Keep these questions in mind as you watch these two videos. 

1. Always Remember Him

2. Obedience to Commandments

Now think about the questions I asked at the beginning of this post. "How do you always remember Him?" and "How do you show Him you always remember Him?" 

I cannot tell you what the best way is for you to personally remember Him always, but I can testify that I know a way to help. Brothers and Sisters- choose the right and keep the commandments. The commandments are not there to "restrict" or make life harder. They are there to keep you safe and on the only path back to Heavenly Father. They are there to help you fulfil your divine roll in His plan, they are there to protect you, they are there are there because He loves you. 

I just want to bear testimony to you that I know that although it is not easy to keep the commandments all day every day, day after day, when the ways of the world frown down on you and your choice to be different, please remember this: I KNOW without a doubt of my mind and heart that the commandments are there because Heavenly Father is my Father, Jesus is my Elder Brother and they love me (and you) with every ounce in their bodies and they want to keep me (and you) safe, and that is why they have given me (and you) commandments. I know that in the end, it will all be worth it. I know this. And I hope and pray that as you choose to keep the commandments and remember Him every single day: you will come to know this too.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, 

Amen 

Love, 

Samantha 

Lessons I learned this week!

He will guide you home. Follow where He leads.

This week I wanted to share with you a lesson I learned in Seminary that really made me think and helped me to build my testimony! (Also, shout out to my seminary teachers because they are simply the greatest and are a such great examples and teach me so much every time I talk to them. They are so amazing! So kids- take advantage of seminary and institute cause it will seriously bless and change your life for the better!!!)

Okay, so the lesson I wanted to share is about Zion's Camp. So first let me explain what Zion's camp is. The time period is when the saints are being persecuted in Jackson County Missouri. (1833-1844) Joseph Smith and some of the other saints were in Kirkland Ohio. Joseph Smith had received revelation that he needed to gather worthy and willing saints to go forth with him back to Jackson county to help the saints living there. This was to be called "Zion's Camp."

Zion's camp faced many trials of faith, contention with others, changed plans, and of course: many miracles and testimony building experiences. Zion's camp was not what they expected it to be. Although some say Zion's camp was a failure, it did not fail God's plan for these people. (Some say it was a failure because they were originally going to "fight" those harming the saints, but in the end they didn't have too. The reason for this is because God told them "For behold, I do not require at their hands to fight the battles of Zion; for, as I said in a former commandment, even so will I fulfil—I will fight your battles." (Doctrine and Covenants section 105 verse 14.)

Anyway, I wanted to share with you this video about Zion's Camp. This video has some great lessons in it that are applicable to many, many situations. During the movie I want you to write down at least five things you learned. Really read between the lines and ask yourself how this movie is applicable to you today. (Really this movie isn't just about Zion's Camp, it's about how we can over come challenges and trials and learn from experiences we have. It's about how we can choose to do as The Lord asks us to do.) Click here to start watching!

Now that you have watched the video, I wanted to share with you some of the lessons I learned.
1. Follow the Prophet. He truly does know the way because He communicates with God on behalf of the whole church.
2. Don't complain- it doesn't make anything easier for anyone. In fact, if you can learn to smile during the trial it will make it easier for you to bear the burden and it will make it easier for you to learn what God has to teach you.
(Now some lines I loved from the movie)
3. "I will lead you there and back again and not a hair on your heads shall be harmed." God will keep us safe if we choose to follow Him.
4. "You will see the movings of The Lord all throughout this journey." Everyday- if you look for God's hand, you will find it.
5. "The Lord will protect us. Stand still and see the salvation of God." Sometimes we need to take a step back and recognize God as our Father. We need to "stand still" and follow Him- He will protect us.
6. "God is in this storm." This is why my blog is called 'Dance through your storms' because with God, we can dance and find joy in this journey because God brought us to this, and He will bring us through this. He is truly in the storms of life and He will protect and guide us home.
7. Wait for a little season, for God will fight your battles for you. Have patience. Do as He directs.
8. "Your work is not yet done." No matter how much we have done with our lives, we are never finished. Work hard and do as The Lord asks of you. You have a divine work and glory here on earth.
And my final thought:
9. Zion's camp was to build and test the testimony and faith of His people. The quorum of the twelve apostles was called after Zion's Camp came back to Ohio. The Lord was preparing His servants. He is preparing (you) for greater things to come. Have faith in Him and know that He is God.


I just wanted to end with my testimony that I know that God knows what He's doing, and we must trust Him. All things are for our experience. (While some of our trials may be because of choices we have made, so we brought the trial to ourselves- if we choose to come back to Heavenly Father, we still gain experiences. Now I am not saying we need to make mistakes on purpose to gain experience, for God will give us the experience He needs us to have with the trials He has chosen for us.) Heavenly Father loves each and every one of us. He is there to bless and guide us and lead us safely back home to live with Him forever. I know these things are true.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

If The Savior Stood Beside You

He is always right beside you.

This week I have been thinking a lot about the lyrics to a popular primary song titled: "If The Savior Stood Beside Me." The lyrics to the song are as follows: 

Words and music by Sally DeFord

1. If the Savior stood beside me,

would I do the things I do?

Would I think of His commandments,

and try harder to be true?

Would I follow His example?

Would I live more righteously

if I could see the Savior standing nigh,

watching over me?

2. If the Savior stood beside me,

would I say the things I say?

Would my words be true and kind

if He was never far away?

Would I try to share the gospel?

Would I speak more rev’rently

if I could see the Savior standing nigh,

watching over me?

3. He is always near me,

though I do not see Him there,

And because He loves me dearly,

I am in His watchful care.

So I’ll be the kind of person

that I know I’d like to be

if I could see the Savior standing nigh,

watching over me.

The words to this song have always struck me. They are beautifully written in a way that every one can relate to them. "What if you really could see the Savior standing by you?" I ask myself this all the time. Would I be the young woman I am today? Would I say the things I say? Would I try harder to follow Him? Would I be nicer, smile more, and reach out more? Am I being the tool in His hands that He needs me to be? Would He be disappointed in me? These are questions I am always asking myself, because it's true. The Savior is always "standing" close by, watching over me. He sees all I do, He hears all I say. 

This past Wednesday night this song really hit me hard.  I had some extra time to do something not school related, so I decided to study the gospel. As I opened the New Era (a church magazine) I said a little prayer that I could be blessed with the spirit to find what I needed to find, and learn the things I was in need of learning that night. 

I wasn't super nice to my younger sister that night. She kept yelling for me to come into her room, but I was reading the New Era and didn't want to be bugged. Eventually, I went to see what she wanted because she wouldn't stop calling. As I grudgingly walked to her room to see what she inquired of me  I suddenly felt like singing this song. Ignoring the feeling, I burst into my sister's room and asked in a very irritated voice "What do you want now?" To say the least, I hurt her feelings. She was feeling lonely and just wanted someone to listen to her while she talked for a minute. Again this song came to mind. Humbled, I bowed my head. "I'm sorry." I said. Still hurt, she kept crying. I felt I needed to sing to her. "I am a child of God, and He has sent me here" I began singing as I stroked her hair. Although she was still trying to avoid me, I kept singing other primary songs she might know. Still thinking of this song, I knew I had to sing it next. "If the Savior stood beside me.." I sang to her. At that moment, she sat up from her pillows, and turned to lay her head in my lap. I kept singing. Toward the end she joined in with me. Together we sang. Suddenly the spirit was so strong. Even though I wasn't reading the New Era, I knew I had found and learned exactly what the Savior needed me to learn that night. 

As I went on with my week, I kept thinking of this experience and this song. As I walked through the halls, I would sing it in my mind, smiling at everyone I passed. I wanted to "be the kind of person that I know I'd like to be if I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me." Because I knew for a fact, that He was indeed watching over me, and walking by my side. 

Brothers and Sisters, I wanted to share with experience with you today because I feel we all too often forget this simple truth: That He is there watching over us and walking by our side. I think we all too often forget that we can do more. It's not that we are doing bad things, but are we doing all we could be doing? I dare say we aren't. (I know I'm not.) How then, can we do all we can to be led by the spirit to let the light we have be given shine forth that all may see our Father in Heaven? How then can we do all we were created to do? 

Well, I don't have all the answers, but I do know something that helps me; Remember who you are. You are a Child Of God. I know that each of us has a divine purpose and mission here in this life on earth. Only you can do what you were called to do. That's why you were chosen for this life- because you are strong enough to live it. 

Brothers and Sisters, I want to ask you to join with me in this challenge: Remember who you are. Remember your divine purpose and mission- You are a Child Of God, and you can do hard things. Remember the Savior is indeed standing by and watching over you. Try a little harder to be a little better each and every day. Smile at someone, take time to listen to someone in need. Comfort those who are lost. Invite the lonely to be with you. Never give up. Speak loving words. Remember He loves you dearly. 

Of this I testify of, in the name Of Jesus Christ,

Amen 

Love, 

Samantha 

*If you would like to hear "If The Savior Stood Beside Me" click here I am sorry it's a youtube video. But it's on the Mormon Tabernacle's page- so it's from a great source! I couldn't find one anywhere else. I hope this works for you. 

My Light Experience

Let your light shine in every way possible.

This week I want to share with you an experience I had this past week. I did not plan for it to be like this, but this is what happened so I want to share it with you today! This past week, I had an experience with The Light Of Christ! Actually there were a few small experiences, and then one bigger experience that changed my life.

Let's start with the smaller experiences:
First, I was sitting by a girl I know from school in the chapel of an LDS church meeting house waiting for an activity to start. This young lady is one of the more popular girls at school, and I am not. This beautiful young lady turned and told me: "Samantha, I just wanted to let you know that I think your eyes are beautiful. It's like they are smiling all the time. The light radiates through your eyes and makes you shine. Thank you for being an example to me." Little did she know how much that meant to me. At a time where I was feeling alone and useless to others: she told me that I, the "invisible" girl at school, was an example to her, the popular, beautiful girl at school that everyone knows.
Second, I was sitting in seminary this week, and we were learning about Christ's light and how it makes people "shine" when they choose to follow Him. My teacher turned to the class and asked us "Who do you know that is 'shiny'?" Everyone immediately started naming people from school, people that most of the class knew. My teacher then answered and said: "You know who I think is shiny? I think all the people you named are shiny, but I also believe that Samantha Stout is shiny." Everyone turned to me and started nodding and saying nice things about me and how I was an example to them too. I don't know why my seminary teacher chose me, out of all the kids she teaches and has taught, but I do know that it made me feel visible and loved, and like my hard work to be happy and help others wasn't useless.

Now for the bigger experience of the week:
This past week I had the opportunity to go help with special needs mutual (Young Men's/Young Women's for the disabled) What a magnificent experience that was. I was surrounded by these beautiful people from ages 12 to 75 for about two hours. These people have a spirit that can only be felt when you are in the midst of "shiny" people; for every single one of these "disabled" people carries around the Light Of Christ, and it shines brighter in them than any person I know. They are truly angels sent to live among us. Being with them brightened my heart and soul. The way they smile and love every single person they meet is incredible. They don't care if you are rich or poor, they don't care if you are popular or shy. They don't care what your circumstances are: they love you unconditionally the way Christ loves each of us. When leaving them, I couldn't help but think: "They aren't ones who are disabled, for I hold the disability. They see with the eyes of Christ, and they love every single person as He does. They love you immediately, as if you are an old friend, just as Christ would. They judge not, and love all. Oh how I wish I could be like unto them." How blessed I was to be in their presence, for I was supposed to be teaching them; but they were the ones who did all the teaching. We are told to surround ourselves with greatness. These people are great, and changed my life. I would say unto you: surround yourself with their greatness for they are truly angels.

I want to close with a short video and my testimony. The video is called: Angels in Disguise This video taught me that when we surround ourselves with angels, (or people with the constant true gospel Light Of Christ) we too can become angels. Brothers and Sisters I wonder what our lives would be like if we too were "angels in disguise." I invite you to serve others, mourn with those that mourn, comfort those in need of comfort, visit the sick, clothe the naked, teach the gospel, and love all around you. I invite you to talk to all those you pass on the street and open your mouth, for it shall be filled. Join with me in becoming "angels in disguise" and angels will dot the earth and prepare the world for the time when He shall come again: for it cometh quickly. Do not wait, the time is now.
In the name Of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

Light Of Christ

"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
(Matthew 5:16) 

I realized today that I talk a lot about this element of "light" and the "Light of Christ." For some reason it hit me today that some of you reading this may not know what I'm talking about when I say this. Today I hope I can give you understanding of the things I am saying when I use these phrases concerning the "Light Of Christ", "Light in their eyes", etc. Today I want to help you understand what LIGHT is.

The bible dictionary says this about the the Light Of Christ: "The Light of Christ is just what the words imply: enlightenment, knowledge, and an uplifting, ennobling, persevering influence that comes upon mankind because of Jesus Christ. For instance, Christ is the 'true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world'."

LDS.org says this about The Light Of Christ: " The Light of Christ is the divine energy, power, or influence that proceeds from God through Christ and gives life and light to all things. (Doctrine and Covenants 88:6-13) The Light Of Christ influences people for good and prepares them to receive the Holy Ghost. One manifestation of the Light of Christ is what we call a conscience."
"Conscience is a manifestation of the Light of Christ, enabling us to judge good from evil. The prophet Mormon taught: 'The Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.' (Moroni 7:16, 18)"
"As people learn more about the gospel, their consciences become more sensitive (Moro. 7:12–19). People who hearken to the light of Christ are led to the gospel of Jesus Christ (D&C 84:46–48)."
Doctrine and Covenants 88:49-50 reads: "The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not; nevertheless, the day shall come when you shall comprehend even God, being quickened in him and by him. (50) Then shall ye know that ye have seen me, that I am, and that I am the true light that is in you, and that you are in me; otherwise ye could not abound."

(A link for additional information and scriptures will be listed at the end of this post.)


Alright, if you are unsure about this whole "light" thing, I just threw a ton of information at you and your head is probably spinning. Let me share with you a few videos that may help explain the references I just shared.
Video #1: Light Of Christ
Video #2: Patterns of Light: The Light Of Christ
Video #3: Patterns of Light: Discerning Light
Video #4: Patterns of Light: Spirit of Revelation

I just want to close with my testimony of the Light of Christ. The light of Christ has changed my life and I know that it is real. I see it every single day in the eyes of those people I am around. I know that this light has changed lives and influenced others for good. I know that every single one of us is born with this light, and I know that if we choose the right the light grows and grows. However if we do not choose the right the light diminishes. I want to encourage each of you reading this to let that light grow each and every day. This light will grow by the small and simple things. The gospel really isn't that complicated, so allow it change you and allow the light to grow. I know your example and light will bless the lives of many. Never give up, and remember always that The Lord loves you and that YOU are a child of a King!

In the Name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

These links will contain more information regarding Light
Link one
Link two

If you have any questions: please email them to me at dancer.techie@gmail.com and I will do my very best to answer them!

Valentines Day is Coming...

Love one another.

As the title of this post reminds us: Valentines Day is approaching quickly!! In preparation for this day: I wanted to share a short message with you about what matters most. It's not the candy, the stuffed animals, the cards, the chocolate, the flowers etc. (I'm not saying these things are bad- they aren't. They can just very easily distract from what is most important.) I dare say: It's about the memories and those who you make those memories with. (And not just for Valentines day, but every day of the year.) I want to share this short video with you. It is called: "What Matters Most"

I just want to bear my testimony that I know that it's not always easy to show your love and appreciation for others: but may I say- Don't over think it. Write a short note, give a hug, be available, etc. Smalls things make all the difference. Ask yourself: "In 20 years when I look back at who I was today, will I smile or regret that I wasn't there when it was most important for me to be?" I want you to know that being there can make all the difference. I understand we are busy people, but I guarantee that you want to be there, or you will regret it later. Ask your Father In Heaven for help to know how to be there and show your love and appreciation in small simple ways* that could change someone's day. Ask for help to be that person someone needs today. Then: you must listen to the spirit and follow the whispers of His still, small voice. That's the tricky part. Asking is easy, but we must learn to listen after we ask. It's a process, but it's a major blessing once we can learn how to be better at listening to the voice of The Lord.

I know these things are true and they will bless your life.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha
*Alma 37:6 "Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise." (Found in the Book Of Mormon)

Not quite sure why

You can endure all things.

"I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it." -Jesus Christ
 I know that sometimes we are in so much confusion and hurt from our situations that all we can say in our humble prayers to our Lord is "Hope you know I'm having a hard time." We all go through trials and heartache in our lives. We have all experienced that feeling and question of "Why me?" But I am here to testify to you that He loves you and you are not alone.
Please watch this video: Hope ya know

I just want to add my testimony to that of Elder Quentin L Cook's: that I know He lives. I know He loves you. I know that we can endure hard things because of the enabling power of the atonement. I know you are not alone. Cry unto Him for help. He hears you. He will never leave you comfortless and alone. He will always provide a way. These things I know.
In His Holy name,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

*to watch the whole talk from Quentin L Cook click here