My God Hath Been My Support

• In 2 Nephi 4, Nephi talks about his self doubt, temptations, discouragement and anger in regards to his sins.  And then he turns around and says I know in whom I have trusted. My God hath been my support. (4:19-20)  He sees his imperfections, almost drowns in all of it but rises above it bc he knows who is he, what he is worth and who stands behind him.  We are all children of God, He loves every one of us despite our imperfections and His arm is and ever will be outstretched to help us if we but turn towards Him. 
• In vs.26-29 he talks about why or why not to linger on past sins.  We shouldn't dwell upon our past bc it is not healthy nor does it matter if the Lord has forgiven persons of that matter, what matters is if we know if we have been forgiven.  It is up to the Lord to forgive who He will and up to us to forgive all.  Forgive and move forward.
• 2 Nephi 5:32 talks about what we should be writing in our journals -- things pleasing unto God.  I find it interesting that he says if people like the things of God, then they will be pleased with mine engravings.  So my grandkids should be pleased with my journals if they are things pleasing unto God.  I think it is vitally important that we have evidence that not just ancient people had faith through trials and endured to the end, but that people not too distant from us did also.  If I can read about my close relatives holding tight to the iron rod and striving to live righteous lives, I think it would be another testimony that it can be done. Perhaps my words will be what someone needs later on. 
• Tonight we had FHE on what the "Ultimate Treasure" is that Heavenly Father has for us.  I used a great site to help me with the short lesson (for younger kids) HERE.   We talked about how the Lord gave us a map to find our way to this ultimate gift -- scriptures, prophets, parents, etc.  All these things can help point us in the right direction in how to live our lives in such a way that we can obtain this great treasure -- being eternal life and living again with our Heavenly Father.  My daughter really enjoyed it and participated in the discussion (7 yrs old), my son (2 yrs old) roamed the room.  I think he was oblivious to what we were doing but he did pray with us so at least he knows what that is.  He loves to pray.  He does great with folding his arms and he can string 2-3 words at a time if we help him say the prayer.  I think right now I am really enjoying see my children grow in the gospel and make it a natural part of their lives. 

Come What May and Love It

I have a new motto. "Come what may and love it!" Two days ago our oldest Apostle, Elder Wirthlin, passed away and there was a link to his last General Conference talk in the article. He gave an amazing talk on this subject and I really felt it was written for me at this time. :-)

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-9,00.html

What stuck out to me:

The way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and
successful we can be in life.

The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable.

My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment.

And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes

the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.

“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.”2 The Lord Jesus Christ is our partner, helper, and advocate. He wants us to be happy. He wants us to be successful. If we do our part, He will step in.

Hope Grows Out of Faith

"As we put our faith and trust to work, hope is born. Hope grows out of
faith and gives meaning and purpose to all that we do. It can even give us the
peaceful assurance we need to live happily in a world that is ripe with
iniquity, calamity, and injustice."

--M. Russell Ballard, "The Joy of Hope Fulfilled", Ensign, Nov 1992, 31

As long as I can exercise my faith and trust in my Lord, in my family, and especially in myself...I can bring hope into my life...which is exactly what I need right now.