So it has been a little while since my last post.  Life gets busy is all I can say.  Not that it is an excuse, but what a crazy month it has been.  School recently started at the end of August and its been quite the experience balancing that with everything else going on in life.  I can't believe how crazy it has been to be honest.  I'm going to spend a few minutes talking about that and hopefully it'll relate to what I want to convey in this post.  

So for anyone that may be following my posts, I am currently a first year student in a 4 year pharmacy program.  It is a pretty intense program where I'll be taking anywhere from 16-18 credit hours a semester for 4 years.  Right now I am also working part time (not a significant amount of hours, but still its time).  In about a month my beautiful wife will be having our first child.  I also have other family members I keep in touch with, friends to associate with, and church responsibilities.  

Now I know my situation is not unique.  I know there are people out there that want to fit 36 hours of activities into a 24 hour day.  I also know it can be overwhelming.  It seems like I almost never get what I want to get accomplished.  I had been thinking a lot about this as it pertains to my spirituality.  

I know there is a loving Heavenly Father that loves me and wants to hear from me, yet I find myself exhausted at the end of each day and struggling to have a sincere conversation with Him.  I also know He has given us scriptures to learn of Him and to receive instruction in our daily lives.  Even with that knowledge it is so hard to open up the scriptures.  Basically it seems to boil down to how am I supposed to fit in my day to day activities and fit in the necessary spiritual activities that will increase my faith in the Savior and my Heavenly Father.  

Well this is not a unique predicament.  As the semester began I found myself struggling to keep up with the rapid pace of school.  Everyday was frustrating, as I failed to get everything I wanted to accomplish done.  I felt that if I'd do more of this or more of that I could get caught up.  Well I had a good experience one Sunday after church.  In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints individuals in each congregation have the opportunity to be assigned to be home teachers.  Home teachers are responsible for the temporal and spiritual welfare of the families they are assigned.  They have the opportunity to go out and visit their families at least once a month to see how they are doing, to provide service, and to teach and expound the word of God.  

Well our home teachers stopped by a couple of weeks ago to introduce themselves and to see how things were going.  At the end of the visit they asked if they could share a spiritual thought.  I was so grateful for the message they delivered because it was what I needed to hear.  I honestly do not remember what scriptures he used but he basically said that it is of vital importance to put the Lord first.  The Lord wants us to succeed and will help us accomplish our goals and His goals if we will put Him and the gospel first.  I wish I could remember exactly what he said but it included having meaningful prayer and scripture study and fulfilling our other spiritual responsibilities.  Now I've heard this before and I'll hear it again, but it hit me in a way where I knew this was the Lord letting me know here was how I was going to survive the hectic schedule I'd be facing.  I need to put Him first and everything will fall into place.

Now I'm not going to say I'm perfectly on the turn around, but I'm striving to do better, especially with the little things.  Making time to get on my knees and pray, to read from the scriptures, and to serve faithfully in my church responsibilities will allow me to accomplish more with school, my family, and my other goals.  I don't know exactly why it works, but I know it works.  The Lord will empower those that serve Him and make Him the priority.  I notice the difference in the days where I'll read my scriptures and say my prayers.  My studies go better, I understand the material better, and I have greater confidence.  It truly is remarkable.  

This is stated clearly in the Book of Mormon.  In Alma 37: 6-7 it says:  

"6 Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.

 7 And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls."

Anyone that is facing the same challenges I promise this scripture is true and the principles of it are true.  For anyone that is feeling they cannot accomplish the tasks put in front of them, just take this challenge.  Do the small and simple things.  Put the Lord first.  Pray with sincerity, search the scriptures with purpose, and keep the commandments of God.  I know there will be more time in the day.  Things will work together easier.  Just try it out.  There will be a difference.  There will be added strength.

One final verse in the Luke 2:52

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."

The ultimate example is the Savior.  We do not know many details of His childhood and His life before His ministry, but we know as He increased in wisdom He followed the will of the Father perfectly.  He gained perfect strength, love and power because He did not let any worldly influences alter what He knew to be true.  Because of His perfect obedience and unwavering faith in His Father's plan, others recognized Him to be the Savior, the Son of God.  I know that He lives.  I know when we are overwhelmed or struggling to keep pace with life, we can turn to Him and we will be given a boost.  We will be carried throughout our activities and responsibilities and will be formed into the Savior's image.  I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ. 

 

A lot of good things have happened to my wife and I over the last few weeks.  We recently found out that we are going to have a baby girl.  We also just purchased our first home and are now on night three at the new place.  Everyone is healthy and we have the love and support of our families.  Despite all of these blessings I have focused on all the things that aren't "perfect" in my life.  I haven't had very much success in finding an internship in my field of study.  Instead I am working in a warehouse doing things that aren't remotely related to my field of study.  This has caused me to do more than my fair share of complaining.  Despite everything else going right in my life I have been chosen to dwell on a little hiccup along my path of life.

The Book of Mormon begins with an account of a family warned by the Lord to flee Jerusalem because of the city's wickedness.  The father of the household, Lehi, left his home and all he had and headed into the wilderness with his family.  He was a wealthy man, but was willing to give up whatever was necessary to follow the Lord.

Lehi had several sons that went with him into the wilderness along with his wife Sariah and daughters as well. His youngest son, Nephi, was a grateful man.  In 1 Nephi 17:1-3 it says:

"1 And it came to pass that we did again take our journey in the wilderness; and we did travel nearly eastward from that time forth. And we did travel and wade through much affliction in the wilderness; and our women did bear children in the wilderness.

 2 And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us, that while we did live upon raw meat in the wilderness, our women did give plenty of suck for their children, and were strong, yea, even like unto the men; and they began to bear their journeyings without murmurings.

 3 And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore, he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness."

I know that I don't have that kind of gratitude yet, not even close.  Here they were traveling in the wilderness.  This was a permanent thing, not a weekend camping trip.  The brothers wives were having children in the wilderness.  My wife is staying in a hospital with the latest technology and amenities.  I'm sure food had to be gathered and hunted daily so they would not starve.  And after all of this they are eating their meat raw.  What Nephi focuses on though are the blessings that were coming from the Lord.  He was grateful for healthy children that were receiving enough nourishment and the fact that everyone was strong and able to bear the difficulties of the journey.

I know personally the times I have been most grateful are the times I have felt the greatest happiness.  Often I am always looking ahead to what I can do next or what next achievement or accomplishment I can obtain.  While it is good to be ambitious I know that if we forget the blessings that are in front of us and take the time to appreciate them, we will be missing out and I feel that Heavenly Father will be a little sad.  After all it is because of Him we breathe, have fulfilling marriages, children, careers; all those things in life that make life so wonderful.  I know as we take the time to thank Him for what we have, He is willing to give us more in His own timing and if we are willing to go about and do productive things.

One does not have to have a lot of material possessions to be content and happy.  Personal satisfaction comes from gratitude, obedience to God's commandments, and giving to others.  Sometimes it seems counter intuitive, but it works.  Try it out for yourself and you'll know that it's true.

Ingratitude only brings complaining, loss of time, and misery.  There are so many things that are done for us by our Heavenly Father that often we choose not to see or do not ever realize.  Even the small things that seem to be "coincidences" are God's way of showing that He knows what is going on in our lives and that He loves us.  For example yesterday my wife called me from work saying that she had a flat tire.  I was definitely not using the gratitude card at the moment.  However, she had forgotten to take off roadside assistance so we were able to tow the car to the nearest Big-O-Tire store for free.  The gash on the tire was on the outside so the problem was easy to identify.  The tire didn't pop or go flat while she drove to work.  Because the tire was under warranty we were able to get the tire replaced without having to pay for a new one.  My wife pointed all these things out to me and it was just eye opening to consider all the "luck" we had.

I have so much, many have much.  In doctrine and covenants 59:21 the Lord reveals:

  "21 And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments."

I know these things are true.  I know that God is preparing greater things for us than what our world has to offer.  Maybe some of us will have a big house, a nice car, and a cushy life, but at the same time we may miss out on a lot of experiences that are more than worth their weight in gold.  I know that Heavenly Father loves us each and every one of His children.  I know that we are being watched over far more than we could ever realize.  I am grateful for Him.  I am also grateful for His Son Jesus Christ.  For which there could be no hope for better things if it had not been for Him.  I know we ought to be especially grateful that mistakes can be erased, burdens can be lifted, and trials can be overcome because of Him.  I love Him.  I say these things in His name, even Jesus Christ.  




  

So I have had a lot on my mind lately.  I had an interesting exchange that I have thought about over the last few days.  Every Friday I have the opportunity to volunteer at a local hospital.  I volunteer in the inpatient department answering phone calls, assisting nursing staff and doing a bunch of paper work.  Anyways I usually bring a book in case I have some down time.  This book in particular was about a family living during the time before the Second Coming of Christ.  It told of their dealings of the signs of the times and all the turmoils on the earth before the Savior came again.  Well I had one of the nurses come by and ask me what I was reading and what it was about.  She told me she liked apocalyptic sorts of novels.  I mentioned to her that the author was LDS.  She then mentioned what had been on my mind for the last little bit.  She mentioned that she had grown up in the LDS faith, but had become Catholic when she was 13.  She then said that LDS, Catholic it was all the same, it only matters that you believe in God.  Now it was a simple statement, but I wish I would have responded to it.  I decided to respond to that comment with my blog today.

I do agree with this nurse that it is important to believe in God.  I know that God exists and that He is our Father.  I believe this statement is one of the most important basic principles for a person to base their foundation on.  In the Book of Mormon in Mosiah 4:9 it says

"Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend."

However, I do not believe the rest of what her statement implied.  For I know that that part is not true.  While it is of the utmost importance to believe in God, it is not all the same, nor is it the only thing that matters.  It is one of the first principles to know the true nature of God the Father and His son Jesus Christ.  In fact it says in John 17:3

"And this is life eternal, that they may know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."

It is life eternal to know the true nature of God.  Varying religions are divided on the nature and purposed of God.  It is imperative to understand God's true character and nature so that we as His children might better understand our relationship to Him and His purposes for us.  The restored gospel of Jesus Christ teaches that God the Father is the father of our spirits.  He has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man's.  He and the Son Jesus Christ are two separate personages that are one in purpose and glory.  They are not a single entity as most of the Christian world teaches.

While a belief in God is essential, it is not a final conclusion to come to.  A believe in God leads to a belief in His teachings and a belief that His promises are real.  This means that when God repeatedly admonishes us to keep certain commandments, then if we truly believe in Him then we will keep His commandments.I guess this is how faith is developed, by hearing God's word and acting upon it.  This requires struggle and sacrifice a majority of the time, but this is how we come to know God.  For instance, I can say that I believe in the commandment God has given concerning tithing, which is we give back to God a tenth of our increase for the  building of His kingdom.  Now it is one thing to say I believe in this principle, but it is an entirely new thing to pay tithing when faced with financial hardship.  Although it is easy to justify, by not keeping that commandment or any other commandment God has given us, we loose an opportunity to grow in faith and come to know God more fully.  One more scripture illustrates this point.  This is found in John 14:15, it states

"If ye love me, keep my commandments."

Now I'm not saying I have it all figured out.  I'm not saying I do God's will all the time.  I don't, in fact no one does. The only one is the Savior.  We can be better though.  I know that God loves us, we are His children and that He wants to uplift us.  He does this by trying our faith and by seeing that we serve Him and keep His commandments. By doing these things one will come to know the strength and power that comes from obedience.  The more I strive to follow my Heavenly Father the happier I am.  I also at the same time realize how dependent I am on Him and how much I mess up.  It gives me greater appreciation for the Savior's sacrifice for me.  I know these things to be true and say this in the name of Jesus Christ.

 When the Savior walked the roads of Jerusalem He went about healing the sick, raising the dead and providing comfort to those in need.  There are many recorded miracles of Him giving sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf and healing to the broken heart.  He called 12 special witnesses, or apostles who in turn were given the power and authority to do the same things Christ did.  By the laying on of hands these apostles were given the power and authority to perform the same  miracles as Jesus could perform. This power given by the Savior is called the priesthood.  

Matthew 10:1

"And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease."

The apostles in turn were able to confer the priesthood to other worthy men so that they could bless the lives of others.  The priesthood holds the ability to run the Saviors church as it was run during the life of Christ and  the apostles.  Through wickedness this power to perform God's work was lost, but was eventually restored through a modern prophet by the name of Joseph Smith.  Anyways the Lord's priesthood has been restored and is held by worthy men in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  I have been blessed to have been given the honor to hold the priesthood of God and have on many occasions felt the power of the priesthood in my own life. 

My wife and I are expecting our first child.  She is due in November and we are both really excited.  A couple of weeks ago my wife woke up in the middle of the night and was experiencing some bleeding.  We got in our car and drove to the emergency room of a hospital nearby.  We were both really worried about the well being of the baby and didn't know what to expect.  While we were waiting I felt impressed to call my cousin who lived nearby and have him help me give my wife a blessing.  Blessings are not a new concept.  Early members of Christ's church called upon priesthood holders to give blessings of comfort and healing. 

James 5:14 


"Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:"

My cousin was able to anoint my wife's head with olive oil that had been set apart for the specific purpose of healing the sick.  We were then able to lay our hands on her head and give her a blessing.  The blessing was a great comfort to my wife.  I do not remember all the words said, but I remember feeling a spirit of peace.  I felt calm and had a sense of love about me.  I knew that everything would be ok.  Prior to the blessing we were taken in to few an ultrasound.  After the blessing the doctor came in and explained that all the labs and everything looked good.  We had a high likelihood of going to term and delivering a healthy baby.  

I know that the priesthood is real.  I know it is God's power that He has given to man under certain conditions.  This power is used to uplift those around us.  I am so grateful that I have been entrusted with this power and responsibility.  I am grateful that I have the opportunity to act in the name of Christ and that I can do His will.  I know that's exactly what He would be doing.  I know that Jesus is the Savior and that He will return to the earth soon.  I know His power has been restored through living prophets.  I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the Lord's church.  It contains all the promises and ordinances needed to return to God.  I am grateful for Him and the guidance He gives me on a daily basis.  I leave these things in the name of Jesus Christ.  

I have had a lot of thoughts lately.  There have been a lot of things going on in the world that may bring about a little alarm.  One thing especially is the Supreme Court's review of legalizing same sex marriage.  Although we cannot predict what happens, we can take comfort in knowing that these things have been foretold centuries before.  In the Book of Mormon the Lord shows a prophet by the name of Nephi a vision of conditions on the earth in the last days.  In 2 Nephi 28: 7-9 it states:

"7 Yea, and there shall be many which shall say: ^aEat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us.

 8 And there shall also be many which shall say: ^aEat, drink, and be ^bmerry; nevertheless, fear God—he will ^cjustify in committing a little ^dsin; yea, ^elie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a ^fpit for thy neighbor; there is ^gno harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God.

 9 Yea, and there shall be many which shall teach after this manner, ^afalse and vain and ^bfoolish ^cdoctrines, and shall be puffed up in their hearts, and shall seek deep to hide their counsels from the Lord; and their works shall be in the dark."

We see so much of this going on in the world today.  Another scripture in the Old Testament found in  Isaiah 5:20 says

 "Woe unto them that call ^aevil ^bgood, and good evil; that put ^cdarkness for ^dlight, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"

Again we see much of this in the world.  Morals and values have become relative instead of absolute.  People do not want to be held accountable for their actions.  As I speak there are people out there trying to change the very idea of marriage as ordained by Heavenly Father.  While I cannot judge another because I do not know the thoughts and intents of others' hearts I know that our Heavenly Father has given us commandments and has spoken on the subject.  These commandments are guidelines to protect and bring us safety as we travel through this mortal experience.  I know He gives these because He loves us.  A good parent has to say no to their children in order for their children to succeed.  Rules bring blessings.  There are many things in the world that we have been commanded to not do that will protect, guide and build us up.  This is a demonstration of God's love towards us.  I do not know all the reasons why some commandments are given, but I know that God's view is a lot better than ours.  I know that many are trying to legalize gay marriage.  I want to bear my witness that although I have no ill will towards any who support this notion, I know that it is not right.  Marriage has always and will always be a union between a man and woman, as husband and wife.  God has established that from the very beginning.  Eve was an help meet for Adam.  Together they brought forth children and taught them the gospel.  The Apostle Paul has taught that husbands and wives are to love each other.  That we are to love our spouse as our own flesh.  This is how God intended it to be.  God has prepared a way that man and wife could be married for all eternity.  The bonds of marriage do not have to end with death.  Because the Lord has restored His gospel on the earth today I know families can be together forever.  God does not condemn those that are following other paths.  Instead He offers the gift of His son Jesus Christ.  This requires change.  It requires giving up habits or associations that are against the teachings of the Lord.  We are promised peace and joy for following the Savior.  Because of His atoning sacrifice, everyone may live with Heavenly Father again, if we so choose.  I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior.  He can make us clean from our mistakes, pains, and disappointments.  His love is perfect.  So is His desire to help lift us and extend beyond ourselves.  I know these things to be true.  I testify in the name of Jesus Christ. 

Sorry its been awhile again.  Things come up and life gets busy.  Today's scripture comes from the old testament.  The actual scripture is only part of a verse.  It is the first sentence in Genesis 18:12-14.  To give a background, during this time Abraham and Abraham's wife are in their nineties.  Abraham had a son named Ishmael through Sarai's handmaid Hagar because Sarai was not able to have children.  The Lord communicates with Abraham and promises Him many blessings.  He promises that Abraham will be a father of multitudes and His seed will be as numerous as the sands of the sea.  The Lord promises Abraham will have a child and that his name will be Isaac.  This is again told through holy men who visit Abraham and his wife.  Upon hearing this Sarah (name changed from Sarai) basically laughs as explained in verse twelve:

12 "Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?

13 "And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?

I love how the Lord simply puts the first part of the next verse,

"Is any thing too hard for the Lord?"

This is a powerful statement and a powerful promise coming from the Lord.  When I think about all the challenges and things I want to accomplish I can often get overwhelmed.  I often think of my weaknesses and how hard it can be to resist certain temptations.  When I feel the Lord wants me to travel a path that remains uncertain or difficult this statement needs to be my motto.  At the very heart of it, there is nothing the Lord cannot accomplish.  He is the creator of this world, the Redeemer of mankind, and the Son of God.  He has made and will continue to make promises to us as long as we keep His commandments and strive to follow His will.  While we in our mortal sphere may be limited, the Lord is limitless.  We may be finite, but the Lord is infinite.  We may be weak, but the Lord is strong.  When the Lord asks us to accomplish certain things, to repent, to do something that seems above our ability to endure, He will provide a way to accomplish it.  Every estranged relationship, every broken heart, every troubled marriage can be mended if we turn to the Lord.  The Lord can help us overcome addictions, behavioral troubles, and illnesses.  Nothing is beyond His reach or His power.  While He expects us to grow and progress, He will aide us in that process.  Sarah was barren meaning she could not have children.  Despite the medical limitations, she was able to bear her son Isaac.  The Lord can soften the hearts of our enemies, provide relief from economic turmoil, and allow our burdens to be light.  He can and will do all in His power to give us the strength to accomplish what we have come to the earth to accomplish.  I'm not saying every illness, or disappointment will result in a happy ending.  I'm not saying grief or pain will be avoided.  This journey is full of valleys and mountains.  I am saying that we cannot afford to put limits on the Savior.  If He wants something accomplished by us, we can do it if we trust in Him and are willing to put in the work and effort involved in it.  For me this boosts my faith.  It helps me when I am discouraged.  I know nothing is too hard for the Lord.  I know some of the blessings I have been promised will not come immediately, but in the Lord's timing they will come.  I will not put limits on Him, for I know that the scripture I have been describing is true.  I know Jesus Christ is the Savior and that He lives.  I love Him and am grateful for His divine mission.  I am thankful for the great plan of happiness that has been given by my Heavenly Father.  I am grateful for the central role of the Savior in making this plan of happiness possible.  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ.  

   

I had the opportunity yesterday to speak in front of my congregation during our church services.  Usually speakers from the congregation are selected by those who preside over that local congregation.  This gives the members an opportunity to listen to different people every week and of course gives the speaker an opportunity to share faith promoting experiences.  Well I had the opportunity to speak on prayer.  The scripture that I'd like to share today is found in the Book of Mormon in Alma 37:37.  It reads,

"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."

          There are many scriptures that discuss the role of prayer.  I have gained a strong testimony of prayer as I've had experiences in my life that have reaffirmed to me that God does live, I'm His child, and He listens to and answers all of my prayers.  I know that if I have a problem He will help if I seek Him.  There have been many times where I have been overly stressed or worried about certain issues.  As I have prayed with my Father in Heaven about those concerns, often I have had experiences where I would be filled with peace;  calm reassurance that all would be well.  School has been very important to me and I feel strongly about getting as much education as possible.  I remember for my last semester of my undergrad I need to take 2 lab classes to fulfill the requirements for my degree.  Both were full and there were not a lot of openings to begin with.  This caused me some stress because I really did not want to put off my degree another semester.  I remember on several occasions pleading with my Heavenly Father to help me get into those labs.  While waiting I also did my part as God expects us to do what we can.  I wrote to the professors about getting on a waiting list and checked the availability several times a day.  I remember getting more uneasy and worried as the semester approached.  One class opened up, so I was happy about that, but another one was being more stubborn.  I remember as the final days of the break neared an opening for that class opened up.  I was so grateful for that.  While some may view that as a coincidence, I know that was an answer to my prayers.
          I also can be hard on myself.  I think we are our own worst critics.  I remember on quite a few occasions being weighed down because of my personal struggles and weaknesses.  I'd often entertain the idea because of my flaws and shortcomings, I was unworthy of God's love.  While it may seem harder to pray when we are feeling down, I know this is when we need to the most.  Another scripture in the Book of Mormon found in 2 Nephi 32:8-9 says;

"8 And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing.  For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray, ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray. 
9 But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul." 

I have had several occasions feelings of peace and overwhelming love come upon me.  This has been my Heavenly Father letting me know that He loves me perfectly.  While not perfect I know that I can talk with my Heavenly Father about anything anytime.  I can ask for blessings I feel I need.  I can ask for guidance in decisions I need to make.  I can ask for safety for loved ones.  I can also give Him thanks for all He has given me.  I can ask for opportunities to help me help others.  I know that if we ask for opportunities to help others out, our Heavenly Father will put people in our paths that we can make a difference to.  God blesses His children often through the service provided by others.  When we can the time to forgive others, search out for those in need, or provide friendship to the lonely, I know that will be us helping God answer the prayers of His other children.  I know that God is our Father.  He is a real being.  He literally lives.  He has not sent us here to be left alone.  He will offer assistance more than we can know.  Often we are only held back before we do not ask.  I know we can seek answers to important questions in our lives.  If we are humble and are willing to follow the guidance given, Heavenly Father will not let us go down a wrong path.  I am grateful for the power of prayer.  Through prayer miracles can and are accomplished.  I hope I may be better at praying more sincerely and more often.  I have found that starting and ending the day with prayer have led to better peace and happiness in my life.  I know we can keep a prayer in our hearts all day.  I say things things in the name of Heavenly Father's only begotten son, Jesus Christ.  

Sorry it has been too long.  I have been out of town and well I guess I need to get in a better habit of updating this blog on a more frequent basis.  Last Thursday I had the opportunity to travel for an interview for pharmacy school.  A few things ran through my mind through out the trip.  The scripture I'd like to post today comes from the book of Matthew in the New Testament.  One way the Lord liked to teach His followers was by using parables.  These parables were short stories that the people of the time could relate to and contained many gospel truths.  The scripture I'd like to use for today's blog is Matthew 25:14-30.

14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.

17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.

19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful aservant: thou hast been bfaithful over a few things, I will make thee cruler over many things: enter thou into the djoy of thy lord.

22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.

23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:

25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

 26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

One thing I noticed about the city I visited on my trip was how bad the economy was in that town.  Granted there were some nice buildings and places, but the overall feeling I got was one of struggle.  There were many people who looked like they have fallen on hard times.  It made me think of all the blessings I have and continue to receive.  While I know each one of us will have struggles, I couldn't help but think how happy a home I had come from and how many opportunities I have been given.  I truly don't deserve the abundance of blessings God has given to me, but rather know its an act of love and mercy.  I have often had the chance to question why I have been given much.  There are way kinder, more faithful people in the world.  There are way more people with more patience, forgiveness and dedication than I.  This parable has not explained to me way I have been given what I have, but it has given me instruction, which I for one need to do better in following.  In this parable the master gives to his servants different amounts of money.  To each he gave a different amount.  On returning from his trip he comes to his servants to see what they have done with the money given.  Two of the servants had doubled their earnings while the third, afraid to use what he had been given, decided to hide the money so as not to loose it.  I have always found it interesting that the master was just as pleased with the servant who had two talents as with the servant who had been given five.  He was upset at the man given one.  Not because the amount given, but because the servant hid the talent instead of using it to become profitable.  I know our Father in Heaven and the Lord feel the same way.  We have all been given skills, talents, and even resources.  Some of us maybe have a lot of money, some of us may struggle financially.  Some of us may have skills in the arts, music, science, or building things.  I often fall into the trap of looking over at someone with 20 talents and comparing them to my 5.  The Lord only cares what I do with the opportunities and blessings I have been given.  I have a unique set of talents and skills.  I have been born into circumstances that are far more favorable than many around the world.  Does this mean I am better than another?  Absolutely not!  Does this mean the Lord will hold me accountable for what I do and accomplish from what I have been given?  Absolutely!  The Lord loves every single one of us infinitely.  His sacrifice was the ultimate expression of love.  I know that if we turn to the Lord He will help us use the talents we have been given.  I am always amazed at stories in history where someone who has been brought up in very difficult circumstances has gone on to do some very amazing things.  They have definitely multiplied their talents.  Often it involves a lot of hard work, but I know we all can use what we have been given, despite feeling limited sometimes, and accomplish great things.  I know through prayer, diligence, service and other Christ centered activities the Lord will help us expand what we have been given and we can use that to promote good.  I know the Savior lives and that His whole mission is to uplift us.  We were sent here to grow and develop.  I know it can be scary sometimes to put ourselves out there or to try things we feel we might fail in.  But I know all of this will lead to an increased amount of happiness and greater peace.  I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ.  

Alright so today I want to focus on a scripture found in the book of John in the New Testament and a scripture from the Book of Mormon.  In John 16:32-33 it says:

"32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

 33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

This is one of my favorite scriptures in the New Testament.  Here the Savior is providing comfort to His apostles.  On several occasions Christ had foretold His upcoming death and the persecutions that would follow those that followed Him.  Personally that would be a lot to take in for me.  The Savior told His apostles that many of His disciples would be put to death and that the community would feel it was doing God's will (verse 2).  Even the apostles would later be hunted down.  Peter was crucified and James was beheaded.  Indeed they were going to have tribulation in the world.  While hopefully we aren't being hunted down, every one of us faces our own tribulations.  The list could go on and on.  I don't know what everyone's particular circumstances are, but I know at one point or another we may be facing dark times.  I've had my share of struggles and I know I will continue to have struggles.  I have often wondered why a particular challenge came my way.  I have often felt if only I could trade my struggle for a different one.  Unfortunately life doesn't work like that.  Some struggles are brought upon us by our own choices.  Sometimes other people do terrible things to us without us ever having deserved the situation.  Sometimes things just happen.  I know for myself though that the peace promised in the second of the two verses is true.  This was apart of God's plan from the beginning.  Mortality would be full of trials and challenges.  They would be difficult.  Not that God wants to see us suffer, that is far from the truth.  God loves us.  He wants the best for us.  Tribulations and trials can, if we turn to the Savior and our Heavenly Father, help us develop spiritually.  We can have peace during troubled times and difficult situations.  I don't know why children starve all over the world, I don't know why people get raped, murdered or kidnapped.  I certainly don't know why some of our loved ones are taken from us early.  I don't have answers to thousands of these questions.  I certainly know though that God does not delight in our pain.  I know that He allows people to exercise their own agency, but does not condone their choices.  Sorry this can be a totally different topic.  All I do know is that this scripture is true.  We can know with certainty that Christ really has overcome the world.  This is through His great and Eternal sacrifice.  Both in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross, Christ has taken upon Himself the sins of the world.  He has also taken upon Himself the sicknesses, weaknesses and pains of all mankind.  This includes all anxieties, worries, depression.  A scripture in the Book of Mormon explains this a lot better than I ever could.  This is found in Alma 7:11-13.

"11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

 12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me."

 This includes anything and everything.  He has conquered all possible things that may separate us from God including sin, death, inadequacy, you name it.  As we turn to Christ He will help us with whatever challenge we may be facing.  Christ has overcome the world.  There is nothing that can happen to us in the world that will not be made right, that can not be overcome as long as we turn towards Him and do His will.  We have every reason to be of good cheer.  Wow there are so many wonderful verses that connect the thoughts I want to convey, but hopefully the main point has been made.  To anyone that may have given up hope, or those that are skeptical about the final outcome I want to bear testimony that I know Christ has overcome the world.  Good will triumph over evil.  I know the Savior has felt the pains we feel and I promise there is relief through Him.  Of these things I testify in the name of Jesus Christ.    

So this is my first blog.  I didn't even know what a blog was until not too long ago even though they have been around for awhile.  A little background on myself.  My name is Blake and I live in the Salt Lake valley. I have grown up in this area since I was a little kid.  Recently I graduated from the University of Utah and am in the process of applying to pharmacy school.  I have been married to my wonderful wife for just over a year.  I enjoy the outdoors (when it isn't winter), video games, and sports.  While my goals and hobbies are important to me, my faith is even more important.  I am a Christian.  I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  My faith in our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ has helped me through out my life and will continue to help me.  I have had the idea of creating a blog for awhile now.   I believe in Jesus Christ and know He is the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind.  I know that because of Him, both death and sin have been conquered.  I know He has born all our burdens and pains and knows how to heal us in any capacity if we will turn to Him and trust Him.  This knowledge has been gained through prayer, scripture study and personal experiences.   I feel it is important to share the message of the gospel to all that will hear it.  The message of the gospel is one of hope and peace.  What comes down to it is that right will prevail and all injustices will be corrected according to God's timing.  It has been especially depressing over the course of the last few weeks to view what has been going on in the world.  With shootings, natural disasters and economic hardships occurring at an increasing pace, I have been a little discouraged as of late.  It is easy to wonder why it seems evil triumphs and why good is oppressed.  It drives me crazy how the law has been twisted to serve the purposes of special interests.  All in all I think if anyone were to dwell on these things too long, they'd be left feeling angry, depressed and hopeless.  I feel there is great comfort in knowing the scriptures.  I know the words received and recorded by God's messengers have created a lasting impact on the world.  I truly believe reading, thinking and applying what is contained in these scriptures will invite peace, hope and love into our lives.  They will give us guidance as we face difficult challenges, situations and decisions.  I know it has happened in my own life.  The intent of this blog is to share scriptures that have made an impact on my life and have helped me with my own struggles.  While I believe the bible to be the word of God, I also believe God has reached out to man again through modern prophets and has given us additional witnesses to the divinity and reality of Jesus Christ and God's plan for man's redemption.  These scriptures include the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price.  These do not diminish the validity or testimony of the bible, but rather aid in being additional testimonies of the Savior.  Any doctrinal questions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints can be answered by visiting mormon.org.  I hope this blog will help anyone out there that may be looking for answers, or that may need a helping hand.  I want anyone to out there to know that God lives and so does His Son.  We are all God's children and He loves us perfectly.  We have been placed here on earth to gain experience and to develop our spiritual potential.  This however is not permanent.  We all through Jesus Christ can return and live with our Heavenly Father.  That was the plan from the beginning.  God has revealed this vital information through prophets, divinely inspired men, that have been called by God to proclaim God's plan.  More will be said on all of this.  I hope this blog will reach and inspire any who are searching.  I will start with a scripture with my next posting. With much love, I bear testimony of these things in the name of Jesus Christ.