Jan Week 4 Linds

Ponderize: 1 Peter 4:8 "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins."

Mon 1/24
Matt 14:22-23 Jesus spent time alone in the mountain (temple) praying. Spirituality, although leads us to support and help others, is an individual process and experience and our relationship with Heavenly Father must be individually and personally built.

Matt 14:27-33 coming to Christ like Peter (walking on water), although Christ gives us power like He did Peter, His power is contingent on our faith. Our own faith and doubts determine our ability to access His power. 

Mark 6:48 "fourth watch" God. 

"He watched them toiling and rowing." Although God does not immediately intervene sometimes, He is watching and staying with us through difficult times. 

"We worship a fourth watch God. So when the trials aren’t over and the blessings don’t come, don’t assume that He is not there, or He is not listening, or He doesn’t care, or you’re not worthy. Always assume you have not yet reached the fourth watch."

https://devotional.byuh.edu/node/332

Mark 6:51-52 how did the disciples forget the miracle of the loaves already? Their hearts were hardened- the condition of our hearts (which I think is directly related to our pride/humility) directly correlates to our ability to recognize His miracles in our lives. What miracles do I see? Do I expect to see more or am I surprised at them? 

Tues 1/25

God is at the Helm (M Russel Ballard)

Truths we should hold on to even when we experience doubts, trials, or offense: 

1. Church is led by prophets and apostles 

"Looking for human weakness in others is rather easy. However, we make a serious mistake by noticing only the human nature of one another and then failing to see God’s hand working through those He has called." 

2. Plan of salvation 

3. Adam & Eve and families 

4. keeping the sabbath day holy 

How has focusing on the doctrines of the Gospel helped me? Perspective, understanding of my purpose and value, motivation to work hard and serve and be better. 

Wed 1/26 

John 6:27 our labor should focus on that which is worth laboring for (v.58) "eateth this bread shall not hunger" (when we need confront or help, go to the source, not cheap imitations) 

John 6:68 Peter says "where with shall I go? Thou hast the words of eternal life"- do I view Christ and His gospel as paramount and sufficient for all I need? I love Peter's response. He has his priorities straight. 

Matthew 15:8-9 "draw near to me with their lips but their hearts are far from me"- what is the condition of my heart? Is it changing or am I going through the motions? What can I do today because of what I've studied? Who can I serve? 

Matthew 15:14 "blind lead the blind"- who am I following? Taking advice or knowledge from those that are also blind does nothing! Do I turn to Heavenly Father to calm my fears? Or am I turning to worldly sources? 

Thurs 1/27
Yielding Our Hearts to God (Neill F. Marriott) GC October 2016
-Family motto of "It will all work out" (but not necessarily now or in the way we want it to) "This doesn't mean all things are good, but for the meek and faithful, things--both positive and negative--work together for good, and the timing is the Lord's." How have I seen this in my life? I see that a lot of the things that I viewed as negative have brought positive things in the future. How would my perspective, worries, doubts, life change if I had this motto and belief that "It would all work out" ?
"When we are yielded and still, our minds can be directed to something more we may need to change--something that is limiting our capacity to receive spiritual guidance or even healing and help." What is holding me back from fulfilling my potential? What else do I need to change or do? For ex) resentment- "Your resentment diminshes your progress and damages your ability to have healthy relationships." The Spirit would tell me to let it go!
"Can we love Jesus Christ and His way more than we love ourselves and our own agenda?"

Fri 1/28
Mark 7:15 Nothing defiles a man more than what comes out of him- what are my words and actions? They are more important than what goes into me (higher law). Mark 7:20-24 what we do effects us. (Portrait of Dorian Grey)-- our thoughts, actions, desires actually can either make us clean or actually literally defile us. Which do I want? What can I do more to become better? Good works and good thoughts.
Mark 8:1-9 Why does Jesus perform this miracle? (multiplying of the loaves and fishes). What significance does it have? Just as Christ could multiply the food for the people, He can multiply our efforts when we consecrate our lives, talents, time, jobs, school, relationships over to Him. How can I consecrate my relationships over to Him? Have the perspective of, Who does He want me to be here or What can I do or What can I learn from this person attitude. Also, He can and does satisfy our needs and desires tenfold when we rely on Him (seek first the kingdom of God). Material and spiritual needs. How can I turn more to Him in these different aspects of my life?   

Jan Week 3 Linds

Ponderize: Mark 4:38-40
38 ...Master, carest thou not that we perish?
39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
40 And he said unto the, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

Sun 1/17
Mark 5:18-20 The man who is possessed by a devil is healed through Christ. His weakness brings him closer to Christ and strengthens his testimony by allowing him to be the recipient of Christ's compassion (v. 19). Afterward he publishes in Decapolis "how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel."
--Sometimes I am tempted to resent my weaknesses and feel frustrated that I can't overcome them, etc (or resent situations/people that bring them out of me--sometimes I feel this way about family or situations revolving around). But it's good to realize that awareness of them and turning them over to God allows me to come closer to Him, feel His compassion personally, and be motivated to do missionary work. Weaknesses are wonderful! Am I turning to Him enough in my own weakness? He can help me overcome or at least deal with them in a healthy manner.
--Our standing before God is never about our personal righteousness (no one in this passage is touted for their righteousness, but the most prominent figures in the Gospels so far are people who have weakness). Christ is the one who is worshiped; if our weaknesses bring us to Him we are on good ground.
Luke 8:50 "Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole."
Matthew 9:22 "thy faith hath made thee whole" How does my faith lead me to the Atonement and healing? Why is faith necessary? How is faith enacted? It takes faith to make covenants, go to church, go to the temple -- my faith is demonstrated by my daily and weekly habits/lifestyle. "and the woman was made whole from that hour" (sometimes healing is as easy as that! immediate as we turn to God)

Mon 1/18
"It Is Not Good...that Man Should be Alone" Kevin J Worthen (BYU Speech)
-Relationships are everything. Am I taking time each day to build my relationships with people that are important to me? Including family members, roommates, friends, & S? We are not saved in isolation. Reminds me of Thomas S. Monson's quote, "Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved." Who needs love? Am I giving it? Stop by two people I visit teach to say hello. Bring by something nice.


Tues 1/19
Howard W Hunter teaching manuel "Chapter 2: My Peace I Leave Unto You"
-John 14:27 HIS peace He gives unto us. Not the peace we think we want.
"Peace is a state of existence that comes to man only upon the terms and conditions set by God, and in no other way." --> When we think of peace or pray for it, it is often with the desire that a trial be removed or that our life circumstance may be changed, or that we overcome troubling weaknesses. But this is not the defintion of peace. Peace comes from within, regardless of circumstance, "only through a belief in God."
"Peace can come to an individual only by an unconditional surrender--surrender to him who is the Prince of peace, who has the power to confer peace." --> Really interesting concept. Christ is the only one that can "confer peace" (it sounds like it is a gift that He gives us when we are worthy and seek it); How is an "unconditional surrender" necessary to feel His peace? Am I holding on to my own will in some sense?
"We should not expect to get through life individually or collectively without some opposition."
Matt 14:22-33 "Oh thou of little faith, [why]didst thou doubt?" (Christ to Peter as he walked on the water)--> Belief and faith is one of the most important principles of the Gospel. It is everything. We are required to believe without wavering, and when we do, we have power to conquer everything. Satan uses doubt as a tool.

Wed 1/20
Matt 10:28 "fear not that which destroys the body but that which destroys the soul"--> our fear should be a fear of sin/Satan not of worldly things.
Matt 10:39 "He that loseth his life for my sake shall find it"--> contradictory to what society teaches (the more you focus on yourself, the more you can find yourself, etc. but really its about focusing on others)
D&C 18:10-13 "How great is His joy in the soul that repenteth"; v.15-19 "labor all your days and bring but one soul unto me how great shall be your joy"--> I love this (my missionary scripture). How do we understand the worth of each soul? By seeking to understand the Atonement. Christ suffered for me individually and for everyone individually so that we can repent and come to Him. As we help people and ourselves repent, we can feel of our individual worth. How have I felt this in my life?

Thurs 1/21 

Mark 6:17-29 Herod actually respected John the Baptist but was caught by Herodias's daughter when she danced for him. Herod was rash & so was Herodias- they did not think before acting. This is why it's important to think before acting and don't promise things in the moment unless you've thought about it. This takes self control. 

Matthew 14:14 "Christ was moved with compassion toward them, and He healed their sick" Christ's motive for service was always love, compassion and never fame or attention (in fact he avoided that aspect). His service was not planned and in this instance was on his way somewhere else. They often mention Christ's compassion - this is a powerful word and it means feeling for someone. Am I sensitive to other people's needs? When they share something hard with me, do I rationalize away their experience or diminish their pain? Too often I think I don't listen with compassion and rather try to offer solutions. I think I could work on this- try to be understanding and listen better when people share hard things. My heart needs to be soft and loving to do this. Related to charity. 

Fri 1/22

Mark 6:34 "moved with compassion" 

Mark 6:41-44 Christ can and will literally multiple our resources, efforts, abilities if we turn to Him and give them up to Him and especially if we are in ther service of others (fish and loaves) 

Luke 9:17 not only will there be enough, there will be tons left over (12 baskets full!) we are compensated tenfold for any effort. How have I seen that in my life? My mission. I realized very soon my efforts were small, but the rewards were greater than I could've anticipated! I can also see that in other aspects of my life- work, family, etc. How can I make my focus more on others? God answers prayers faster if they are in behalf of someone other than ourselves. 

Boyd K Packer BYU Devo "Eternal Love"

-Love is natural consistent; if there are problems, both people stick with it, both people repent, both people forgive- it's never about who is right/wrong. Both need to change in every instance! 

-Channel powers like electricity, don't eradicate them. Also, don't explore.

Sun 1/24
"Love is Not Blind" Bruce C Hafen BYU Speech
-There is ambiguity in the gospel and in life - we should learn to love even when we face difficult challenges in our lives. 
 
 

January Week 3 - Samuel

Ponderize Scripture: John 6:35 "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thrist."

Monday 1/18
Carole M. Stephens If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments "We can choose to see commandments as limitations.  We may feel at times that God's laws restrict our personal freedom, take from us our agency, and limit our growth.  But as we seek for greater understanding, as we allow our Father to teach us, we will begin to see that His laws are a manifestation of His love for us and obedience to His laws is an expression of our love for him."  This principle is so simple.  Obedience shows our love and respect.  Obedience to parents, to the laws of the land, to our teachers, to God.  The more obedient I am, the more love I have and also am developing.  It is so interesting that it is an act of faith and it requires trust.  "God never loses sight of our eternal potential, even when we do.  We can trust Him 'because God wants his children back.'"  I can trust that He has a better plan for me than I do.  I also think that it will all work out.  It has to, because He said so.  I love this..."the ultimate expression of obedience and love is the Atonement of Jesus Christ."  In showing my appreciation of what Christ has done for me, I can be obedient and love as well.  "In this world of increasing fear, distraction, adversity, and anger, we can look to them to see how disciples of Jesus Christ--filled with charity--look, sound, and react to issues that could be divisive."  How comforting this is to me.  Follow the prophet, and I won't go astray!

Tuesday 1/19
John 6:22-71, v.35 "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." Bread and water sustain and give life to us physically.  The Atonement already overcomes physical death but I think that Christ is referring more to spiritual life here.  What does 'cometh to me' mean? To me it means being a disciple of Christ, following after him, doing what he did and what he taught...to love and serve others.  What does 'believeth on me' mean? To me it means to repent and use the Atonement in my life, knowing that the Savior will take away my sins, trials, weaknesses, etc...  Interesting that I need to not only use the Atonement but also strive to become better, more like Christ.
v. 54 "Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day."  I think of the scripture that says that some people at the day of judgment will ask Jesus to save them and his response is that he never knew them.  One way to make sure to this never happens to me is to always partake of the sacrament each week without exception.  Attending church is vital to spiritual well-being.
This section is so interesting at how many of the disciples of Jesus turned away after this.  They did not believe that Jesus is the bread of life.  They didn't have the faith---experiment on what he was telling them.  Faith is key.

Wednesday 1/20
Matt 15:1-20 v. "This people draweth night unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me."  Do I ever say or do things that I don't mean?  Praying for charity always helps to have pure intent.  v.12 "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man."  Words are very important.  Do I uplift others with my words or am I critical of others?  If I am, then maybe I need to think of how I can help others...I need to think about this more.  v.18-19 "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.  For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:"  This is really interesting.  This might be a litmus test for the state of my heart...if I am being critical and don't have nice things to say, then my heart and my intention and my desires need help.  I realize how important it is to keep tabs on the state of my heart.  All of my thoughts, words and actions are initiated from my intentions and desires.  I need to think more about this.

Thursday 1/21
Matt 15:28, "O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee as thou wilt..."  A canaanite woman's daughter was healed because the woman believed and showed her faith by seeking Jesus.  It was her faith that caused the healing to occur.  If I want to be healed, how can I show the Lord that I have faith that he can heal me?  How do I develop that faith more readily?  The woman didn't give up; she was persistent in her pleas.  Consistent prayer is important.
Matt 15:32, Mark 8:2; "I have compassion on the multitude..." It amazes me how often the Savior has compassion.  He is genuinely concerned about others.  His whole mission was the well-being of others.  How can I increase my compassion/concern/thoughts directed to others?
Matt 16:4 "A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be give unto it."  Signs don't require faith.  I feel like signs can be a type of entitlement.  Signs are meant only for those who are exercising faith and acting in their lives.

Friday 1/22
Luke 12:1 "Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees."  I have to be careful to not mistake things of the world are things of God.  It is so apparent in today's world.  Beware to being led astray.  The scriptures, words of the living prophets, the Holy Ghost help with this.
Mark 8:22-26 A blind man is healed by degrees even though he had faith to be healed.  Sometimes that is how things will work in my life.  It may not happen all at once, but by degrees that require that I still have faith and believe before the miracle can be fully realized.
Matt 16:16 "And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."  Peter knew for sure who Christ was.  How do I know who Christ is?  What have I done to gain a witness?  ...and how do I keep that witness strong?

Saturday 1/23
Matt 16:24-25 "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.  And now for a man to take up his cross, is to deny himself all ungodliness, and every worldly lust, and keep my commandments. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."  I love these scriptures.  Christ describes how one should follow him.  I think that saving one's life is looking in at one's own life (selfishness) and losing one's life is looking to help, encourage, support others (selflessness).  The Lord promises that thinking about and seeking to help and support others does more help one to let go of worldly lusts and keep the commandments than looking inwards in one's own life.  I think of the saying of my will instead of thy will be done.  God can take me and make me better than I can make myself.  It takes faith and trust but I know that he will.

Sunday 1/24
Luke 9:28, "...he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray."  Christ often went into a solitary place to pray and be alone.  He needed it being a perfect example.  How much more do I need it in my life.  I can't go without prayer.  Importance of seeking a solitary place often to speak to God (temple, fasting, morning/evening longer prayers, when out in nature).
Luke 9:35 "And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him."  There is a Father in Heaven to loves us, his children and sent his Son Jesus Christ to provide the perfect example of love in fulfilling the Atonement for all of us.
Matt 17:11 "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things." Thoughts on this, one needs to prepare before Christ comes.  Repentance, forgiveness, service, keeping the commandments...  What things do I feel I need to do to be prepared for the Savior to 1) come into my life figuratively and 2)come again a second time?

January Week 2 - Samuel

Ponderize Scripture
Ether 12:4 "Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."

Monday 1/11
Mark 5:1-20 v.7 "...What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God?"  How interesting that even the spirits of God and of the Devil know who Jesus is.  How do I also come to know who Jesus is?  Seek him, pray for understanding, study the scriptures about him, keep the commandments.  I think it needs to be a focused effort: my purpose should be to come to know the Savior better.  The people were afraid of the change, the man was healed of the evil spirits.  In what ways am I afraid of change that I don't seek Christ? I am happy were I am at in my weakness and/or sins.  Pride starts this.  Seeking to be selfless can help to counter this?

Tuesday 1/12
Mark 5:21-24, 35-43 v.23"...My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live." Who do I run to when I am desperate?  This man ran to the Savior.  He showed great faith by acting and believing that the Savior could heal her.  Through the Atonement the Savior can heal any ailment.  Do I seek him?  Do I include the Lord in my life?  I feel a greater need to seek the Lord constantly to heal my ailments.  The key is to believe that he can and will heal me.  v.36"...Be not afraid, only believe (exercise faith)."  What a special line.  I think Jesus says this several times over the course of his ministry.  The opposite of fear is faith.  I think President Monson said that faith cannot exist at the same time as fear.  Christ admonishes me to not ever fear but believe in him and act accordingly.  Fear does not come from God.  What more can I do to increase and exercise my faith?  It seems like it is a slow, growing process.

Wednesday 1/13
Matt. 9:20-22, v. 21-22 "For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole...Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole." Acting with Faith in Christ is powerful.  Miracles will happen when I believe that Christ can heal me and others and show that I believe that.
Matt. 9:32-34, Jesus casts out a devil and the Pharisees think that he used evil to cast out evil.  That can never happen or else evil would waste away.  Evil will always only try to stop what is good and good will never promote evil.  This is a good way to judge whether something is of God or not.
Matt 13:53-58 Jesus returns to Nazareth. v.58 "And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief."  Interesting that they did not believe that he was more than a carpenter's son.  Miracles cannot be worked when there is no faith, when one does not believe and accordingly act.  What things in my life do I not have faith can occur?  How can I increase my faith in those things?

Thursday 1/14
Matt 10:5-42  Jesus is charging his apostles.  There is so much in here.  v. 37 "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me isnot worthy of me."  I should put the Lord first in my life above even my own family because in loving God first I will have the desire and motivation to love my family.  From this, what the Lord thinks is infinitely more important than what my friends or the world thinks.  I should be more concerned what he thinks than what anyone else thinks though my friends/family can have the inspiration from the Lord and can share what he thinks.  v.38 "and he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me." Christ invites all to come follow him.  To use the Atonement, I must seek to do what he did...think of and serve others over myself.  What more does taking my cross mean?  v.39 JST "He who seeketh to save his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."  I love this scripture!  It is all about being selfless and having love.  Focusing on myself doesn't help me as much as focusing on others and their needs because I love them and love God.  Focusing on myself isn't really love.  Pray for charity/love and seek to serve.  I know that I also need to do things in wisdom and order.  In order to help others, I need to help myself.

Friday 1/15
Matt 14:22-33 Jesus walks on water. v.29 "And he said, Come.  And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus."  The Savior invites us to come unto him, to seek him.  Power is given when we are fixated on him.  Peter walked on water when he focused on Jesus.  "I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me."  If there is something that I am fearful about/worries me take it to the Lord in prayer and be obedient.  The key here is trust.  v.30 "But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.'  To me this is talking about fear, the adversary, the influences and opinions of others, the scary things of life.  How often I let the things of the world pull me away, cloud my vision of my faith that things will work out, that God is in charge.  When that happens do I immediately seek God, pray to him, humble myself?  The faster I turn to God the better it is for me.  v.31 "And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"  There is comfort in this.  The Savior does save as we turn to and seek him.  Doubts/fears do not come from God.  When they come, do I let them linger or do I immediately flush them out?  The key for me here is to trust in God and constantly pray for that desire and constantly remind myself that things will work out.  Maybe a hymn or a ponderize scripture can help...

Saturday 1/16
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf It Works Wonderfully. "Sometimes the truth may just seem too straightforward, too plain, and too simple for us to fully appreciate its great value."  Simplicity must be a Godly characteristic.  Complexity, complication seem to be manlike.  How can I simplify?  Focus on the basic truths of the gospel.  "But sometimes we take the beautiful lily of God's truth and gild it with layer upon layer of man-made good ideas, programs, and expectations...when they are laid on top of each other, they can create a mountain of sediment that becomes so thick that we risk losing sight of that precious flower we once loved so dearly."  "As members of the Church, we need to make a conscientious effort to devote our energy and time to the things that truly matter, while uplifting our fellowmen and building the kingdom of God."  I really like this.  I can't remember who said this...when we seek the kingdom of God everything else will fit into its proper place or drop our of our lives.  Simplify?  Self-evaluation--what things can I simplify?  How can I worship/follow God more simply?  "God will take you as you are at this very moment and begin to work with you.  All you need is a willing heart, a desire to believe, and trust in the Lord."  My Heavenly Father loves me and wants my success.  I have infinite value in his eyes.  It doesn't matter where I am at...I just need to look to him, pray to him, study his words, keep the commandments and use the Atonement daily in my life.  I can't do this alone, only through him can I have success.  "Sometimes we feel discouraged because we are not 'more' of something...our weaknesses can help us to be humble and turn us to Chirst, who will 'make weak things become strong.'"  I love this promise.  This is where it all comes down to.  If I do my best, the Lord will do the rest and we together will have success.

Sunday 1/17
There are three accounts of Jesus walking on the water.  Matthew tells how Peter also walks on water while the other two just describe Jesus.
Mark 6:45-52, v.50 "Be of good cheer: it is I, be not afraid." John 6:15-21, v.20 "It is I; be not afraid."  Interesting how Jesus says to not be afraid.  Am I afraid of anything?  Why am I afraid of it?  A lot is not understanding or having limited perspective or high expectations.  Looking to Christ helps to have added perspective and understanding and to be kind/patient with myself and with others.
Matt 14:34-36 v.36 "And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole."  The faith of these people brought about their healing.  They sought Christ.  I really like this phrase, "perfectly whole".  The Atonement of Christ can make me perfectly whole; it can heal me of any sort of weakness, malady, sin, emotion, etc...  Do I seek him enough and to what lengths will I go to be healed?

January week 2- Linds

Ponderize: Alma 7:23 

23 And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.

Mon 1/11

Alma 30:43-44 (D&C 63:11-12) Korihor seeks for a sign. Alma responds that God has already given him signs. Why is it significant that we act by faith instead of signs? It takes faith to see the sign, and also, agency and choice to believe or act makes us accountable for our choices more than it being given to us easily. How often do I demand bigger signs that God is influencing my every day when there is already evidences of that if I look? What evidences do I see daily? Importance of looking for tender mercies. 

Mark 3:35 We can be Christ's family when we follow Him. How does my perspective change when I think of Christ as my brother? Also, how does my perspective change when I treat all people as my family? 

Tues 1/12

Matthew 13:18-23 I think my heart cycles through all of these states in life. The key is build a strong foundation, seek to understand the word, not let the cares of the world choke out righteous desires. Importance of hearing and understanding. What's my attitude? To understand? Humility creates an environment where I don't know everything and need understanding.  Interesting how offense is linked to a lack of depth and a shallow foundation. How is this related to relationships with others? If I seek to build a sure foundation of confidence in myself and base it on my divine nature (GC talk), I will be less offended by the small things people do or don't do. 

Matthew 13:30 tares and wheat must grow together. Reminds me of P. Nelson's words about how "there servants of Satan among us" so be careful who you heed. Be kind but also be cautious who you surround yourself with and who you listen to. Also, expect the evil to continue to grow not just be stagnant (as the righteous grow too)

Wed 1/13

Mormon 9:30-31 imperfections allow us to understand the mercy of God; it is relieving to know that our church leaders (especially Joseph Smith as a young, inexperienced leader) are imperfect men striving to learn the true way to lead (just like Mormon and Moroni I this verse). Weaknesses may lead to cause for offense but they should really lead us to understand the mercy of God. 

Thurs 1/14

Mark 4:22 "ears to hear" what does this mean? This implies that I can be going to church and hearing with my ears but not with my heart. It's possible to have ears that don't hear-- I think this is linked to our level of humility and desire to change. 

Mark 4:24 "unto you that hear shall more be given"--> sometimes I want all the answers now, but God is merciful in that He doesn't make me responsible for things I am not ready for. As we act on principles He gives to us, we are enabled to receive more. 

Luke 8:14 "choked with cares, riches, pleasures" how do these three appear in my life? Don't let them be the motivations behind decisions. They will choke out the good I already have.

Luke 8:15 "bring forth fruit with patience"--> patience is as attribute i don't naturally have but is essential to "bring forth good fruit." Everything worth anything takes time to grow, just like you can't rush plants or fruit to grow on your timetable 

Fri 1/15 

Matthew 13:15 it is essential that I am humble and "hear with my ears" and "understand with my heart" that He can heal me. A broken heart is necessary. Is my heart broken? How do I become that way so that I can be healed and change? Prayer, choosing to be humble and asking for His help instead of thinking I can do things on my own. 

Luke 8:16 sharing our talents is not prideful- light is meant to share! That is the exact purpose of our talents and testimony- to share with others. Do I have this perspective in missionary work? 

Matt 13:46 what God has to offer (kingdom of God, pearl) is worth selling all that we hath- it's better and more important than all else. 

Matt 8:24-27, mark 4:38-40 "carest thou not that we perish"-- "there was a great calm" "peace be still"--> I have always loved this passage. Christ can calm our stresses, fears and bring real peace to my life even when I exercise faith. How is faith related to Christ's ability to calm is and for us to feel peace? He can't calm us unless we let Him, give up our fears to Him, and turn everything over to Him. How do I do that? I think recognizing that He is in control and that He has my best interest in mind helps me to strengthen my faith and have peace. I am so grateful for this inner peace that is incomparable to worldly peace. 

Sat 1/16 It Works Wonderfully (Dieter F. Uchtdorf)
"Sometimes the truth may just seem too straightforward, too plain, and too simple for us to fully appreciate its great value. So we set aside what we have experienced and know to be true in pursuit of more mysterious or complicated information."-->This is good to keep in mind with goal setting. Sometimes the best goal is to SIMPLIFY instead of add more to our lives. What are my core goals? My core belifs? How do all the activities I do every day (school, work, friendships) lead me to those core beliefs/goals? Developing self-control in studying/working and in my personal relationships (acting instead of reacting) is a core part of my personal goals - learning to love others and put their needs first. Work and school and friendships are good opportunities to "practice" Christlike attributes (ex with my coworkers when they frustrate me, etc)
--Disciplineship is about love of God "Because we love God..." ("The more we trust God, the more our hearts are filled with love for Him and for each other.")-->How does trust enable us to love others more fully and condition our hearts to love Him and love each other? When we trust God and His plan for us, we are at peace (deep inside) and are enabled to focus on others more.
"Sometimes we feel discouraged because we are not 'more' of something--more spiritual, respected, intelligent, healthy, rich, friendly, or capable."--> Guilt complex of some LDS culture- this is Satan's tool of twisting the idea of perfection and worthiness. He wants us to find reasons not to turn to God.

"We don't need to be 'more' of anything to start to become the person God intended us to become. God will take you as you are at this very moment and begin to work with you."- I really love this quote and concept. When we feel the least worthy because of personal weakness is the moment God can help us the MOST.

January Week 1 - Samuel

Ponderize Scripture
2 Nephi 4:35 "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."

Tuesday 1/5
2 Nephi 4, v.4 "Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land; and inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from my presence."  I love this simple, straightforward statement.  It is an act of faith on our part to see if that will happen. v.15 "...For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.  Behold my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard."  A purpose of the scriptures is for learning and growth and profit.  I really like profit; it is to benefit whoever reads and ponders the meaning, and applies it to their life.  The key is to continually read, study, think about, pray, ponder, and seek to apply, see the blessings that come or further learning and growth that comes.  v.18 "I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me."  I feel so much like Nephi, in seeking to be like God I fall everyday.  To me it feels like it hinders my progress. v.19 "...nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.  My God hath been my support..."  v.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."  Look to God always.  I like how Nephi describes praying; lift up my voice, cry, voice shall forever ascend.  It sounds like work, deliberate communication, a pleading, focused and often.  How can I better my prayers?  It really feels like prayer better helps one to look to God and accept his will.

Wednesday 1/6
David W. Hart Be Excellent: Becoming Who You Are in Today's World  "Personal excellence is not about being the best but about being your best at whatever you choose to do."  It is essential to not compare oneself with others.  The only person I can change is me and the best that I can do is my best.  I really like this.  5 ways to be my best: 1) be engaged "give your total effort and attention to whatever you are doing." Be present, focused on the task at hand.  In yoga, it is called mindfulness.  2) Seek Absence "We need...absences in order to think and see for ourselves.  Indeed, the kinds of thoughts that present themselves in our emptiest moments--the moments when we stare out of the train's windows or hover on a lawn to monitor the sky--are the only thoughts that can deliver a strange new understanding."  Suggestions would be to exercise w/o music, ponder the scriptures in a quiet place, go on a walk or a drive, turn off the phone for an hour a day.  "Allow yourself a space of quiet, wherein you can add to your knowledge of the Good and learn to curb your restlessness."  I really like this.  3) Be Awe-full or be full of awe "Earnestly seek to see and appreciate the Lord's hand in your life, because it is everywhere around you...we all benefit even more when we recognize the Lord's influence in our lives." I want to make a better effort at doing this, 5 things a day that I am grateful for.  4) Be selfless  "The less time we spend 'pacing up and down within the cell of our circumstance,' the more likely it is that we will find meaning in what we are doing." This makes sense.  I love the line 'Forget yourself and go to work'!  "The Lord challenges us to lose ourselves so that we can have the attitudes that will keep us grounded, humble, and open to learning.  In losing ourselves, we learn about ourselves..." Being selfless helps me to learn more about myself than focusing on myself.  Profound thought.  Goal: do at least one act of service a day.  5) Be compassionate "...there are two essential parts to compassion: feeling (empathy) and doing."  "The person...must...endeavour, as much as he can, to put himself in the situation of the other, and to bring home to himself every little circumstance of distress which can possibly occur to the sufferer."  I really want to do this!  Pray for help and put myself in the shoes of the other person.  There is no need for judgment.  I need to feel and to show my compassion for others.  This was  fabulous devotional.  What can I focus on to be more successful??

Thursday 1/7
Matt 13:10-17 v.12 JST "For whosoever receiveth, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance; but whosoever continueth not to receive, from him shall be taken away even that he hath."  The key words here are receive and continue to receive.  To me receive means to desire and to seek and to welcome what comes.  Do I want to receive personal revelation and therefore seek after it and when it comes I welcome it and apply it in my life?  It is interesting that I must be consistent in doing this.  It is not enough to do it once or twice.
Matt 13:24-30 The Parable of the Tares. v.29 "...lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them." I think how interesting it is that the wheat and the tares must reside together.  The tares make the wheat stronger.  There must be an opposition in all things as it helps one to become stronger and have more faith.  It seems like those things that are the most valuable in life have the strongest opposition.  Do I recognize the opposition in seeking after what is most important in my life?  What oppositions do I recognize and see?

Friday 1/8
Luke 13:18-19, What is the kingdom of God like? v.19 "It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it."  Thoughts-there is always progression here.  The tiniest of seeds grows and sprouts into the best of trees.  Becoming like God is a process that will take a long time but the end state will be one that is hard to describe.  This gives me a lot of hope.  Change is possible and real and the end result is worth it.  I like how in the end the tree is great so that others can enjoy and profit from it.  Learning to be selfless is an attribute that will continue forever.  It both makes one better, but it helps to make others better as well.  Eternal perspective is extremely important.

Saturday 1/9
President Thomas S. Monson Keep The Commandments "He (our Heavenly Father) understands that when we keep the commandments, our lives will be happier, more fulfilling, and less complicated.  Our challenges and problems will be easier to bear, and we will receive His promised blessings."  Interesting to think how my life is more fulfilling and less complicated.  With no addictions or situations to tie me down it can be less worrisome and easier to live.  Though it appears constricting the commandments actually create freedom.  "We know, however, that the adversary is committed to our failure...represent a grave and constant threat to our eternal salvation unless we are also relentless in our determination and efforts to achieve our goal."  The power of Satan is real.  President Monson says that he is constant in his efforts.  This is important to realize that to combat him, I must be constantly looking out for him and be constantly fortifying myself (prayer, scripture study, service).  Interesting how President Monson uses the word 'relentless' or 'constant vigilance'.  That must be the attitude I have towards protecting myself from his lies and influences.  "How vital it is that we exercise constant vigilance in order to avoid giving in to such lies and temptations."  I love this scripture in Isaiah that President Monson quotes 32:17 "The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever."  I love these promises, keeping the commandments cultivates faith and hope.

Sunday 1/10
Mark 4:35-41, v.39-40 "And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto sea, Peace, be still.  And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ya have no faith?"  The Savior has the power to calm the waves of trouble and gloom.  I like how he came when the disciples called unto him.  The Savior can fix things in my life if I will but call to him with real intent to change or to submit.  Why are ye so fearful? Because of a lack of faith.  Fear and faith are exact opposites.  This has always been the same question, how do I increase my faith?  Come unto Christ and my faith will be strengthened.

December Week 5 - Samuel

Ponderize Scripture: Matt 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Monday 12/28
Matt 6:1-34, vs. 1-4 "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them...[to get the] glory of men."  What motivates me to do good, to show love to God and my fellowman or to get praise, power, acknowledgement from men? "That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly."  I don't know what "reward thee openly" means but maybe I should take away that the Lord loves us and will stand by us. v. 6"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret;"  I feel like this is a very intimate setting.  Being alone must help one to be humble, open, honest with God. v.19-21  "Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth...but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven...For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."  This really makes me want to self-evaluate my life.  Do I want temporal things which don't last or spiritual things which do last?  I will receive my reward for what I choose.  Oh how I want to choose godliness.  I feel so much like Nephi in being weak and vulnerable to sin, failure.  The Lord can lift us up and make those weak things strong. v.33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness."  The things of God need to come first always, in daily life, in monthly life, in yearly life, in mortality.  What can I do to better put the Lord first in my life?  v.34 "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.  Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."  I think of this as the 'Thou Shalt Not Worry' scripture.  Things will work out.  There is enough to do without worrying.  Worrying is expending energy over things that may or may not happen in the future.  Why is it so easy to worry?  How can I put my trust in God that things work out?

Tuesday 12/29
Matt 7:1-14, v.3 "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?" I should look inward at overcoming my weaknesses before looking for other's weaknesses because my weakness may distort my view of their weaknesses and what I perceive as their weakness may not even be true.  I love Elder Uchtdorf's bumper stick, "Don't judge me because I sin differently than you."  The JST says to not exercise unrighteous judgement.  Judgement has its place. v.7 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" This invitation has always been there.  Why do I often not accept that invitation?  Why do I often try to figure everything out myself?  The Lord is there waiting to bless.  Prayer, fasting, priesthood blessings, counsel from family and special mentors are all good ways to ask for help.

Wednesday 12/30
Matt 7:15-29 v. "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."  I love the simplicity of discerning truth from error.  Moroni 7:13 "...that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God."  If something doesn't follow this formula then it should be questioned.  This goes for people, activities, feelings, thoughts etc... v. JST 23 "And then will I say, Ye never knew me"  This is profound.  Christ doesn't depart from us, but we draw away from Christ.  Coming unto Christ helps one to come to know Christ.  How can Christ mediate for us during the day of judgement if we don't know who he is and what he has done for us.  I think the key is feeling the Atonement working in our lives brings us closer to him than anything else.  What can I do daily to feel the Atonement in my life?  More fervent prayers, more consistent and searching scripture study, more selfless acts of service, continual striving to improve.  Oh how the Atonement is true, real, active, powerful, saving, redemptive, empowering, ennobling, strengthening, hopeful...

Thursday 12/31
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Be Not Afraid, Only Believe "Satan, our adversary, wants us to fail.  He spreads lies as part of his effort to destroy our belief."  Any sort of doubt or fear comes from the adversary.  These stop our progress in this life; it causes a failure to act. "Why would anyone walk through life satisfied with the light from the candle of their own understanding when, by reaching out to our Heavenly Father, they could experience the bright sun of spiritual knowledge that would expand their minds with wisdom and fill their souls with joy?" I love this question.  Looking to God opens up the way.  This brings me so much hope and desire to look to God! "Those who hold fast to faith are far more impressive than those who give in to doubt when mysterious questions or concerns arise." What do I do when doubts arise?  Am I frozen with fear and lean on my own wisdom or do I immediately command Satan to depart and seek the Lord for answers?  "Be not afraid, only believe."  I just feel so much power in this.  Things will work out!

Friday 1/1
Luke 7:18-23, v. 22 "...tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached." This is both physical and spiritual.  Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the World!  He redeems, strengthens, saves, enables all those who come unto him whether it be physical maladies or spiritual deficiencies.  I really like the line..."to the poor the gospel is preached."  Those being the humble, truthseekers, meek.  Am I poor in spirit? Do I realize that I need a power greater than my own, that there is one who loves me more than I love myself and will guide my life better than I can.  The message here is to come to Christ, not to yourself.
Luke 7:36-50, v.47 "to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little." Very interesting principle.  If one were to reverse the saying, to whom loveth little, the same little is forgiven, it makes easy sense.  Love is a selfless act.  The Atonement, which makes forgiveness possible was the ultimate selfless act.  This shows the power of love/charity.  It seems like this is the ultimate motivation for living righteously and changing my heart and my way of life. Love of self, for a spouse or child or friend or sibling or parent or the Lord causes deep changes in one's life because forgiveness from God is the end state of change.  It happens as one's heart is changed.  Goal: pray for charity everyday to increase my desires to act for the right reasons.

Saturday 1/2
Luke 11:14-26, v.17 "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth...If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand?" This is a good way to determine whether something is of God or not, does it go against the doctrine of the gospel or not?  The same is true of families, communities, wards, organizations, businesses, etc...  Unity is key.  A good way to judge if something is good or not is to look at the past and see if the present and future are in line with what was done in the past.  See also below Matt 12:35.
Mark 3:20-30, JST v. 22-23 "...All sins which men have committed, when they repent, shall be forgiven them; for I came to preach repentance unto the sons of men.  And blasphemies, wherewith soever they shall blaspheme, shall be forgiven  them that come unto me, and do the works which they see me do."  I love this.  It is simple and straightforward, Christ is here to save us if we will repent (change) and follow him.
Matt 12:22-37 v.35-36 "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."  Good communication is vital to the success and well-being of all people.  Key is to think before speaking.  How can I improve my communication?  2-second rule?

Sunday 1/3
Parable of the Sower (way side, stony places, thorns, good ground)
Matt 13:1-23, wayside-v.19 "heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart"
stony- v.21 "dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended."
thorns-v.22 "heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful"
good-v.23 "heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold..."
Mark 4:1-20, way side-v.15 "where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts"
stony-v.16 "when they heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have not root in themselves, and so endure but for a time; afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.
thorns-v.18 "such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful."
good-v.20 "such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred."
Luke 8:4-15, wayside-v.12 "they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved."
stony-v.13 "when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away."
thorns-v.14 "when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection."
good-v.15 "in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience."

Wayside-Beware of the Adversary that causes confusion.  When a person doesn't understand something particularly about the gospel, Satan try to put thoughts in our hearts to prevent understanding.
Stony-Talking about the gospel can invite the Holy Ghost but if there is no action in applying it in our lives then when hard things happen then we don't look to the gospel or the Lord for help and think it is the cause of our troubles.
Thorns-When the gospel becomes second-place in our lives (wealth, lusts, pleasures).  What is keeping me from looking to God first?
Good-receiving means seeking, seeking to understand, understanding means to apply and the results come in varying degrees as are needed, but they always come and show progression and are good.

Jan Week 1- Linds

Fri 1/1 

"The past is to be learned from but not lived in. We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead, we remember that faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives." 

-This is such a powerful quote and principle. I especially love the last line about how faith will always be centered on blessings yet to be efficacious in our lives. There will never be a time when faith is not needed. It will always require hope for things we do not have and overcoming obstacles and circumstances which seem insurmountable. Right now, what blessings do I look forward to receiving? What obstacles stand in my way? What sins, weaknesses do I have a hard time forgetting? Are there any circumstances or experiences that I dwell on (either positively or negatively) that hinder me from living in the (awesome) present? Do I look at the future positively, or do I anticipate difficult experiences with fear? We have nothing to fear and can trust that God is "the high priest of good things to come." Always. 

"[Lot's wife] doubted the Lord's ability to give her something better than she already had." Remember Lot's Wife (Jeffery R Holland) BYU speech

-Again, God knows what is best for me. Always. Don't doubt His guidance.

Sat 1/2

Matt 6:14-15 always focus on the forgiveness I need of the Savior and I will always be willing to forgive others (Emily)

Matt 6:19-21 "where your treasure is there will your heart be also" Where is my treasure? What do I think about most or set as my highest priority of my time and thoughts? Dictionary says treasure means to "keep in store or in mind"--> my thoughts reflect my treasure.

Matt 6:21, 28-34 just as God takes care of the fowls of the air, He will take care of me! God will help supply our temporal needs as we work to fulfill our spiritual need for Him. "Consider the lilies" This is a lot of verses about how God will take care of our temporal needs; this is a really powerful principle and see the blessing of it in my past and present.

Matt 7:3-4 mote vs. beam. "See clearly" Not only should I be focusing on my own weakness, but I love this scripture because it shows that our own weaknesses actually obstruct our vision of others. In essence, being critical is a greater sin than any other sin (a beam is ALWAYS bigger than a mote)

Matt 7:16-23 many will do all sorts of good works (healing, cast out devils, etc) but if we don't actually know the Savior and if they don't bring us closer to Him, they are of no value to Him or us! Everything is meant to bring me closer to the Savior and to "know Him." I can't imagine what it would be like to meet the Savior and have Him say to me, "I never knew you." By following His commandments with the right intent, it allows us to know Him and Him to know us. Really powerful. Is it really that He knows me better, or that I allow Him to communicate with me? How has being obedient with my heart led me to know the Savior more fully?

Matt 7:24-27 wise man builds His foundation on the rock of Christ by hearing and doing His word (Helaman 5:12)

PONDERIZE SCRIPTURE: Alma 37:37 "Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day."

Sun 1/3
Luke 6:32  "for sinners also love those that love them"--> Do I wait to make sure that others are "worthy" of my love? "You don't have to know people to love them." (RS Broadcast) My love for others should be immediate and unconditional. Too often I am guarded and choosy about my friends and love. The Savior's way is to love all people and make sure they feel you love them regardless of their looks, background, social status, economic state, education level, etc. Love immediately.
Luke 6:35 "love your enemies...hoping for nothing again" Love others without expectation. This reminds me of motive for serving/loving others. It is possible to love others for selfish motives or receiving love in return but the Savior teaches we should love without expectation of reciprocity.
Luke 6:38 "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom." Karma - except better. God promises us that as we are generous with our time, talents, and love, it won't only come back to us but it will be compensated tenfold of what we initially give. Of course, this shouldn't be our motive for giving, but it is good to realize and keep in mind.
D&C 1:10 "the Lord shall come to recompense unto every man according to his work, and measure to every man according to the measure which he has measured to his fellow man" How we treat others matters! And what we give matters in our own relationship with God. We are not an island.

Tues 1/4

Wed 1/5

Luke 7:21 Christ heals- we are given weakness so that Christ can heal us and work miracles in us. Don't resent difficulties, challenges, or weaknesses because they bring us closer to Christ. As I work through them, ask, "What am I supposed to learn from these? How do they bring me closer to Him? How could they if I let them?" 

Matt 11:11 "he that is least in the kingdom is better than he"--> it is best to follow Christ, serve others without fanfare and attention. Reminds me of doing alms before men and how there is no reward when we are prideful and seek attention. 

Luke 7:36-50 all that matters is how deeply we feel for the Savior. The is woman was a sinner but loved the Savior and worshipped Him deeply. That is what matters more than our personal righteousness. How much and how often do I think about the Savior? 

Thurs 1/7 Discovering the Divinity Within (Rosemary M Wixom) GC 2015 

"[Seek] validation vertically from Him and not hoirizontally from the world around us or on Facebook or Instagram." Our worth is not determined by "personal accomplishments, the status we achieve, the marathons we run, or our popularity or self esteem." Really great principle and very hard to implement. We naturally define ourselves by our goals, interests, career, personality traits, but these things do not define us. Our worth is infinite and unchanged by circumstance and the way others treat us. How do I make sure I am getting my validation from the right source? I think the more I focus on serving others/looking outside myself, the more I feel my true worth (lose your life to find it). I feel the most divinity in myself when I am looking out, not in. This is also how Christ built His value- He was constantly serving. The scriptures mention little about His physical appearance, social status, accomplishments, etc. When I think of those I respect most (like my mom and dad) and also those who are least affected by those around them and don't need validation, they are always people that focus on others and serve. 

Fri 1/8 Worthy of Our Promised Blessings (Linda S Reeves) 

"I know of nothing that will qualify us for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost as much as virtue." This is a powerful statement. Do I seek to be virtuous at all times? The more virtue I have, the more power to follow the Spirit. 

"Regardless of our age, if what we look at, read, listen to, or choose to do does not meet the Lord’s standards in For the Strength of Youth, turn it off, rip it up, throw it out, and slam the door."--> this should be my attitude with all media that doesn't meet my standards. Her description is very strong. There is no room for apathy or tolerance of things that don't meet His standards. Also, it's very clear here that out media guidelines shouldn't change with age. I can do better at this. Abhor sin and rip it up or throw it out!! 

"A vision of our Father’s incredible promised blessings must be the central focus before our eyes every day--as well as an awareness 'of the multitude of his tender mercies' that we experience on a daily basis."-->life is a time to prepare to meet God, not a time to receive all His promises blessings. These must be our vision even if it is not currently the reality. Do I live with a vision and awareness of promised blessings? Do I live worthy of all that I want? Do I also live with a sensitivity to the tender mercies of the Lord in the process? Pray to recognize them. 

Sun 1/9 

TG "study" (D&C 9) - it takes great effort on our part to gain knowledge and wisdom (treasure, study it out, search) Anyone can gain knowledge, it's just the difference of "am I willing to pay the price of knowledge?" 

-prayers are only effective if you are willing to pay the price beforehand and show God your desire through your efforts first