Day 157

Today I read a short article by President Monson about the powers of the Book of Mormon. I loved how he told us that that book holds the answers we need in these latter days. That's why it was brought to earth, to help us remember what we had been taught in the premortal life, and that Heavenly Father knew the challenges we would face now. That book is a reference guide, and a comfort. I have a testimony of the Book of Mormon. I love the feeling of peace that comes over me everytime I read it.

Day 156

Today I read the last part of section 10 of the Doctrine and Covenants. What the verses mainly said to me was that as long as I endure to the end and try and be faithful until the end, Heavenly Father will help me into his kingdom. I love verses like that, because not only are they full of promise, but they also tell me how Heavenly Father works. He wants us to work hard to be with him, because that is the greatest reward. He won't make our lives easy/trial free, because then we wouldn't appreciate eternal life with him if that happened. We need to experience bad things in order to appreciate good things. I feel like verses like that are everywhere in the scriptures, so it seems to me that that's what Heavenly Father really wants us to remember when we are going through hard times-they are worth it.

Day 155

Today I read the second part of section 10 in the Doctrine and Covenants. The Lord is still lecturing Joseph Smith on letting Martin Harris take those transcripts. But he makes a good point in verse 37: "But as you cannot always judge the righteous, or as you cannot always tell the wicked from the righteous, therefore I say unto you, hold your peace until I shall see fit to make all things known unto the world concerning the matter."

I really like that because it helps me remember that I do not know everything. And my impressions of people can be way off. Heavenly Father is the only one right now who knows the thoughts and intents of every person's heart. I only know a smidgen of what they are feeling. It was a good gentle reminder that I should remember to worry only about myself and bettering myself, and being better at serving others because I don't know what they are going through.

Day 154

Today I read the first part of Doctrine and Covenants section 10. This is after the transcript Martin Harris was given was lost, and the Lord caused Joseph to lose the gift of translating for a while as a result of it. But now the Lord gave him another revelation. There are a few really good verses in this section, the main one the famous "Pray always that ye may come off conquerer." That is such good advice. If we are constantly praying to our Heavenly Father in our hearts, we will constantly be trying to be in tune with him and what he wants of us, and what he wants of us is to return to him, to be the best we can be. He wants to communicate with us, and I love that I can always communicate with him!

Day 153

Today I read an article by Henry B. Eyring in memory of President Hinkley. It was written shortly after the prophet's death, and it was President Eyring rememering the faith of our beloved prophet. President Hinkley always would say "It will work out." Even when the presidency was dealing with some difficult issues, he always said "Things will work out."

Even now, a few years later, President Hinkley is still such an amazing example to me. His faith is what helped him to continue to serve and move on through life. My problems seem so little compared to the burden he had of being president over the entire church. Surely, if President Hinkley always had faith that things would work out for him and the church, then I could have faith like that as well. I'll work on that.

Day 152

Today I read Philemon chapter 1. I don't remember ever reading out of Philemon before, but it was a great chapter! I was looking for verses that had to do with communication with God, because that's still been on my mind since reading Elder Eyring's message yesterday. I found this verse in this chapter that I really liked. "6 That the ^acommunication of thy faith may become ^beffectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus."

I had to read over that verse a few times before I understood what it meant (to me). If I acknowledge every good thing in my life, I am acknowledging Christ's love for me. Because every good thing comes of God. And if I acknowledge every good thing in my life and Christ's love for me, my communication to Heavenly Father will be better, and my faith with grow because I'm seeing and thanking Him for everything he's already done for me. Remembering all the good things I have while I'm going through a hard time will help strengthen my faith, because I'll see all that I've already been blessed with, and it can help me remember that I will continue to be blessed.

Day 151

Today I read an article by President Henry B. Eyring about having courage. He talked about how having the Holy Ghost with us can help us find courage because not only does it prompt us what to do, it comforts us when we know we need to do something difficult. I loved this line from his talk: "That communication with God helps banish fear from our hearts as it builds faith and love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ."

I love how having the Holy Ghost can "banish fear". I remember hearing President Monson say once that "fear is the opposite of faith." We can't have fear and faith in our hearts at the same time. Having faith means I'll be accepting of whatever comes because I know it's according to Heavenly Father's plan.

Day 150

Today I read the first part of Ether 13. Ether prophesies of the last days and the destruction that will come to the people. The verse I really liked was 9 "And there shall be a new heaven and a new earth; and they shall be like unto the old save the old have passed away. and all things have become new."

I really like "and all things have become new". I like to think that that applies to everything and everyone. We will all become new by being resurrected, and have the opportunity to live with Heavenly Father. Sometimes it's hard for me to remember that I need to be better at focusing on bettering myself so that at the last day, I can know that becoming "new" for me will also include being able to live with Heavenly Father.

Day 149

Today I read Ether chapter 11. This chapter goes through all the wicked kings before Ether was born and grew up to become a great prophet. During this chapter other prophets are mentioned coming and testifying to the people about repenting before they are destroyed. One verse in particular talked about because the people became wicked, there were famines and pestilences and wars in their land. It reminded me of how opposite that verse is of what Heavenly Father teaches us, that if we are faithful in keeping his commandments, we will prosper in the land. That chapter to me is proof of what happens to a people when the decide they are better than Heavenly Father. Bad things begin to happen when people ignore the commandments.

Day 148

Today I read an amazing talk given by Sheri Dew when she was the General Relief Society president. She talked about the purpose and divine nature of women. It was a very empowering talk to read, and really helped me remember what is most important, and how important I am! And each of us are! We each have a mission to fulfill on earth, and I know that generally means helping the people I come in contact with. Visiting teaching is so important, it's a calling every sister can do, and it really does make a difference, even if we don't think it does!

This talk helped me remember that I am virtuous, and that I have a divine nature because I am a daughter of God. And the Spirit wants me to remember who I was before this life on earth, so that it can better prepare me to be the best I can for the eternal life to come.

Day 147

Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 9. It's the famous section about how we should ask Heavenly Father for revelation in our lives. How we need to do more than just ask, we need to "study it out in our minds".

I think a lot of people (including me) forget that sometimes. I know that prayer is the main communication to Heavenly Father, and sometimes I'm not patient enough to study things out in my mind. I want an answer now!

But how would I learn for myself if I always got answers like that? I need to grow and gain experiences in this life by figuring things out on my own, and then asking Heavenly Father if they are right.

Day 147

Today I read Ezekiel 38. After reading this chapter, I realized it would make more sense to read the whole book of Ezekiel instead of just random chapters. I'll work on that.

I loved verse 17 for some reason. Mainly the first line of that verse "Thus said the Lord God; are thou he of whom I have spoken. . ."

I love how the Lord is saying that to Ezekiel, but to me it was such a loving comment. He wants to make sure each of us become who he knows we can become, who he has "spoken of". Are we not the "noble and great ones" like Abraham prophesied? So are we living up to being noble and great like the Lord has spoken of us? That really helps put everything into perspective for me.

Day 146

Today I read Acts 24. It's a chapter about Paul being held in prison, and pleading his case to the judges. But he doesn't really plead his case, he bears his testimony. I love that even in the midst of him losing his life, he knew who to fear more: God. He stood up to man and testified of God. He even says in verse 16:
" And herein do I exercise myself, to have always consience void of offence toward God, and toward men." So really, he tried to have a clear conscience all the time, but he knows he needs to have a clear conscience with God. And if he has a clear conscience with God, how can he now with man? It all links together.

Day 145

Last night I read Doctrine and Covenants section 60. It was about Joseph Smith receiving revelation for some brethren on where they should go to preach the gospel. I really liked verses 2 and 3.

2. But with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but the kide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo unto such, for mine anger is kindled against them.

3. And it shall come to pass, if they are not more faithful unto me, it shall be taken away, even that which they have.

To me, it means we should not fear man more than God. I know I'm guilty of that a lot of times, especially when it comes to missionary work. I talk myself out of sharing my testimony with someone because I'm too afraid they'll reject what is so personal to me. But Heavenly Father has blessed me with so much, I need to share it! I'm really trying to work on being better at remembering that it's most important what Heavenly Father thinks, not my fellow man.

Day 144

Today I read the book of Enos, the infamouse story of Enos crying to Heavenly Father to have his sins forgiven, and after the Lord forgives him, he asks for his people to be forgiven, and even his enemies the Lamanites.

What faith he must have had in order to ask of that. Not just for himself, but also for his enemies. Do I have that kind of attitude towards everyone? Being filled with so much love that I ask Heavenly Father to bless my enemies? I know I should, but do I? I'll have to work on that.

Day 143

Today I read 1 Corinthians chapter 13. This chapter was all about charity. Paul stated how even if he had perfect faith, enough faith to move mountains, but no charity, then he would be nothing.

This chapter taught me how charity is everything I should strive to be like while living on this earth.

"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseeminly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth."

I feel like I should print all that off as a daily checklist or something, to better try and keep myself on the right track. After all, charity is the pure love of Christ.