Thinking About Christ

You need the Atonement every single day. 

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

This week I have been thinking a lot about the gift of The Atonement and all the many blessings it brings into my life. Between discussions with my friends and family, this topic has been on my mind a lot more than usual. Although- the Atonement should be on our minds every single day, as we need to use its power, healing, and cleansing every single day of our lives.

Today as I was looking for things to share, I found a video that I want to share with you today. While the video is playing I want you to think about your life and how you too need to use the Atonement every day of your life in order to be ready at all times to do The Lord's work. Click here to watch.

I just want to bear my testimony that I know that the power of The Atonement is real and that it works every single day in our lives if we allow the power to work inside us. I know that there is nothing too deep for the power of the Atonement to reach and clean. I know that Christ felt every pain and sorrow we have ever felt. We will never be alone because of Him and His infinite sacrifice for us. I just want to challenge you to think about your life every single day and to use the power of the Atonement to be made clean and ready to be in the presence of our Savior. I know these things are true, I have experienced the power of The Atonement in my own life and I know it's real. I want to bear witness of these things in the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

Some Experiences This Week

He will guide your paths- trust Him and listen to His voice.

Dear Family and Friends,

I want to start off with a video entitled: Trusting In The Lord

I wanted to share this video because this week- I had to learn to trust The Lord. My faith was tested, and strengthened as I was reminded that The Lord has a better plan for us than we have for ourselves.

This week was a crazy one. It was the first official week of summer for me. I had been looking for a job starting in early May, so that I could start work on June 1 (Monday). I had a job that was looking promising, but I still hadn't heard back from them, so on Monday I decided to go in and talk to them and see what was going on. I was told that I was not what they were looking for and that they would call me in 2 weeks to see if anything had changed. I really wanted this job- it seemed it was everything I was looking for, so feeling disappointed and heartbroken I walked out to my car trying not to cry. Thinking to myself the whole way home: "Heavenly Father, I really wanted this job. I loved everything about it. Why was I not good enough? I really need to start a job today. Now I'm back at square one. I don't know what to do anymore."  

When I got home, my mom suggested that I call around and see who was hiring in the field I was looking for. Not really in the mood to be let down again I put it off till that night. All the places I had wanted a job weren't hiring and I didn't want to work somewhere I knew wouldn't be a good experience. My sweet mom could see that I was feeling like I could never get a job. I had already been let down by a lot of places I wanted to work and I was done trying. So instead of waiting for me to come around, she tried to help me come around by helping me search online to find places near by that I could call and ask if they were hiring. Finally, at 6 o'clock at night, my mom found a place for me to call, and luckily they were still in the office. The sweet lady who answered the phone set up an appointment with me to have an interview the next morning! Feeling excited, but nervous I went and got my resume ready, and chose out my outfit for the interview. I also decided to learn as much as I could about the facility that I was interviewing at. The more I learned the more excited I got; this place seemed even better than the place I thought I was going to work at earlier that day! I was ready for this interview.

The next morning I got up, got ready and was about to depart for my interview, when suddenly I remembered I hadn't said my prayers or read my scriptures. Feeling like I could say a quick prayer and read later, I knelt down by my bed and asked Heavenly Father for help with this interview, and asked Him to please help me get this job. As I closed my prayer, I felt an overwhelming urge to read my scriptures. Looking at my clock I decided I had just a few minutes. Quickly I sat at my desk, and flipped open my Book Of Mormon to a random page. I scanned the page, and felt like I needed to go back a few pages, so I flipped backwards, and saw a page with some markings. Stopping to read what was written I came across a verse in 2 Nephi Chapter 4. Verses 20-24 which read:

20 My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.

 21 He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh.

 22 He hath confounded mine enemies, unto the causing of them to quake before me.

 23 Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me knowledge by visions in the night-time.

 24 And by day have I waxed bold in mighty prayer before him; yea, my voice have I sent up on high; and angels came down and ministered unto me.

Then my eyes skipped down the next marked verses. (34-35)

 34 O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.

 35 Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen.

These verses touched my heart and I felt very impressed that "God had supported me thus far, He wasn't going to abandon me now if I would put my trust in Him." Kneeling down again I prayed to Heavenly Father giving thanks for this reminder, for my scriptures and the way that they bring me answers. Giving thanks for Him and for the Gospel. Then I told Heavenly Father that I trusted Him. That if this was job I needed to have that I would be able to get it, and that if not- I would be okay. That I trusted Him to guide me to where I needed to be in His own time. Feeling peace in my heart and body I closed the prayer and stood up to go to my interview. I felt renewed and I felt confident. I could do this because I knew Heavenly Father knew what was best and He has power to do all things. I wasn't doing this alone.

About an hour later my prayers were answered as the lady interviewing me told me she had a really good feeling about me and hired me on the spot. She even started me working the very next day. Feeling over joyed as I walked to my car, I started to cry tears of gratefulness. As I sat in the drivers seat of my car I bowed my head and I gave thanks. I know it is because of Him that everything happened the way it did.

I just want to say to any of you who may be struggling in anyway: Trust in Heavenly Father. He loves you more than you know and once you trust Him: He will take you to unbelievable new heights in His own due time. And His timing is perfect, so don't be worried when things don't happen immediately. Trusting in the Lord means trusting in His timing too. I promise you that no matter how long you have to wait- no matter where the path leads that God takes you on: if you are with Him it is the right path and it will lead to eternal happiness.

I just want to close with my testimony that I know that God lives, and He knows each of us personally. He loves us with an unconditional love and He will guide us if we just put our trust in Him. We are never alone. Because of Him, anything is possible. I know that the scriptures are true, and if we read and study them we will find answers to our prayers. We will be able to find peace. I know that if we put God first, everything will fall into place or fall out of our lives. I am so thankful for the Gospel and the knowledge of the Atonement and it's ennobling power to do all things- and that because of the Atonement: I will never be alone.

I bear witness of these things,
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love.
Samantha

Graduation... What Now?!

Who are you becoming? 

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As many of you are aware, this is the time of year that graduation is taking place in high schools. This is a time of change and realization for a lot of 18 year olds around the world. It's a fun and a scary time. I too, graduated this past week- and I will be the first to admit that it has been quite the journey and it is really quite a realization time for me. Along with graduating, it is a time for us to find out who we really are- without our parents to tell us what to do, where to be, and when to be there. This time is all about us- being us: on our own. It is quite a strange feeling knowing I am responsible for me now. I find myself asking: "Who am I really when I'm alone?" And I came across this video: God Knows You

I am never alone. God knows me, and He is with me. Am I with Him? He sees my potential and who I am destined to become. Am I going to do all I can to become that person? I want to challenge you, newly graduate or not, to look at your life and see if you are doing all you can do to be who God sees you can become. See what you need to change in your life, and go out and work to change that. Become who He knows you can be. Now that I am responsible for me- I need to try harder to stay on the right path because I won't have my parents to tell me. Remember He loves you and He knows you personally! Never give up! :)

Love,
Samantha

Give Thanks Often

How is your attitude? 

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

This week I just wanted to share a quick thought about thanks. I have been reflecting a lot about my life and how far I have come already, and how far I yet have to travel in this life. I have been writing many letters of thanks to those who have played a major role in me getting to where I am today. I have been praying in earnest thanks for the many blessings I have thus far received and for all the help and angels I have been sent in this life. As I have been pondering all this, I wanted to challenge each of you reading this to stop and think about all the blessings you have. I want to challenge you to count your many blessings and to vocally give thanks for them. Weather it be in prayer or in a simple letter to a loved one: go and give thanks today. We are such a blessed people and we live in such an amazing time with so many opportunities. We need to open our eyes to see and our ears to hear. We need to be thankful for what we do have, and we need to learn to give. I know that Heavenly Father is pleased with us when we do these things. Thomas S Monson once said: "Ours is the responsibility to show our gratitude by the actions of our lives." So I ask you- how are you showing Heavenly Father every day, that you are thankful for His plan and this life He has blessed you with? Do you give thanks to Him daily? If not- I challenge you to do this. It will bless your life in so many ways, and you will see His hand in your life more easily. I know He loves each of us. Of this I testify. 

In the name of Jesus Christ, 

Amen 

Love, 

Samantha 

A Service Reality Check

SERVE! :) 

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today I had the opportunity to speak in church because I am graduating from Seminary in a few weeks. I shared about an experience I had in seminary of a lesson that touched my heart. The lesson was about serving others and never suppressing a generous thought. What I took from this lesson is this: If we ever feel that we should do something for someone else- no matter how "silly" it may be: we need to do it! Life is all about service: so let's go out and serve!
In Doctrine and Covenants section 136 verses 32-33 it reads: "Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he may hear; For my Spirit is sent forth into the world to enlighten the humble and contrite.." This scripture, to me, means that if we humble ourselves enough to ask God for guidance to help others: He will truly send His spirit upon you to enlighten your mind and heart and guide you to help others. When we ask, we must be willing to ACT when He sends us the opportunity we prayed for. We must have faith and confidence- even if we feel silly at first. Service is always a little awkward at first, but after we learn that it's not about us- it's about the people we are serving: it becomes an act full of love for those around us, and we become more like Christ.

I want to share a video with you about a group of men who chose to put their needs behind them- even though it was difficult and felt more like a burden at first, they serve this woman in their neighborhood every single day in a way that she desperately needs. This video has special meaning to me because I am a Nursing Assistant, and I understand the struggle that these men face. They are helping a woman with things she cannot do for herself. Every night it is a long and sometimes painstaking process to help her. Being a nurse I totally understand what these men are feeling, because I have to do this type of thing daily when I am at work- and yes: I complain quite frequently about these tasks. After watching these men, hearing their testimonies and seeing the joy it brings this woman: I was taken back and truly humbled. These men do my job every single night for this woman, with zero pay, and they love her. I get paid to do this job at my work and I complain. I am not taking this opportunity to see the beauty of my job. It is a very hard work, and it takes a special spirit to do it, and love it- one that I truly need to work harder on, and after watching this video: I am going too. Hopefully this video will help you see others through the eyes of God too. Click here to watch "Lift."

In closing I just want to say that I love the Gospel. I am so thankful for the opportunities that I have been blessed with to serve my fellow men and women and I hope that as I strive to be more like Christ, that I can truly take advantage of the opportunities I have right in front me, weather at work, home, school. or play. I hope that you too can take time and give your time and your heart to God to serve others and do His work. I know it will change your life. Join with me in doing a "generous thought" every single day! Even if it's just a small note for a neighbor/friend letting them know that you appreciate them. NEVER SUPPRESS A GENEROUS THOUGHT! You never know who's life you will change and bless. Heavenly Father will guide you if you ask Him. Trust Him, and follow Him. Always remember that He loves you!

In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

Today Is Short

My mom is my best friend :) 

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today I just wanted to be short so that you can all go spend time with your fabulous moms for mothers day! I just wanted to share a short message. This week I wanted to share with you that I know that Mother's are amazing. To be a mother requires a lot of effort, well I guess all your effort- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for eternity! There are no breaks, no "time outs," no rest periods, no pay, no sick days, no holidays, etc. It is always and forever your job. You must be able to cook, teach, be a nurse, a councilor, a best friend, a listener, a discipliner, a referee, a chaperone, and much more all at the same time! And you have to do this no matter how you feel. If your sick, if your hurt, it doesn't matter- you never cease being mom. This is why Heavenly Father endows mothers with a special and loving talent and compassion for their families and children. And that is why: I love my mom. She never ever quits. I know that it's not easy and that we, her children, can be pains a lot of the time, but she loves us. She loves us when she's happy, when she's mad, when we are dumb, when we mess up, she loves us unconditionally and forever. I know she will always be there and I know that no matter what: she will always be my mom- and she won't just say she's my mom: she shows me every single day in all her actions and things she does for me and our family. Every one that comes into our home can feel the love she has for us and they see and partake of all the hard work, the years of sacrifice and love and endurance in the walls of our home. My mom is my dad's best friend- no matter what he does. She supports him in all his crazy hobbies, she takes him food at work, she makes sure he gets things done, she helps him in his callings, she does everything for him too. My mom is always so busy doing things for others that I don't know when she does things for herself- in fact I know there are many days where she goes to bed not having "checked off" her list for the day because she was too busy helping us get our lists checked off. We are her priority and we know that because she shows and loves us always. I don't know how else to express my love and appreciation for my wonderful mom other than to say: Mom, I love you and if I can be half the mom you are, I will feel like super woman. You are my perfect example. You are my best friend. You are always there. You help me draw closer to Christ. I know that Heavenly Father blessed me with you as my mom for a reason. I know you are chosen for a great work and that you are special. You are my mom- and I wouldn't change that for anything. I love you mom. Thank you.

In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

ps. take time today to say thank you to your mom! :)

Mother's Day is Coming!

Moms are amazing! 

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It's already May! Where has the time gone?! With it being May- a very special holiday is approaching and approaching very quickly! MOTHERS DAY is in 1 week! (May 10) This will be my last year at home (potentially) so I have been doing all I can to think of ways to show my mom I love her. This year I want my mom to know more than anything that I love her and I am so proud to be the daughter of such an amazing woman. I cannot wait to show my mother how much I love her and show her how thankful I am for all she has done and sacrificed for me and my family. As I have been looking through some things, I found this and I wanted to share this one minute video with you! Click here to watch.

I want to challenge you to find something special and simple you can do for your mom this week. Mom's are amazing! It's more than a full time job, with no pay, no breaks/holidays, no handbook, and many many endless requirements. You have to know everything. You have to be a teacher, a nurse, a scientist, a chef, a counselor, etc. but most of all you have to be everything your kids need you to be and I've been told that sometimes that's the scariest and hardest thing of all- yet they do it, and they love it. They love us endlessly, with a perfect love like Christ- even when we are a pain. Moms all over the world are doing it, and we- the kids need to stand up and say thank you mom. For everything you do because you amaze me in every single way.

What are you going to do to show your mom how much you love and appreciate her? How will you take time for mom?

I want you to know that God's plan for us is perfect- that He knows what He's doing. Mom's are essential to His plan, and without their divine guidance and purpose, we have nothing. Moms are amazing because God made them amazing. I know this is true. I love my mom more than anything and I all I ever want is to be like my mom someday. I hope I can be half the mom she is. I love you mom.

In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha