Showing posts with label covenants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label covenants. Show all posts
I Can't Imagine Heaven without My Family
Labels:
baptism,
covenants,
family,
I Choose to Believe,
patience
Angels Were Singing to Me
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| Photo from LDS.org, used with permission |
by Lindi Salmond
To quote a good friend, life gets heavy. It can be burdensome, tiring, scary, and overwhelming. Sometimes I find myself deep in these feelings. Life feels like just a lot of work.
At some point in my misery, Heavenly Father gently reminds me to return to Him, remember my covenants, and give my burdens to him. If, at this point, I listen to his counsel and find Him through scriptures, prayer, and temple attendance, my days become lighter. It is just like those first rays of sunshine breaking through an overcast sky.
To me, this is especially true with temple attendance: it is the sunshine to my soul. When I find myself in the temple regularly and consistently, my days that used to be so heavy are now filled with light. They turn from the gray days of January to the bright beautiful days of June. It’s not that the hard things have gone away--we still have thunderstorms in June! But focusing on my covenants, which in turn strengthens my relationship with my Savior, my burdens are no longer mine alone.
Covenants do that for us; they yoke us to the Savior and, unlike yoking with regular animals that evenly share the burden, He does most of the heavy lifting! When my days are bright I can, in turn, find others to help on their way.
When we say “rejoicing on the covenant path,” I can’t help but picture myself linked arm-in-arm with my dear sisters walking down the path of life. We are laughing together, serving each other in our times of need, worshiping together, and even crying with each other. That is true rejoicing to me--when we can help others, and in turn, they lift us up as well. Our covenants put us all on the same path, giving us each other. I cannot think of a better gift.
As some of you know, I have Lupus, and with that comes all sorts of different things that I deal with. Most are just nuisances. I had been dealing with a cracking voice for a few months (think teenage boy; it wasn’t my favorite). One day I was sitting in Relief Society, and one of my favorite songs was being sung for our closing song. With the way my voice had been, I couldn’t hit any high notes in songs. Usually, it didn’t bother me--I would just silently skip the parts I couldn’t reach--but I really wanted to sing this song. I pleaded with Heavenly Father to please let my voice work for just this one song.
As we started singing, I was hopeful but as we got to the first high part, my voice failed. I was so disappointed, but that disappointment only lasted a second because as I sat there silent my sisters all around me continued singing: angels were singing to me. I felt as if He was saying to me, "You can’t do it right now, but they can do it for you." The love of my Savior for me was so strong at that moment, and it came through my ward sisters.
What is rejoicing on the covenant path? To me, it is the description of this beautiful life we have been given the chance to live. Staying close to the Savior with the companionship of others as we all strive to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. I am eternally thankful for this truth in my life.
Personal Revelation and Prayer
Labels:
covenants,
faith,
Jesus Christ,
ministering,
prayer,
Women's Conference 2019
This talk was given at the 2019 stake women's conference.
by Lori West
I want a share a few verses of a song by a contemporary music artist. The song is called “No” by Cherie Call.
A little boy at the end of a day knelt by his bed to say prayer
And Father up in Heaven heard the prayer he prayed
And listened to each word with greatest care
The boy said,
"Please bless that tomorrow I won't have to take a bath,
And bless that they will cancel school for snow."
And God had the power to protect him and never let him grow
But He said, "No." And there are yeses that our Father can hardly wait to give
And they are packed in every crevice of the lives we live
Sometimes God will pour down miracles and amazing twists of fate
And other times He chooses just to whisper, "Wait."
How many times have I prayed for blue skies
So no one has to cancel the game
And I feel so abandoned when the sky gets dark
Never knowing all the ones who prayed for rain
And usually the story's even trickier than this
With solutions that only God could know
But if you ask Him if He's ever overlooked you
Or ceased to love you so
He'll say, "No."
Have you ever had someone tell you “no” when you are certain that what you want or are asking for is the best thing?
As a child, I lived in Florida, and Florida is hot. One summer day, I had been outside playing all day long. I was tired, hot, and hungry. As I walked home, I knew I needed some kind of refreshment to cool me off and fill my belly. Then I thought of it: Popsicles! We had some in the freezer at home, and as I continued on my way, I literally salivated when thinking of them!
When I arrived, I went to the kitchen (where my mom was cooking dinner) to ask her for a Popsicle, and she said, “No!” I was so frustrated! A hot dinner was something that I didn’t want, I was already hot! Couldn’t my mom see I needed something cold and refreshing, rather than a hot dinner?
by Lori West
I want a share a few verses of a song by a contemporary music artist. The song is called “No” by Cherie Call.
A little boy at the end of a day knelt by his bed to say prayer
And Father up in Heaven heard the prayer he prayed
And listened to each word with greatest care
The boy said,
"Please bless that tomorrow I won't have to take a bath,
And bless that they will cancel school for snow."
And God had the power to protect him and never let him grow
But He said, "No." And there are yeses that our Father can hardly wait to give
And they are packed in every crevice of the lives we live
Sometimes God will pour down miracles and amazing twists of fate
And other times He chooses just to whisper, "Wait."
How many times have I prayed for blue skies
So no one has to cancel the game
And I feel so abandoned when the sky gets dark
Never knowing all the ones who prayed for rain
And usually the story's even trickier than this
With solutions that only God could know
But if you ask Him if He's ever overlooked you
Or ceased to love you so
He'll say, "No."
Have you ever had someone tell you “no” when you are certain that what you want or are asking for is the best thing?
As a child, I lived in Florida, and Florida is hot. One summer day, I had been outside playing all day long. I was tired, hot, and hungry. As I walked home, I knew I needed some kind of refreshment to cool me off and fill my belly. Then I thought of it: Popsicles! We had some in the freezer at home, and as I continued on my way, I literally salivated when thinking of them!
When I arrived, I went to the kitchen (where my mom was cooking dinner) to ask her for a Popsicle, and she said, “No!” I was so frustrated! A hot dinner was something that I didn’t want, I was already hot! Couldn’t my mom see I needed something cold and refreshing, rather than a hot dinner?
Becoming True Disciples
This talk was given at the 2019 stake women's conference.
By Shelly Harrison
The other day, I was out doing my morning exercise route when I saw a huge backup of cars on a busy road. I thought to myself, "Oh no, an accident!" As I got closer, I saw a lot of people getting out of their cars and heading to the first car.
It looked like the driver was having car trouble in the middle of the intersection. Some people pulled over, got out of their cars, and jumped in to help this lady in her minivan, by pushing it to a safe place. Then there were a few extra men who stayed with her to see what they could do to help get her van working.
My thoughts were, "This is so heartwarming and amazing to see all the people jumping in to minister to her in a time of need." I think many of us are always willing to help, especially in a crisis. But sometimes ministering may be easier when they are people we don’t know. Putting ourselves out there to minister to people we know can create some uncomfortable feelings inside us.
Let me explain… Anxiety, uncertainty, lack of confidence, feeling threated. feeling unprotected. This is the definition of INSECURITY. Is this how you feel when it comes to ministering? Maybe not for all of you, but for some, like me, it is.
By Shelly Harrison
The other day, I was out doing my morning exercise route when I saw a huge backup of cars on a busy road. I thought to myself, "Oh no, an accident!" As I got closer, I saw a lot of people getting out of their cars and heading to the first car.
It looked like the driver was having car trouble in the middle of the intersection. Some people pulled over, got out of their cars, and jumped in to help this lady in her minivan, by pushing it to a safe place. Then there were a few extra men who stayed with her to see what they could do to help get her van working.
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| Photo from LDS.org. Used with permission |
Let me explain… Anxiety, uncertainty, lack of confidence, feeling threated. feeling unprotected. This is the definition of INSECURITY. Is this how you feel when it comes to ministering? Maybe not for all of you, but for some, like me, it is.
Remembering to Rejoice in Our Covenants
This talk was given at the 2019 stake women's conference.By Tiffany McMinn
Just one year ago, in his first public message after being called as the new prophet, President Nelson stated that his new presidency wanted “to begin with the end in mind” as they met with media in the annex of the Salt Lake Temple. There, President Nelson said if we were “faithful to covenants made in a temple [it will] qualify us for the greatest gift of God—that of eternal life.”
In this broadcast, and specifically directing the last part of his address to “each member of the Church,” President Nelson used the phrase “covenant path” three times in three different ways:
1-Keep on the covenant path
2-stay on the covenant path
3-return to the covenant path
Now that it has been a year, and with so many changes, do you feel like this meme on the left?
I think we could add a number 4 to the list from President Nelson: “Keep up with President Nelson on the covenant path.”
Obviously, being on the covenant path is something our dear prophet feels we need to be reminded of. I noticed this past October conference the phrase “covenant path” was being repeated over and over again. I looked it up and found that the phrase “covenant path” was used 28 times.
When I Focused on the Lord, I Stopped Feeling Stressed Out
This talk was given at the 2019 stake women's conference.
By Kara Lunsford, a Laurel
Hello beautiful sisters! I am so grateful for this opportunity to speak to you wonderful women.
About three weeks ago Sister Adams and Sister Wensel came and asked me if I would be willing to talk at this women's conference. Surprisingly, I was super excited! They asked me to accept this 21-day challenge given by Wendy Watson Nelson. This challenge is to “make a sacrifice of time to the Lord by increasing time in family history and in temple work.” I was very excited about this and to learn and become closer to my Savior.
At the beginning, I did all right with the challenge. I was more focused on what happened and what I could share with you women than how it affected me personally in my life. I didn’t notice a huge difference in how I felt or how happy I was. After that, I didn’t do anything for about a week and a half, partly because I was sick and partly because I wasn't sure what to do and it just didn’t really cross my mind.
However, this past Sunday, my cute mom came and asked me how it was going, and I was completely honest with her. I told her I wasn’t sure what to do or why I was chosen to do this. She told me not to worry about what already happened, (or didn’t happen, haha), but to just focus on what I can do this week.
By Kara Lunsford, a Laurel
Hello beautiful sisters! I am so grateful for this opportunity to speak to you wonderful women.
About three weeks ago Sister Adams and Sister Wensel came and asked me if I would be willing to talk at this women's conference. Surprisingly, I was super excited! They asked me to accept this 21-day challenge given by Wendy Watson Nelson. This challenge is to “make a sacrifice of time to the Lord by increasing time in family history and in temple work.” I was very excited about this and to learn and become closer to my Savior.
At the beginning, I did all right with the challenge. I was more focused on what happened and what I could share with you women than how it affected me personally in my life. I didn’t notice a huge difference in how I felt or how happy I was. After that, I didn’t do anything for about a week and a half, partly because I was sick and partly because I wasn't sure what to do and it just didn’t really cross my mind.
However, this past Sunday, my cute mom came and asked me how it was going, and I was completely honest with her. I told her I wasn’t sure what to do or why I was chosen to do this. She told me not to worry about what already happened, (or didn’t happen, haha), but to just focus on what I can do this week.
How We Rejoice on the Covenant Path
Labels:
covenants,
faith,
family,
Jesus Christ,
joy,
temple,
Women's Conference 2019
This video of testimonies of sisters from our stake was shown at the 2019 women's conference.
Witnessing the Love of the Lord for Me and My Ancestors
This talk was given at the 2019 stake women's conference.
By Brynn Meredith, a Laurel
What a blessing it has been for me to take part in the preparation for this conference. I was challenged to take part in the 21-day challenge at the beginning of January, and it has been amazing for me to witness the love that our Father in Heaven has for us and our ancestors that came before us.
Sister Wensel and Sister Adams came and visited me and asked me to take part and be ready to share my findings. They also gave me a talk to read from a BYU women’s conference about this 21-day challenge. The challenge is about a sacrifice of time to the Lord. The action that I choose to take for this challenge was indexing and going to the temple once a week with my sister.
When I first received the challenge, I was admittedly really worried that I would not only be unable to find something I could consistently do, but that I would not be able to share the importance of it with you. I will also admit that before this challenge, I had never really learned how to use the FamilySearch software. But I felt very strongly that indexing was something that I would be able to do every day and that it was an important part in this work.
By Brynn Meredith, a Laurel
What a blessing it has been for me to take part in the preparation for this conference. I was challenged to take part in the 21-day challenge at the beginning of January, and it has been amazing for me to witness the love that our Father in Heaven has for us and our ancestors that came before us.
Sister Wensel and Sister Adams came and visited me and asked me to take part and be ready to share my findings. They also gave me a talk to read from a BYU women’s conference about this 21-day challenge. The challenge is about a sacrifice of time to the Lord. The action that I choose to take for this challenge was indexing and going to the temple once a week with my sister.
When I first received the challenge, I was admittedly really worried that I would not only be unable to find something I could consistently do, but that I would not be able to share the importance of it with you. I will also admit that before this challenge, I had never really learned how to use the FamilySearch software. But I felt very strongly that indexing was something that I would be able to do every day and that it was an important part in this work.
As We Submit Our Time to the Lord, He Showers Us with Blessings
This talk was given at the 2019 stake women's conference.
by Bethany Bown, a Laurel
Hello. My name is Bethany Bown. I’m a senior class officer at Davis High, a ballerina at Clytie Adams school of ballet, and a shopaholic. This may give you the impression that I am a busy girl, which I am, but I know it doesn’t even compare to being close to busy as all of you women, mothers, and friends.
The past 21 days I’ve taken part in an amazing opportunity that has brought blessings and great peace into my busy days. This is an opportunity I’d like to extend to each of you today. It’s called the 21-day sacrifice. You focus on keeping your covenants for 21 days and sacrifice something in order to do so. It’s as simple as that.
Wendy Watson Nelson was the one to initiate it in her address at the BYU Women’s Conference in 2015. She promised this along with her challenge: “When covenant women keep their covenants, they have greater access to the power of God. The power of God flows into them, and that power, His power, generates a decrease in stress, an increase in energy, more and clearer revelation for their lives, renewed focus, courage to make needed changes, an increase in patience, and more time for what matters.”
I can testify that she meant what she promised. The past couple weeks as I’ve taken part in this challenge, I’ve been more relaxed and focused on what really matters. One Saturday afternoon, my mom and I decided to go to the temple. It was about an hour wait. Instead of leaving because we had other things to do that day, we decided to stay. This was so worth it.
by Bethany Bown, a Laurel
Hello. My name is Bethany Bown. I’m a senior class officer at Davis High, a ballerina at Clytie Adams school of ballet, and a shopaholic. This may give you the impression that I am a busy girl, which I am, but I know it doesn’t even compare to being close to busy as all of you women, mothers, and friends.
The past 21 days I’ve taken part in an amazing opportunity that has brought blessings and great peace into my busy days. This is an opportunity I’d like to extend to each of you today. It’s called the 21-day sacrifice. You focus on keeping your covenants for 21 days and sacrifice something in order to do so. It’s as simple as that.
Wendy Watson Nelson was the one to initiate it in her address at the BYU Women’s Conference in 2015. She promised this along with her challenge: “When covenant women keep their covenants, they have greater access to the power of God. The power of God flows into them, and that power, His power, generates a decrease in stress, an increase in energy, more and clearer revelation for their lives, renewed focus, courage to make needed changes, an increase in patience, and more time for what matters.”
I can testify that she meant what she promised. The past couple weeks as I’ve taken part in this challenge, I’ve been more relaxed and focused on what really matters. One Saturday afternoon, my mom and I decided to go to the temple. It was about an hour wait. Instead of leaving because we had other things to do that day, we decided to stay. This was so worth it.
As We Keep Our Covenants, Christ Builds Us Up
This talk was given at the 2019 stake women's conference.
By Emma Nelson, a Laurel
I love the theme of "Rejoicing on the Covenant Path" because it is so important and applicable throughout our lives. Heavenly Father has asked us to do our best to keep our covenants, and through them comes joy. It is not always easy to find joy, especially during trials or hard times, but we need to trust our Heavenly Father and do what he has asked of us.
President Nelson said, “The highest compliment is to be called a covenant keeper.” This should be something we strive for, not because it is a compliment of the highest, but by keeping our covenants we show God how important our relationship with Him is to us.
Not too long ago I wasn’t sure if the Church was true. Every Sunday I would grudgingly go to church to renew my baptismal covenants and try to learn of Christ, not even knowing if He was there for me. After months of struggling, I was writing my frustration and feeling in my journal but got an overwhelming feeling of peace and love. I knew my Savior because I was renewing my baptismal covenants as I was trying to learn of Him. He has such a deep love for all of us that He will NEVER leave us on our own.
I’ve come to learn through trials that Christ lets us doubt to build us up stronger than we were before. Think about building muscles. As you work out your muscles, they are torn before they rebuild stronger. I feel we are like this as well. Sometimes we doubt, are torn, or broken, but by us always keeping our covenants, Christ helps to rebuild us stronger than ever.
By Emma Nelson, a Laurel
I love the theme of "Rejoicing on the Covenant Path" because it is so important and applicable throughout our lives. Heavenly Father has asked us to do our best to keep our covenants, and through them comes joy. It is not always easy to find joy, especially during trials or hard times, but we need to trust our Heavenly Father and do what he has asked of us.
President Nelson said, “The highest compliment is to be called a covenant keeper.” This should be something we strive for, not because it is a compliment of the highest, but by keeping our covenants we show God how important our relationship with Him is to us.
Not too long ago I wasn’t sure if the Church was true. Every Sunday I would grudgingly go to church to renew my baptismal covenants and try to learn of Christ, not even knowing if He was there for me. After months of struggling, I was writing my frustration and feeling in my journal but got an overwhelming feeling of peace and love. I knew my Savior because I was renewing my baptismal covenants as I was trying to learn of Him. He has such a deep love for all of us that He will NEVER leave us on our own.
I’ve come to learn through trials that Christ lets us doubt to build us up stronger than we were before. Think about building muscles. As you work out your muscles, they are torn before they rebuild stronger. I feel we are like this as well. Sometimes we doubt, are torn, or broken, but by us always keeping our covenants, Christ helps to rebuild us stronger than ever.
2019 Women's Conference Breakout Sessions
We were so inspired at our recent women's conference by our wonderful guest speaker Sister Reeves and by our other speakers as well.
There were five speakers in each breakout room. The first four spoke on a part of our scripture theme of D&C 90:24. The fifth was a Laurel bearing testimony of and inviting Relief Society sisters and Laurels to participate in the 21-Day Sacrifice Challenge.
Enjoy the videos of these breakout room talks!
Tiffany Smith, Stone Creek Ward
"Seek Christ Diligently"
Janelle LaFontaine, Weaver Lane Ward
"Prayer"
Heather Hughes, Swan Lakes Ward
"Be Believing, Doubt Your Doubts"
Lynnae Bitter, Evergreen Ward
"Ministering"
Brynn Meredith (a Laurel), Roberts Farms Ward
"21-Day Sacrifice Challenge"
There were five speakers in each breakout room. The first four spoke on a part of our scripture theme of D&C 90:24. The fifth was a Laurel bearing testimony of and inviting Relief Society sisters and Laurels to participate in the 21-Day Sacrifice Challenge.
Enjoy the videos of these breakout room talks!
Tiffany Smith, Stone Creek Ward
"Seek Christ Diligently"
Janelle LaFontaine, Weaver Lane Ward
"Prayer"
Heather Hughes, Swan Lakes Ward
"Be Believing, Doubt Your Doubts"
Lynnae Bitter, Evergreen Ward
"Ministering"
Brynn Meredith (a Laurel), Roberts Farms Ward
"21-Day Sacrifice Challenge"
21-Day Sacrifice Challenge
Labels:
covenants,
joy,
Relief Society,
stake news,
Women's Conference 2019,
young women
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| Photo from BYUtv |
She was inspired to respond, “As counterintuitive as this may seem, I felt compelled, in a way I could not deny, to encourage [this sister] to offer a 21-day experiment to her Relief Society sisters. So I emailed back, 'Invite the sisters to make a sacrifice of time to the Lord by increasing their time in family history and in temple work for the next 21 days.'”
The experiment worked! She reports, “[Although] they were in distress, they focused on their covenant of sacrifice, they let that covenant be 'paramount,' and they were exactly obedient. And what happened? Their distress fell away!”
God’s love for us is real. He desires us to turn to Him so we may have joy. Through her entire BYU Women's Conference address, Sister Nelson bears a strong and insightful testimony of covenants. The privilege, the perspective offered, and the power of these beautiful exchanges of love between God and us are thrilling.
We are extending the same 21-Day Sacrifice Challenge to you, the Relief Society sisters and Laurels of our stake. We desire each of you to continue to be lifted and to feel joy! If you were to start TODAY, your 21 days would be complete on February 16th.
Please read or listen to the address by Sister Nelson. She will inspire you.
Click here to read the talk transcript.Your distress can and will fall away! Let’s go forward and rejoice on the covenant path.
Click here to see a video of the talk.
The Covenant Path Is the Way
Labels:
covenants,
stake news,
Women's Conference 2019,
young women
We truly rejoiced in our covenants yesterday during our stake women’s conference. The entire experience was a testament of our Savior’s love for each sister in our stake; our very souls were lifted. Our covenants truly are an expression of God’s love for us. It was a beautiful and good day!
The final testimony in each breakout was shared by a Laurel inviting the Relief Society sisters and Laurels of the Layton South Stake to participate in a 21-Day Sacrifice Challenge. The Laurels speaking each participated in the challenge leading up to and completing it on women's conference day.
Oh, these incredible Laurels! They are busy and bright, and they did it! Their testimonies were amazing!
President Nelson recently extended an invitation to our youth to join the Youth Battalion. Just as the army of Helaman had an army of women behind them, so must our youth. They need us women to offer our best to them to help build the kingdom of God on this earth.
As we are living in the last days, we each need an increase of God’s power in our lives to fulfill our earthly missions. The Lord will do His work and will help us do our part. The covenant path is the way.
The final testimony in each breakout was shared by a Laurel inviting the Relief Society sisters and Laurels of the Layton South Stake to participate in a 21-Day Sacrifice Challenge. The Laurels speaking each participated in the challenge leading up to and completing it on women's conference day.
Oh, these incredible Laurels! They are busy and bright, and they did it! Their testimonies were amazing!
President Nelson recently extended an invitation to our youth to join the Youth Battalion. Just as the army of Helaman had an army of women behind them, so must our youth. They need us women to offer our best to them to help build the kingdom of God on this earth.
As we are living in the last days, we each need an increase of God’s power in our lives to fulfill our earthly missions. The Lord will do His work and will help us do our part. The covenant path is the way.
Feeling Joy in Our Lives
Labels:
adversity,
Book of Mormon,
covenants,
death,
depression,
Jesus Christ,
temple,
Women's Conference 2019
by Courtney Hagberg
Growing up, I was raised in a home where my mother took us to church. My father was a member, but he was not active. He got baptized so that my mom would marry him. A year later they were sealed in the temple. He didn’t go back to the temple for 25 years.
As a child, I didn’t realize what a sacrifice it was for my mother to take three kids to church by herself each week. She also worked and served as young women’s president several times. Now that I am a mother, my heart is beyond grateful that she stayed on the covenant path when it would have been so easy to not stay on the path.
As a teenager, I remember feeling sad and praying to my Heavenly Father and asking Him how to truly be happy. My prayer was answered in seminary. My seminary teacher asked the class, “Do you want to be truly happy and feel joy in your life?” Of course we all wanted that. He said the answer was to read our scriptures every day. I took that challenge and felt that joy.
Growing up, I was raised in a home where my mother took us to church. My father was a member, but he was not active. He got baptized so that my mom would marry him. A year later they were sealed in the temple. He didn’t go back to the temple for 25 years.
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| Photo from LDS.org; used by permission |
As a teenager, I remember feeling sad and praying to my Heavenly Father and asking Him how to truly be happy. My prayer was answered in seminary. My seminary teacher asked the class, “Do you want to be truly happy and feel joy in your life?” Of course we all wanted that. He said the answer was to read our scriptures every day. I took that challenge and felt that joy.
He Rejoices When We Return
Labels:
covenants,
Jesus Christ,
testimony,
Women's Conference 2019
by Jenny Barlow
I am grateful for the time I have had over the last couple of months to think about my testimony of covenants. I have come to realize that although I have a knowledge of the covenants I have made and a testimony of their importance, it is a testimony and knowledge that could use much strengthening and studying.
I have read others' testimonies, read talks on these topics, and have spent time pondering what I have experienced in my own life and what I believe. I'm grateful for this gentle nudge from a loving Heavenly Father to work to build upon what I currently have as a testimony to make it into a stronger foundation that I can always rely on.
I know that God blesses us for our desires and for our efforts. He rejoices when we make efforts to return whenever we stray from the covenant path.
I know He loves us with a love that we can't even comprehend. He has given us His Son, Jesus Christ, to show us the way and to provide the way that we can fully partake of that love and return to Him.
I am grateful for the time I have had over the last couple of months to think about my testimony of covenants. I have come to realize that although I have a knowledge of the covenants I have made and a testimony of their importance, it is a testimony and knowledge that could use much strengthening and studying.
I have read others' testimonies, read talks on these topics, and have spent time pondering what I have experienced in my own life and what I believe. I'm grateful for this gentle nudge from a loving Heavenly Father to work to build upon what I currently have as a testimony to make it into a stronger foundation that I can always rely on.
I know that God blesses us for our desires and for our efforts. He rejoices when we make efforts to return whenever we stray from the covenant path.
I know He loves us with a love that we can't even comprehend. He has given us His Son, Jesus Christ, to show us the way and to provide the way that we can fully partake of that love and return to Him.
An Eternal Perspective
by April Klavano
I was diagnosed with stage IV Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on March 15, 2017. At the time, my kids were 2, 4, 8, and 11. I was terrified of cancer but relieved I was the one being diagnosed, and not one of my kids.
When being diagnosed and starting treatments, I never felt that I would die, but just that this was my trial I needed to go through. I was able to use this trial as a learning experience, and understood it to be one of the many ways I can be shaped to become more like my Heavenly Father.
I was able to rejoice on the covenant path, even while going through cancer treatments. By keeping our covenants, there are great blessings poured down upon us. I witnessed many of these blessings during this trial, which made it a very positive experience, and I did rejoice through my treatments.
When President Nelson spoke at the Alamodome, he said, “An eternal perspective will help you endure serious storms.” By staying on the covenant path, I was able to have an eternal perspective. This is how I was able to be so happy and positive, even when the doctor told me I had cancer, when I was sick in bed for days, and even when I shaved my head.
When my husband lost his job in November, someone at his work asked him how his wife was handling the news. He said something to the effect that I can handle getting diagnosed with cancer or my husband losing a job like it’s no big deal, but things like taking someone dinner is what stresses me out. And it’s true! I can see the big picture with big trials, but the little things are what I need to work on.
I’m far from perfect, but because I’m striving my best to stay on the covenant path, I know the Lord is right there with me, helping me make it through the toughest trials and becoming the person I need to be.
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| April's family in their "Team April" shirts |
I was diagnosed with stage IV Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on March 15, 2017. At the time, my kids were 2, 4, 8, and 11. I was terrified of cancer but relieved I was the one being diagnosed, and not one of my kids.
When being diagnosed and starting treatments, I never felt that I would die, but just that this was my trial I needed to go through. I was able to use this trial as a learning experience, and understood it to be one of the many ways I can be shaped to become more like my Heavenly Father.
I was able to rejoice on the covenant path, even while going through cancer treatments. By keeping our covenants, there are great blessings poured down upon us. I witnessed many of these blessings during this trial, which made it a very positive experience, and I did rejoice through my treatments.
When President Nelson spoke at the Alamodome, he said, “An eternal perspective will help you endure serious storms.” By staying on the covenant path, I was able to have an eternal perspective. This is how I was able to be so happy and positive, even when the doctor told me I had cancer, when I was sick in bed for days, and even when I shaved my head.
When my husband lost his job in November, someone at his work asked him how his wife was handling the news. He said something to the effect that I can handle getting diagnosed with cancer or my husband losing a job like it’s no big deal, but things like taking someone dinner is what stresses me out. And it’s true! I can see the big picture with big trials, but the little things are what I need to work on.
I’m far from perfect, but because I’m striving my best to stay on the covenant path, I know the Lord is right there with me, helping me make it through the toughest trials and becoming the person I need to be.
Covenants Guide Us Back to God
Labels:
covenants,
depression,
faith,
physical health,
relief,
Relief Society,
temple,
Women's Conference 2019
by Lindsay Wall
Women's Conference Publicity Chair
I know that the covenants we make and keep can truly lead us back to our Heavenly Father. I remember thinking many times in my life, especially during trials, that I wish Heavenly Father would just tell me exactly what I need to do! I wished He would just lay it all out for me, and I would do it. Then, one day, I realized He already has!
He has given us these covenants and simple commandments as a guide to follow so that we can feel the Spirit, so we can be blessed here on earth and for all eternity. I know that Heavenly Father gave us covenants because He loves us and He wants every opportunity to bless us--and the blessings are even greater than we can imagine! Keeping our covenants really can make us rejoice in life! We can be at peace and know the steps we need to follow.
With that in mind, I also know that no matter how good we are at following and keeping our covenants, there are always going to be trials that make things hard. I know that not one of us is perfect and that the simple path He’s given us can seem really rough and full of temptation at times.
The best part, though, is that Heavenly Father has planned for that too. He’s molding us into who He wants us to be, and he’s also made a way for us to get back on course if we ever wander off. Keeping our covenants can get us through those hard times and make us stronger.
I know that our covenants were made for us to become closer to the Spirit, which helps us in every aspect of our lives. I know that there are so many things I, myself, need work on to become better at keeping my covenants, and I also know that that’s normal! This is the reason we’re here on earth--to be tested and to show that even when we falter, that we can get back up and try and do better at keeping our covenants the next day.
Women's Conference Publicity Chair
I know that the covenants we make and keep can truly lead us back to our Heavenly Father. I remember thinking many times in my life, especially during trials, that I wish Heavenly Father would just tell me exactly what I need to do! I wished He would just lay it all out for me, and I would do it. Then, one day, I realized He already has!
He has given us these covenants and simple commandments as a guide to follow so that we can feel the Spirit, so we can be blessed here on earth and for all eternity. I know that Heavenly Father gave us covenants because He loves us and He wants every opportunity to bless us--and the blessings are even greater than we can imagine! Keeping our covenants really can make us rejoice in life! We can be at peace and know the steps we need to follow.
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| Photo from LDS.org; used by permission |
With that in mind, I also know that no matter how good we are at following and keeping our covenants, there are always going to be trials that make things hard. I know that not one of us is perfect and that the simple path He’s given us can seem really rough and full of temptation at times.
The best part, though, is that Heavenly Father has planned for that too. He’s molding us into who He wants us to be, and he’s also made a way for us to get back on course if we ever wander off. Keeping our covenants can get us through those hard times and make us stronger.
I know that our covenants were made for us to become closer to the Spirit, which helps us in every aspect of our lives. I know that there are so many things I, myself, need work on to become better at keeping my covenants, and I also know that that’s normal! This is the reason we’re here on earth--to be tested and to show that even when we falter, that we can get back up and try and do better at keeping our covenants the next day.
Feeling Joy, Peace, and Love on the Covenant Path
Labels:
adversity,
covenants,
temple,
testimony,
Women's Conference 2019
The publicity committee for the Women's conference has been asked to share how they are "Rejoicing on the Covenant Path."
by Debbie Allred
We really can find joy, peace, and love when we strive to be on the covenant path. There have been times in my life that it has not been such an easy path, but I know in those hard times, if I am striving to do the best I can in keeping my covenants, that God and my Savior are there to make up the difference where I lack. They strengthen me as well as bear me up.
In my life, I have witnessed that sometimes my timing is not the same as theirs, so that is where having faith, trusting in them, and continuing to stay on the covenant path comes in.
That can be very hard at times. There have been many times I have had to continue to work through and strive to endure my trials because I understand that they are for my growth. I know that my trials always strengthen me as well as my relationship with God and my Savior. I am so grateful for a loving and all-knowing God who knows what I need before I do and allows me to learn and grow, even when it may be hard.
by Debbie Allred
We really can find joy, peace, and love when we strive to be on the covenant path. There have been times in my life that it has not been such an easy path, but I know in those hard times, if I am striving to do the best I can in keeping my covenants, that God and my Savior are there to make up the difference where I lack. They strengthen me as well as bear me up.
In my life, I have witnessed that sometimes my timing is not the same as theirs, so that is where having faith, trusting in them, and continuing to stay on the covenant path comes in.
That can be very hard at times. There have been many times I have had to continue to work through and strive to endure my trials because I understand that they are for my growth. I know that my trials always strengthen me as well as my relationship with God and my Savior. I am so grateful for a loving and all-knowing God who knows what I need before I do and allows me to learn and grow, even when it may be hard.
Covenants Are an Expression of God's Love
Labels:
covenants,
Jesus Christ,
prayer,
temple,
testimony,
Women's Conference 2019
The chairs of the upcoming women's conference share their testimonies of what it means to them to "Rejoice on the Covenant Path."
As I prayed, I began to look at this road as a path that led me back to my Heavenly Father. I started to think of all the times in my life when I felt closest to my Savior. As I began to recall these instances in my life, there was one consistent theme that kept me tied to Him, and that was my covenants.
The covenants and promises I've made with Him has allowed me the opportunity to strengthen my relationship with the Savior.
I have recently come to know and appreciate one of the first covenants I made at eight years old as a newly baptized member of His church, and that is the covenant to always remember Him. This seems like a simple promise to make, and perhaps one that I have easily overlooked.
I have recently realized how much this simple covenant of always remembering Him throughout my day has blessed me and given me joy.
I have come to Him through words in the scriptures, through thoughts and feelings, and through conversations with friends and family. I have come to Him while at the grocery store, helping my kids with homework, taking a walk with a friend, doing the dishes, or talking with my husband.
I have spent the last several weeks relying on Him and His grace, more than I have in a long time. In turn He has blessed me with His spirit. I have also come to know and love the covenants and promises I make in the temple.
With all those beautiful covenants and promises I’ve made and continue to make on this path, I realize how simple they are. I am promising to him to do all that I can to come closer to my Heavenly Father through His Son. I am promising to give up things in my life so that I can more fully commit myself to Him. I do that by keeping my covenants.
by Emily Wensel
When I think of rejoicing on the covenant path, I’m reminded of a walk I took a few months ago. I was on a back road by myself. I had some things on my mind and was praying out loud.As I prayed, I began to look at this road as a path that led me back to my Heavenly Father. I started to think of all the times in my life when I felt closest to my Savior. As I began to recall these instances in my life, there was one consistent theme that kept me tied to Him, and that was my covenants.
The covenants and promises I've made with Him has allowed me the opportunity to strengthen my relationship with the Savior.
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| Image from LDS.org; used with permission |
I have recently come to know and appreciate one of the first covenants I made at eight years old as a newly baptized member of His church, and that is the covenant to always remember Him. This seems like a simple promise to make, and perhaps one that I have easily overlooked.
I have recently realized how much this simple covenant of always remembering Him throughout my day has blessed me and given me joy.
I have come to Him through words in the scriptures, through thoughts and feelings, and through conversations with friends and family. I have come to Him while at the grocery store, helping my kids with homework, taking a walk with a friend, doing the dishes, or talking with my husband.
I have spent the last several weeks relying on Him and His grace, more than I have in a long time. In turn He has blessed me with His spirit. I have also come to know and love the covenants and promises I make in the temple.
With all those beautiful covenants and promises I’ve made and continue to make on this path, I realize how simple they are. I am promising to him to do all that I can to come closer to my Heavenly Father through His Son. I am promising to give up things in my life so that I can more fully commit myself to Him. I do that by keeping my covenants.
Covenants: Giving Us Understanding, Hope, and Perspective
Labels:
covenants,
faith,
family,
hope,
Jesus Christ,
temple,
testimony,
Women's Conference 2019
“Covenants with God help us to know who we really are.”
Jean A. Stevens, “Covenant Daughters of God,” Nov. 2014
As we prepare for the women’s conference and our thoughts have been more focused on "Rejoicing on the Covenant Path," the stake Relief Society presidency wanted to share our testimony of our covenants and what they mean to us.
Tiffany McMinn
One day, many years ago, while I was serving as a missionary in the town of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, my companion and I were needing to get to the home of a sister and her son we were teaching (which was several miles from our apartment). The problem was that we were out of driving miles for the remainder of the month.We had bikes to ride, but the only road to this sister's house was off the old highway. There were no back roads or side streets—she lived on a private dirt road that came right off this somewhat busy highway.
Feeling brave (and a little invincible as missionaries) we decided to ride our bikes to this appointment. There was no sidewalk to ride on—just a white painted line with cars zooming by on the road just to our left, and ditches, drop offs, and gravel just off to our right.
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| Image by Alan Levine (public domain, Flickr) |
I remember focusing on keeping my front bike tire right on that straight white line as I rode. If I did that, I was fine.
But, if I took my eyes off that white line (even for a second) I would get wobbly and begin to veer off, putting myself at risk to get struck by a car or crash my bike into a ditch.
I have thought many times about that thrilling bike ride that got us to where we needed to go. I’ve thought about how that white line was the safest and really the only path to our destination.
I believe my covenants are like markers (or that white line) on a path that guides me on my journey home to my Heavenly Father. They direct me and give me power and strength as I put my focus on them. They give me understanding, hope, and perspective of where I am headed. They keep me safe and protect me from the evil distractions in the world.
Though I still have a long ride ahead of me, my covenants are helping me change, and, through Jesus Christ, become who my Heavenly Father intended me to be.
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