Being A Light To The Nations Can Be Simple

Shine :)

In The LDS Church, you always here the phrase: "Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard to the nations." (Doctrine and Covenants section 115 verse 5) or "Let your light so shine before men that they might see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." (Matt. 5:16) What do these phrases mean? What light? How do I shine? Have you ever wondered these things? Well today I want to share with you my testimony about these things and I want to share a Mormon Message with you as well.

Let's start with the question: "What light are these phrases talking about?" The light mentioned in these phrases (or verses) is not a physical light like a flash light or a light in the ceiling. The light mentioned here is a spiritual light; The Light Of Christ. Now you may ask: "What is the Light Of Christ?" lds.org tells us "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. 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." To me the Light of Christ is a way of having Christlike attributes.* To read more about the Light of Christ Click here.

The next question that you are probably asking is: "How can I be a light or how can I share/shine my light?" First you need to know that every single person has the Light of Christ. We are all born with it. Some people just show it more than others. Some people don't know they have the Light of Christ so they don't know how to share it. I want to share with you a story of a young man who figured out how he could make a difference and how he could share the Light of Christ. Click here to watch the video about Brandon.
Now, you don't need to go to a third world country to share the Light of Christ: but you can serve others. I believe that is one of the biggest ways we can share and shine our Light from Christ. When you are serving others you are doing what Christ has asked you to do and you are doing physically what Christ cannot do, that you must do for Him. Christ sends His spirit to whisper to you promptings of how to help His people and you must act. Christ cannot make you do anything: you must choose to follow His guidance. When you choose to follow Christ and be an example and help His people, you are sharing His light.

The final question: "What do these phrases/verses mean? or How can I apply them to my life?"
I believe that these verses can be applied to our lives quite easily. All we have to do is live them. By this I mean: recognize that you are a son/daughter of our Living Father in Heaven and He sent His Son Jesus Christ to live and die for you. Recognize His Light in your life; realize you have that light inside of you and you can share it too. Then "Get on your feet and work." Share the gospel and serve those around you. It is really very simple to serve. Service doesn't always have to be some great big project. Service can be all the little things. A simple smile, a simple wave, simply picking up a friend from school and driving them home, simply listening to someone talk about their hard day, etc. These are acts of service too and they will help you shine your light as well. And in the end: all the little things that you do to serve others add up to all the big things. Some of those little things will be the things that people never forget about you; they will be the things that people will always appreciate.

In closing I want to share a short video about how a young girl shared the Light she was given and how it changed someone's life. I really look up to this young girl, and although I do not know her personally: she is an example to me of something I want to become. All because she shared her light, and in a very simple way. Click here to watch.

I just want to say I know that The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints is true. I know that with all my heart, I love it with all my heart and that is why I try to share the Light Of Christ that I have been blessed with. That is why I have this blog, that is why I read my scriptures, that is why I talk to my friends about the gospel. I know it is true and I know the happiness it brings me is eternal happiness and it is happiness that cannot be found any other place and that is why I want to share it with you every week. I want you to have it too. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you with all their heart and want you to be happy. Let the truthfulness of the gospel bless your lives forever like it has mine.

In the Name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

*Christlike attributes: I just love this short video and if you are wondering what some attributes of Christ are this video answers that question. Watch here.

You Never Know The Impact You Have

You never know the impact you have. 

Spend your time in service to others doing the Lord's work.

Today I just want to share something that ties into what I shared 2 weeks ago entitled: "Parent to Child Relationships". I don't think this video was available when I shared that message so I want to share it now. Although this video is specifically about a mom and her children I believe it can relate to all of us. This message tells us that "we often do not see the affects of our work and how they bless the lives of those around us." This can often be discouraging and make us feel useless and like no one really cares: when in fact they do care, and they care a lot. You may never know the impact your example has on others and how much they may look up to you. Sometimes it takes the eyes of an "outsider" to our problems to help us see the good we did that day. Listen and accept their compliments/comments because you are doing good.

This video is based off a talk for the women of the church, however I know that it can be for everyone because I know that at times we all feel this way. Like no one cares or notices all we do. I promise you that your efforts are recognized and very much appreciated. Do not give up. Do not quit doing the work you do for others. You may never know how much they appreciate and need you, but Heavenly Father sees that work you do for others and He will bless you immensely for it.

I just want to say to anyone who thinks all they do is a waste and no one cares: You matter. I care. You are amazing and I know that you are working hard. We just happen to live in a time where people are less thankful and less willing to express their thanks out loud. I want to say thank you however. I want you to know that I am thankful for your example and hope that I can be an example too. To parents especially who feel that between work, callings, family, etc. there is no time to do all you need to do everyday: remember to make God your priority and He will make sure that the things that need to get done every day get done. This may not be what you think needs done, but it is what Heavenly Father needs done to help His children. Follow the promptings of the spirit and you will be able to continue to do great things. Thank you to everyone who does anything to help others. You are making the world a better place.

I just want to close with the video: "You Never Know" Click here to watch.

"Many of you think you are failures. You feel you cannot do well, that with all of your effort it is not sufficient. We all worry about our performance. We all wish we could do better. But unfortunately we do not realize, we do not often see the results that come of what we do. You never know how much good you do." -President Gordon B. Hinckley (Oct. 2003- Excerpts from: To The Women Of the Church)*

In The Name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

*This talk is amazing and if you want to read the whole thing: Click here.

God Loves Broken Things

Give God your Broken things. He will make them beautiful.

Today I wanted to share a short sweet message, with a song. Today I want to testify that being "broken" is not a bad thing, in fact it means you're are strong and beautiful. God uses broken things to teach us lessons, and to make little things glorious. Us being broken is sort of like God's way to help us become glorious like Him. It is His way of allowing us to come unto Him.
 The lyrics to "Broken" by Kenneth Cope are as follows:

"Broken clouds give rain
Broken soil grows grain
Broken bread feeds man for one more day
Broken storms yield light
The break of day heals night
Broken pride turns blindness into sight

Broken souls that need His mending
Broken hearts for offering
Could it be that God loves broken things?

Broken chains set free
Broken swords bring peace
Broken walls make friends of you and me
To break the ranks of sin
To break the news of Him
To put on Christ till His name feels broken in

Broken souls that need His mending
Broken hearts for offering
I believe that God loves broken things

And yet our broken faith, our broken promises
Sent love to the cross
And still, that broken flesh, that broken heart of His
Offers us such grace and mercy
Covers us with love undeserving

This broken soul that cries for mending
This broken heart for offering
I'm convinced that God loves broken me

Praise His name, my God loves broken things."

I just want to testify that God does in fact love "broken" things. I know that if we can come to realize that we are broken without Him, He will mend our hearts so we are no longer broken. I know that we all suffer from breaks. I know that no matter what the break is, no matter how big or small: our Savior can mend our broken, and through our broken moments we can learn and become more like Christ. There is nothing wrong with being broken. There are two talks I want to share. Both from Jeffery R. Holland (Quorum of the 12 Apostles). The first: "Like a Broken Vessel" and the second: "Broken things to mend. You can either read or listen to these talks.* Being broken can bring to pass beautiful, wonderful things. Heavenly Father still loves you with all His heart. Don't give up. I know that these words are true.

In the Name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha

*Like a Broken Vessel: Click here (This is the "highlight" version-listen to the whole thing by clicking on the link under the video.)
*Broken Things To Mend: Click here

Parent to Child Relationships

TIME: our family relationships take TIME.

Today I am going to share some thoughts I had today while I was in a combined meeting at church today. I am going to do this a little differently than I have before. Today I am going to do bullet points and then elaborate on them individually rather than do paragraphs. I am hoping that this way I will be able to more clearly let you see my thoughts and it will be less confusing.

TOPIC: FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS-with focus on Parent to Children

• #1: PARENTS AND CHILDREN: TEAM! Our families are our team. There is so "I" in team. In order to work together and build strong healthy relationships we need to work together. You cannot do this alone, everyone (I repeat) EVERYONE must do their part and be involved. As with any team: if you work hard together, you win together. If even just one person isn't doing their part: the whole thing falls apart: there is no way to win when everyone doesn't do their part and work together.
• #2: PARENTS: Do you ask your children what you can do better as their Mom/Dad? Do they realize that being a family is a TEAM effort? Parents and children need to remember that there was no "guidebook" handed out for being a perfect parent. Raising a family is new to you (as the parent) and you are learning just as the children are learning. As the parent, take time to ask your children what they think you can do better and let them know what they can do better. This will help build trust, and help your children realize that you're not trying to be "over-authoritative" when they are punished, but you are trying to help them learn and grow too. Explain that you are trying to learn as you go because you as a parent have never done this before so you will make mistakes too.  
• #3: CHILDREN: remember your parents love you with all their hearts. They need you to come to them with problems because no matter what you think: your parents cannot read your mind. Learn to trust your parents. They are not the "bad guy." Remember they are learning and will make mistakes: be willing to forgive them. Your parents are your biggest fans and they want to be there: let them. 
• #4: PARENTS AND CHILDREN: Are you really listening? Children, when your parents are trying to teach you, listen to them. They really do know what they are talking about: trust them. Parents, when your children come to talk to you, do you listen? Do you realize how valuable that moment is? When your children come to you: you need to learn to drop what you are doing and listen. I understand that there is a lot to be done and there is never enough time to get it all done, but do all those things really matter when your child comes to you willing to talk? That is a precious moment and I plead with you to take advantage of that. Put the electronics down, turn off the TV, ignore the ringing cell phone: your child needs you right now. Listen. Give them your complete and full attention. (This will also teach them to listen to you.) And listen completely before trying to answer their questions and help them. And Fathers especially: look at your child as a person to be loved, never a problem to be solved. 
• #5: PARENTS: Hold meetings with your children. I know this sounds silly, but do it! Try for at least once a month, or more if you feel you can do it and need it. This will build trust in both parent and child. This will help you learn to talk more openly, and more willingly with one another. This will give you an opportunity as a parent to ask your child about school, friends, dating (if they are of age), worries, fears, problems, stresses, projects, extra-curricular activities, wants, needs, dreams, hopes, etc. This will help you to understand your child individually and your child will be able to understand you too. Now don't make this a burden for your children. Make it something they look forward too. Let it be an enjoyable and a trust building time. Do not over react when your child opens up to you and tells you something that may be upsetting. This is their time to talk to you: let them talk and really listen. Help them reach a solution. Never get angry and yell as this will cause your child to not open up to you, and not trust you with "secrets" of theirs.
• #6: PARENTS AND CHILDREN: What is your priority and how are you letting others know what it is? What do you care most about? Hobbies? Work? Extended family? Friends? Social Life? Church Callings? Or do you care most about the eternal salvation of your own family and the relationships you hold there? Brothers and Sisters I beg you to evaluate your own life and see where your priories lie. Do they lie in the cares of the world? Or do they lie within the bonds of your own home and the gospel? I plead that if you see your life is over-run with things of the world and you are in need of some "Priority" family time, to make that change as quickly as you can in your life. There is no other relationship that is of more value than that of the bonds within your own home. Where do your priorities lay and do your family and friends know where they lay so they can respect them and help you strengthen them?
• #7: PARENTS AND CHILDREN: How do others around you know what is most important to you? If you say your family is the most important thing in your life, but you spend all your time with your friends and you are never spending time with your family, or you only spend time with your family after much arguing and you are only doing so grudgingly: Is your family really your priority? Or if you come home from work or school and then you spend all your time on your phone, laptop, or gaming devices and you ignore everything around you; is your family really your priority? How are you showing others what's of most value to you?
• #8: PARENTS AND CHILDREN: "Mother, Father: Are you there? Grandma, Grandpa: are You there?" Children, are you letting them be there? To sum this up: watch this sweet video entitled: Parenting: Touching The Hearts of Our Youth from Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles. 

I just want to say that I know this church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is true. I know it. I know that families are the most important thing in our church, of which The Plan Of Happiness is based off of. I know that these things which I have shared today are true and if we apply them in our lives we will be able to have stronger relationships within our families: relationships that Satan can never tear apart. Home will become our Heaven and our harbor from the storm. I know it. 

In Jesus Christ Glorious Name, 

Amen

Love,

Samantha 

Simple Expressions of Love

You can be the Instrument that Heavenly Father needs. Express your love so others can see God's love more clearly.

Today I just wanted to share a short message about expressing your love for others. As I was looking over some stuff I thought I wanted to share with you all I stumbled across this short message from General Conference in April 2011. The message was given by Richard G. Scott (from the Quorum of the 12 Apostles.) I decided I would watch the video to see what it was about. After watching the video I felt like I should change my topic I was going to write about today and share this new topic. So here I am! I wanted to share my thoughts about this subject, The LDS Church's thoughts on this topic, along with the video I came across, and lastly I want to share with you my testimony.

Love, what is love? The dictionary says that love is "a profound tender, passionate affection for another person. A feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend." The Bible dictionary says that love is "Love is a feeling of deep devotion, concern, and affection. The greatest example of God's love for His children is found in the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ. Love for God and fellow men is a characteristic of disciples of Jesus Christ.We manifest our love for Heavenly Father by keeping His commandments and serving His children. Our expressions of love for others may include being kind to them, listening to them, mourning with them, comforting them, serving them, praying for them, sharing the gospel with them, and being their friend. Our love for those around us increases when we remember that we are all children of God—that we are spirit brothers and sisters. The love that results from this realization has the power to transcend all boundaries of nation, creed, and color."

Notice the part that I highlighted. I highlighted this part because that is what I want to focus on today; How we can show (express) our love towards others. This leads me to the video I came across today. This video is entitled: "Simple Expressions of Love" Click here to watch. In this video Richard G. Scott shares his experience with expressing his love in simple terms. He tells how these simply expressed words and actions of love are ones he will never forget and how much it meant to his wife when she received them from him. (And also how much it meant to him to receive these little things from her.)

I loved watching this video so much that I clicked on the link at the bottom of the page to read the rest of his talk. (Which is entitled: "The Eternal Blessings of Marriage") I highly suggest you read the whole talk as well. It touched my heart and I know it will touch yours too. Click here to watch/listen to the whole talk.

As stated earlier love can be towards a parent, child, or friend. To me that means love can be to anyone! Since we are all brothers and sisters in the gospel. The section from the Bible Dictionary that reads "Our expressions of love for others may include being kind to them, listening to them, mourning with them, comforting them, serving them, praying for them, sharing the gospel with them, and being their friend." along with the video that I just shared: go hand in hand. Both talk about ways we can express our love for everyone. Whether we are "being kind", or "slipping notes to them in their books" we can always express our love towards others. Expressing our love towards others doesn't have to be a great big huge thing. In fact, I think that all the little things put together make up the big things.

To finish up, I want to challenge and encourage each of you to find a way to express your love to those around you this week. Find someone who is having a hard time and let them know you love them and are thinking about them. Let them know that you are their friend and you will be there for them. You can choose more than one "somebody" if you think you need too: but really pray and think about this. Find that person(s) who need you right now. Leave them a note on their bed or in their locker. Make them a treat, make their bed for them, say hi to them in the store or hall at school, pray for them. No matter what you decide to do: Let them know you love them. It's the little things that count.

I know that it's not a matter of "snapping our fingers" to figure out who we need to help and how but I know that if we pray and ponder about it: Heavenly Father will lead us to the right person, and He will inspire us to do the right thing. We will be able to be the Instrument the Lord needs us to be. We will be able to be an answer to someone's prayer. And even though you may not see the effects of your "expression of love", I promise you: you are making a difference and it will be greatly appreciated and remembered. It is the little things that change lives. Follow the promptings of the Spirit and do what the Lord needs you to do this week. I know this will bless your life and the life (or lives) of those you help and express love and gratitude to this week. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints is true. I know that Heavenly Father loves each of us and with His help: we can help those around us feel of the love He has for each of us by expressing love to them.

In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

Love,
Samantha 

Trusting Heavenly Father

He Knows Me Better 

Today I wanted to share something that has been very profound to me lately. I wanted to share the sweet message of trusting in The Lord especially in the hardest times.

Right now I am going through a hard time in my life and things aren't going the way I had originally wanted or planned them too. Some nights I just want to quit trying because it seems as if my efforts are useless and worthless to those around me. I pray for things to go the way I want them too, and then they don't. This really frustrates me but I trust Heavenly Father knows what I need more and He knows better than I do.

There is a song called: "He knows me better" that I love dearly. (Click here to listen) It talks about how Heavenly Father knows our wants and needs better than we know them. He knows us better than we know ourselves. It reminded me that even though I may want (or think I need) something right now, sometimes that is not what I need according to The Lord. This song brings peace and comfort to me. “In a world of voices that say they have answers; I escape the noises, close my eyes and I turn to the one who sees all the pieces put together. He knows me better.” “He helps me see the depth of my purpose.” “His Love is the compass that guides us home.” These words touch my heart and help me to remember that He truly does know me better, and He will guide me to the place that is best for me. 

Sometimes people make fun of us because they do not understand things we do or why we do them. This is because they do not know our plan and purpose here on this earth. Although it is not their place to judge and laugh at us: this is a challenge that we must learn to love and deal with and trust that Heavenly Father will continue to watch  us and guide us to where we need to be. We need to love these people anyway and trust that in days to come it will be better and Heavenly Father will lead us to do and say what He needs us to do. 

I know that it is not easy to follow the Lord's plan and be happy about it 100% of the time. However I do know that it will be worth it. I cannot say I am perfect and I cannot say I have all the answers because I do not. But I do trust that if I am patient and trust The Lord with all my heart that He will lead and guide me to where I need to be and He will help me be the young woman He needs me to become. I know it is hard, and I am not going to say it isn't because I am in the middle of some things where all I can do is my very best and then trust in The Lord to take care of the rest for me. All I can do is trust Him. And I know it's not easy. But I do know that in the end it will all be okay, and it will all be worth it.

I know this is true and if we trust Heavenly Father, especially when it's not easy to trust and we feel all alone and like no one cares: He will bless us and it will be worth it. I know it.

In the name of Jesus Christ, 

Amen

Love,

Samantha 

A Reminder of His Love

"The Stickers only stick if you let them" 

*I know the message I am sharing today is like one I have shared before, and I will talk about a song I have shared, and a story book I have shared, but I feel I need to share this experience at this time.*

Today I want to share something that happened to me yesterday night. First, you should know how I have been feeling about school starting. Normally I am fine with school starting and I look forward to another year of learning, but for some reason this year that is not the case. (Which is weird to me because I am going to be a Senior and I expected to be so excited.) This year I have been feeling very overwhelmed with the idea of school, feeling very inadequate for things to come this year, and feeling very worried about my last year of high school. I am unsure as to why I am feeling this way about school this year of all years. None the less I have been worried and so I have been praying a lot for comfort and guidance to know what to do and how to make friends. I have been feeling so alone in the friend category, and so lost. I feel as if I have no where to turn a lot of the time. I have had many of long nights thinking about why this is and why I am not surrounded by friends like most kids my age. I kept wondering if something was wrong with me, and that was why people didn't want to be my friend. Well this brings me to last night and my experience.

Last night, I was talking with my dad and helping him prepare for a talk he was asked to give today in Sacrament meeting. He was looking for a story, like a fairy tale, to share. I was helping him brainstorm and find stories, when suddenly a story popped into my head. I couldn't remember the name of the story, but I knew what it was about and what the book looked like so I ran down to our library and started looking. I found it rather quick and started flipping through the pages. As I looked through the pages I found writing on the front title page. It said: it was for me from my Young Women's leaders for our Christmas present a few years ago. I had forgotten that they all had written me a message in the book so I took the time to read them quickly. I was reminded that the book was about how even though we are all different we all special in our own unique way, and how important it is that we don't let what others think of us make us feel better or worse than others. I decided to read the book. This is what I read from "You are Special" by: Max Lucado*  (Click here to read )

The words: "All that matters is what I think. And I think you are pretty special." Even when Punchinello asked "Me, special? Why? I can't walk fast, I can't jump. My paint is peeling. Why do I matter to you?" Eli still replied "Because you're mine. That's why you matter to me." Then a few paragraphs later Eli says "Remember, you are special because I made you. And I don't make mistakes."
These are the words that touched my heart. As I read these words tears were brought to my eyes. I was reminded that just as Eli made Punchinello, Heavenly Father made me. And even though I am far from perfect, and I have many "dots" I need not worry because the "dots" from others judgement means nothing to my Heavenly Father and they don't need to mean anything to me either; they don't have to "stick." That even though I am not the best athlete or the star student, or the most popular kid, or the kid with the nicest car and most money, I am still special. That just as Eli knows Punchinello is special because he made him, Heavenly Father knows I am special because He made me. And Heavenly Father doesn't make mistakes.

This process of thought kept me thinking as I walked down to my room. As I walked I thought of a scripture that I turn to in my hard times. -Why this scripture didn't come to me earlier I don't know.- The scripture I thought of was: 2 Timothy chapter 1 verse 7. This reads: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."  I thought to myself: "I don't need to be scared to go back to school because Heavenly Father will be there with me the whole way. Through my friend problems, through the hardships of high school, through the hard work and homework, He will be there through it all. He will bless me with love for others, and with a sound mind. I will be able to do hard things."

When I walked into my room I saw the lyrics of "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" hanging on my wall. I started to sing the song to myself. As I sang 2 verses stood out to me. (Click here to listen to the song. )
Verse 2:

"He lives to grant me rich supply.

He lives to guide me with his eye.

He lives to comfort me when faint.

He lives to hear my soul's complaint.

He lives to silence all my fears.

He lives to wipe away my tears.

He lives to calm my troubled heart.

He lives all blessings to impart."

And Verse 4:

"He lives! All glory to his name!

He lives, my Savior, still the same.

Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:

"I know that my Redeemer lives!"

He lives! All glory to his name!

He lives, my Savior, still the same.

Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:

"I know that my Redeemer lives!"

Verse 2 really hit me hard. The words: "He lives to silence all my fears, He lives to wipe away my tears, He lives to calm my troubled heart, He lives all blessings to impart" are exactly what I needed to hear. He lives, and He lives to be my best friend, to wipe away my tears, take away my fears, bless me with comfort when I am scared, calm my troubled heart, and He lives to save me. He will not leave me. He knows that I cannot do it alone, and as soon as I recognized that I can't and don't have to do it alone; that is when He let me know that He was listening to my prayers, and He has not forgotten me. But rather He was waiting for me to truly come unto Him and do my part to find an answer rather than sit and wait for a miracle. He reminded me that He will answer my prayers in His time. And if I trust in Him: everything will be okay. It is only when I recognize that He is the Father and I am the child that I will truly find answers to my prayers. 

I know that Heavenly Father has a time table for each of us and it may not be what we think our time table is. As I have said many times before: we see in terms of today and tomorrow, Heavenly Father sees in terms of Forever and all Eternity. He knows what and when is the best time, we do not. We must recognize Him as the Father and us as His Children if we are to truly learn and become like Him. We must remember that He loves us and He knows what He is doing. We MUST remember that what others think of us does not matter. All that matters is what Heavenly Father thinks of us. We do not need to walk around with "dots" holding us down. If we remember that what others think is nothing compared to the Love God has for us the "stickers won't stick." We are Sons and Daughters of a loving and eternal Father in Heaven and He doesn't want us to judge others, and He doesn't want the judgement of others to hold us down. He wants to remember ALWAYS that we are His literal children and He loves us infinitely. I know this is true. I pray that as you go to school this year that you don't hand out "dots" and that you don't let "stickers ("good" or bad) stick". I pray you remember WHO you are and WHOSE you are. 

In the name of Jesus Christ, 

Amen 

Love, 

Samantha   

*I do not own the rights to this book, all rights are Max Lucado's.