Invitations from a prophet: Deanna Ross

Deanna Ross

I have a deep love and testimony of our Savior. I had a stroke about five years ago and it took my short term memory. I serve in the Relief Society presidency at the Parkway Branch. I was overwhelmed with this calling. But, in the last seven months I have grown to love the sweet brothers and sisters we serve. I still can't remember their names. All I can do is love them unconditionally. I always have a prayer in my heart that I will make a difference to them, because they have for me. I feel like we were called to this calling, because I NEEDED THEM!! Everyday I am blessed by serving them. 

By Deanna Ross, Parkway Branch

Invitations from a Prophet: Maria Blamires

Maria & her family at the Temple

I feel blessed to live in a time when we have a prophet who is our watchman on the tower. Last April's General Conference, President Nelson gave us 3 invitations that have strengthened me spiritually. 

 

1. Share the power and peace of Jesus Christ. 

 

The world is growing in turmoil and chaos. More than ever God’s children need the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love missionary work and I know it is the most important work here on earth. 

Praying for inspiration to know how I can share the priceless message of the gospel of Jesus Christ in our times is a must. 

 

I have amazing friends of other faiths. One thing I love is that we all have great respect for each other and many of them have a great love for the Lord. We often share our feelings about spiritual things like prayer and we both are uplifted without being pressured or feeling rejected because we have differences.  I also like to invite them to church activities and family religious events like baby blessings, baptisms etc. To me a good way to bring peace to others through the gospel of Jesus Christ is to build upon what unites us. Approaching missionary work this way brings joy to all and makes real friendships. 

Another way I share the peace of the gospel of Jesus Christ is by sending family members and friends talks and scriptures that uplift and bring peace and hope to our hearts. I am grateful for technology that can quickly reach many people.  When I follow promptings of the Holy Ghost, many times I get feedback indicating that the message had a positive impact in their lives.

 

2. Build spiritual momentum

 

Connecting with her ancestors 

To me building spiritual momentum is building a strong foundation not just one time but over and over. Reading the scriptures and likening them to me just like Nephi teaches in the Book of Mormon empowers me with personal revelation which brings guidance to my life. 

Attending the Temple regularly has strengthened my foundation by bringing great spiritual power into my life. It has given me hope during trials by giving me an eternal perspective. Going to the temple is like going home and feeling the love of a caring father not only for me but also for those beyond the veil. It has helped me realize that I can be a strong link between the past and the future generations. 

Recognizing God’s hands in my life has also strengthened my foundation knowing that he is there each day, I’m never left alone. As I have made a conscious effort to record each tender mercy from the Lord I have become more aware of His hand in my life. 

Repenting daily and working on Christlike attributes by setting goals weekly as I take the sacrament helps me stay on the covenant path and have the help of the Holy Ghost in my life. 

 

3. Choose how you will spend your time. 

 

We live in a fast paced world of technology. We all seek to have strong connections on our phones and computers which helps us stay connected with others. I am learning that to survive spiritually in this world I need a strong connection with Heaven.  I have found places and ways that will help me have those strong connections as I choose to spend time doing those things. 

The temple is a place that I feel very connected with Heaven and I leave with peace and strength to go out in the world with a reassurance that I am a child of God and that he’s aware of me and he has a plan for me and my family. 

 

Going to church every week and taking the sacrament weekly connects me to my Savior who helps me in my repentance process as He extends great mercy to me. Through His infinite atonement I am able to have second chances and improve each week.

 

I know God lives! Jesus Christ is our Savior and that President Nelson is a prophet of God called to lead us in our time and as I heed his invitations I will be more prepared for the future. 

 

By Maria Blamires, Pheasant Place Ward

Invitations from a Prophet: Tiffany West

 

How do I share the power and peace of Jesus Christ?
How do I build positive spiritual momentum?
How do I choose how I will spend my time?

 

Hello! My name is Tiffany West. I feel the answers to these questions are intertwined, and like so much in the gospel of Jesus Christ, they build upon each other. The answer to all these questions starts with my desire and commitment to keeping my covenants, and the power of intent. 
 
Most days I begin with prayer and scripture study. I pray to do at least one thing for the Lord, and for the strength and ability to receive and recognize inspiration and revelation. I then go through my day paying attention to the people and situations around me, and look for ways to build people up, and create unity. I also specifically look for ways to bring our Savior, Jesus Christ into conversation. There is something about just saying His name in reverence that can change situations and conversations. I look for meaningful ways to share how He has helped me in real life situations, especially ones that I share in common with others. I find that my finding strength and peace in Him, and then sharing my experience(s) can help others to find and feel strength and peace in Him too. 
 
These experiences build spiritual momentum as I have joy in knowing the Lord trusts me to do His work and help His children. It drives me to study scriptures daily, to pray meaningfully, to seek His will, to serve in the temple, and to work for revelation. This in turn dictates how I choose to spend my time. I don't spend all day praying or reading scriptures or serving, but because my focus and intent is on my Savior, I find myself making time for those things in my day to ensure that I have His help to keep my covenants.
 
I also try to be flexible with my time when I receive inspiration. Sometimes inspiration is as easy as a quick compliment, smile, or simply noticing and greeting someone warmly. Sometimes it's a note or text or going to see someone perform (theatre, sports, recitals etc.). Other times I go to someone's home and end up talking for hours, or meet someone somewhere and take the time to really see them and listen to them. Sometimes it's inviting someone for a walk, or offering to watch their children. Each time I do any of those things, it is my intent to share the Savior's love with them. I believe this also shares the power and peace of Jesus Christ because I know that He is the only reason I am capable of doing any good. 
 
I suppose, for me it all boils down to agency (I CAN choose), faith, intent, commitment, flexibility, and perseverance. Just like anyone else, my progression isn't a straight line up. I have highs and lows, times when I am more capable of sharing and serving, and times when I battle depression, discouragement, and doubt. There are times when I feel like I know how to receive revelation, and times when I feel like I just can't seem to hit the mark. I've learned though, that even in my lowest times, when I don't feel like I'm heard, or don't feel like trying, or don't feel like doing anything altruistic at all, I CAN choose to remember my experiences with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I CAN choose to pray.  I CAN choose to share my love for Him. I CAN choose to build and repent. In these ways I maintain positive spiritual momentum, share the power and peace of Jesus Christ, and CHOOSE to spend my time both in times of spiritual abundance, and in times of spiritual winter. My favorite book is Jane Eyre, and I'll end with a quote from her that has helped me to stay true to my covenants, endure my trials and low points well, and come out the other side with greater faith, greater charity (ability to share the power and peace of Jesus Christ), and forward spiritual momentum. 
 
"I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself. I will keep the law given by God; sanctioned by man. I will hold to the principles received by me when I was sane, and not mad—as I am now. Laws and principles are not for the times when there is no temptation: they are for such moments as this, when body and soul rise in mutiny against their rigour; stringent are they; inviolate they shall be. If at my individual convenience I might break them, what would be their worth? They have a worth—so I have always believed; and if I cannot believe it now, it is because I am insane—quite insane: with my veins running fire, and my heart beating faster than I can count its throbs. Preconceived opinions, foregone determinations, are all I have at this hour to stand by: there I plant my foot."
 
I share this with all my love, and in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

By Tiffany West, Angel Crossing Ward

Invitations from a Prophet: Paige Sommer

Sister Sommer & Her Son Cannon

 How I Share the Power and Peace of Jesus Christ.  

"We have the sacred responsibility to share the power and peace of Jesus Christ with all who will listen." President Nelson

Apartment Buzzing

Many years ago, I served as a missionary in Milan, Italy. Most people lived in apartment buildings in the areas where I served. In order to "knock doors" we would have to stand on the street and call people one by one through their apartment buzzers and ask if they would let us in to talk with them about Jesus Christ. As you can imagine, this was a very ineffective way to get people to listen. I remember only one occasion when we were let into an apartment by contacting this way and it was such a huge shock that my companion and I were almost laughing with delight the entire time we shared our message.

Street contacting in Italy

Since this apartment buzzing wasn't very effective, we often did street contacting instead, honestly, also not super effective, even with our three-sided display board featuring pictures of Christ and messages of eternal families. Most people would say they weren't interested or communicate "don't even ask" by giving us a little shake of the hand before we even asked them to stop. This kind of constant rejection wasn't easy to take but we kept trying, I kept trying, even though it sometimes took all my courage to ask someone to talk with me. Why keep trying? Because of our desire to share about the power and peace of Jesus Christ with everyone, the reason why we serve in the first place. The reason why all of us serve. We accept callings and minister because first, we love our Savior. 

Elder Cannon Blaser in Texas

Now my son is a missionary, currently serving in College Station, Texas. He's knocking on a lot of doors to a lot of apartments and not finding many people home. It's hotter and more humid than anything he's ever experienced before, but he happily puts on his missionary attire and he and his companion keep trying every day to share about the power and peace of Jesus Christ.

 

My desire to share about the power and peace of Jesus is still the reason I keep trying--why I keep trying to be a patient and kind mom and stepmom, why I keep trying to be a caring YW leader, why I keep trying to see others through God's eyes. A friend of mine recently said she sees Jesus in everyone she meets and knows. This perspective has helped me look at sharing Jesus differently because I try to see the light of Christ in everyone and wonder what they can teach me about being a better disciple, a better friend, a better Christian. Am I perfect at this? No. Will I keep trying? Yes. Why? "We love Him because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19).

By Paige Sommer, Angel Crossing Ward

Blessings Along Life's Path

I love the theme, "I Choose to Believe." It’s been so special to read the testimonies before me. I’ve thought about what it meant to me to choose to believe in our Heavenly Father and our Savior. So many times in my life there has been that question, "Am I going to choose to believe in our Savior and what choices am I going to make?" I’ve seen the Lord’s hand in my life. He has answered my prayers as I have needed Him through my trials especially. Sometimes my prayers weren’t answered right away but there were blessings along the path through hard times. I know He is aware of me and who I am. One of my favorite scriptures is Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.”

I have felt His loving arms around me and the peace only He gives. I choose to believe because there is peace and hope in Christ. My testimony of Him continues to grow as I learn and study of Him.

Years ago we had the opportunity to go visit some church sites. I will never forget the sweet feelings I experienced as I walked into the Sacred Grove, seeing The Hill Cumorah and also the School of the Prophets. Words can’t express the Spirit that is there. My testimony grew so much that trip.

I am truly blessed with a beautiful family. I am grateful for the gospel in my life and I am thankful that I choose to believe.

~Shelby Baker

Grateful for the Peace the Gospel Brings

I’ve been thinking about the question, “why I choose to believe” for a few days.

One gift I was blessed with was the gift of belief and trust. Life is hard for everyone - but one of my favorite scriptures is Proverbs 3:5 - “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Growing up, I never struggled to know if the Gospel was true - I just knew. And I wonder sometimes why I don’t have a “questioning” mind ... I choose to believe. As I have watched friends and family leave the church, it reinforces to me that I need the extra help of the church and my Heavenly Father in raising my family and life in general! In a world with not a lot of peace - I am grateful for the peace the Gospel brings in my life.

~Carrie Godfrey

For Me it is Worth the Wrestle

In the past few years as family and close friends have chosen a path away from the church, I have had to really try and answer the question of why I keep choosing to believe. Sometimes it seems easier to move to a different path. But for me, it is worth the wrestle to find answers for myself on topics that feel heavy, and questions that come up that can really shake my faith, because I know that Jesus is the Savior. I also know that he has loving parents who allowed that sacrifice to happen for all of us to return to live with them again. The peace I feel from my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ when I pray, read scriptures and talks, have uplifting conversations and attend church is undeniable, especially in this time when so much is uncertain. For me, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints offers stability, guidance, community, love and a way back home, so I work and choose to believe.

~Kelsey Gill

My Faith Brings Me Peace and Answers

Faith is why I choose to believe. In Ether 12:6 it reads, “And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for you receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.”

Trials come to all of us in this lifetime. Some may seem more serious than others. Some may affect us and try us more than others, but we will all have trials. Through the trials in my life I have learned great lessons. One of the lessons learned is, “how strong is my testimony?” Is my testimony strong enough so that I can gain a witness of the truthfulness of the things I claim to believe in?

Believing came easy for me most of my life and I feel blessed for that. I was blessed with goodly parents who were not active in the church most of my life, but were very supportive of the decisions that my siblings and I made to be active. I was blessed with a wonderful eternal companion with whom I have gone through trials, from infertility, adoptions, job loss, loss of parents, etc.

On June 10, 2016 was a day that we will never forget. We had all been in Idaho to a family party and our youngest daughter needed to come back to Utah for work the next day. On her way back to Utah she was involved in a one car rollover that took her life.

Through the weeks that followed I felt the love of my Father in Heaven and his son Jesus Christ in my life unlike any other time. But as time stretched on, I started to struggle. As hard as I tried to push back the “why” had this happened, it started to creep in. I remember one day in particular I had to stop and find a quiet place and have a talk with myself. Did I truly believe what I thought I did? Through weeks of soul searching, reading, praying and wrestling with my spirit, the doubts started to lift and a sweetness returned to my soul and I knew that what I had believed all my life was right. It was the way back to live with my Father in Heaven and his son Jesus Christ again. It was the means by which we would see our daughter and my parents again and have the chance to be with them and others for eternity.

I choose to believe because my faith brings me peace and brings me answers and I am forever grateful for that.

~Trudy M.

Christ Provides Me with Peace, Comfort and Capacity

When I pause to count my blessings, or when there are events in my life that turn me toward Heavenly Father for strength, comfort, and peace, He is always there for me. These experiences strengthen my faith in Him, and it is what helps me continue to trust and have faith in Him. He provides me with peace and comfort and the capacity to do the work He has sent me to do. He hears and answers my prayers; not always in the way I hope or expect, but in a way that is best for me and my family. This is why I choose to believe. I’m grateful to know our Heavenly Father lives and loves each of us. I am grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ, who atoned for our sins. I am grateful to know They are aware of us and our needs and continue to bless and guide us today.

~Camie Gonzalez

I Stand with You as a Believer in Christ and His Gospel!

I choose to believe for many reasons, but one reason is because of my Love for my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and for the Peace I receive during troubling times as I choose to follow him. About 30 years ago I decided to fly from Utah to Chile to see if this Young Man that I was writing (yes, writing actual letters) was just a good friend or my future husband. After much prayer and scripture study and going to the temple, I felt peace about going to see him but felt worried about getting lost switching planes and had a little anxiety about being all by myself flying such a long way etc.

As I prayed and read my scriptures I felt these words leap off the page to me, “Be strong & Courageous do Not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) Reading that over and over again in the scriptures brought so much peace to me, along with a blessing from my dad. I now have this scripture in my home to look at and it has reminded me in hard times, which this last year has been a personal Gethsemane for me, to know that he is with me! To know that he was with me on my trip to Chile 30 years ago, that I had peace and found my eternal companion. I think about the many times that we are told in the scriptures to remember, remember. I am filled with hope, when I look back on my life and see the hand of God and remember the many times the Lord was with me and has blessed me and my family. Still in General Conference it was a good reminder as I feel most of us are still going through some hard trials, Elder Holland’s reminder to us that “Christianity is comforting, but it is often not comfortable. The path to holiness and happiness here and hereafter is a long and sometimes rocky one. It takes time and tenacity to walk it. But of course, the reward for doing so is monumental.” I stand together with you amazing women as a believer in Christ and his gospel! I am a believer in modern day Miracles in our lives. I love General Conference. And it is one of the blessings of my life that help me have hope and get through hard things and help me to see that I am not alone in my trials. I accepted the challenge from Conference to study the 6th chapter in Preach my gospel and pick a Christ like attribute for me to work on. I selected Patience, it is helping me to remember to have patience in my trials. Specifically it says, “Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious. It is the ability to do Gods will and accept his timing. When you are patient, you hold up under pressure and are able to face adversity calmly and hopefully. Patience is related to hope and faith-you must wait for the Lord’s promised blessings to be fulfilled.” So, I am working on being patient in the Lord’s timing. My hope is that as sisters in the gospel we can continue to lift and encourage each other along this sometimes rocky path. Sending lots of love and hope to all of you.

~Janae Arancibia

Jesus is My Consistent in My World of Inconsistency

This past year has brought many changes to our family. Another mission call. Covid. An engagement. No mission. A wedding. Changes in callings. Changes in weight. Changes in school situations. Another wedding. And other personal struggles that just come as part of life.

But through all of these challenges and changes, Jesus is the same for me. The covenants we’ve made are the same. The blessings from keeping those covenants, the same. The peace I feel when I listen and re-listen to conference talks, the same. The joy I feel watching a child go through the repentance process, the same. The joy I feel when I repent, the same. The reassurance, peace, and joy I feel knowing that I am known and loved by heavenly parents, the same.

Jesus is my consistent in my world of inconsistency.

I choose to believe because I love Jesus, and I love what he offers. I love that He challenges us to become something better. I love that it’s not always easy. I love hope. I love peace. I love the plan. And I love the joy the gospel brings.

I often reflect on an experience I had as a child. I was 4, and on my way to my first piano recital. It was going to be at our church building. My mom was supposed to drop me off early, and when we got there she asked if I knew where to go. I answered no. Do you know where the primary room is? No, I said. What about the chapel? No. Do you know anything at all about this church? She asked. Just that it’s true, mom. And I still feel that today. Things aren’t perfect for any of us. But life is oh so much better for me on this side of the fence.

~Ange Nelson

Having the Knowledge of God's Plan Brings Peace to My Soul

I choose to believe because I have had many experiences where I know the Lord is there with me. Our 22-year-old son, Alec, just passed away a couple weeks ago. I truly believe that the other hard experiences I went through a few years ago, and the comfort that the Lord gave me during those times, helped me with this most recent loss. Life isn’t always easy, but the Lord is mindful of us and he will give us the comfort and strength to make it through any trial. During those hardest times is when I feel the closest to the Lord. I have heard his voice reminding me to “Be still." Having the knowledge of God’s plan brings peace to my soul. This mortal life is but a short time in that plan.

~Jana Richards

I Choose to Believe in the Prince of Peace

Why do I choose to believe? Thinking about this question it all comes back to one answer...PEACE. Believing in Him is the one true path to peace in this life and in our eternal life to come. This knowledge brings so much comfort, relief, and help as we face challenges everyday. With each new day the world around us is changing - nothing is constant, nothing is stable. We have all been a witness to this and have all experienced it first hand in one way or another. Health, economy, careers, illness, death, struggling children or loved ones, finances - the list goes on and on. The one thing that is never changing is the love of our Savior and His eternal plan. Knowing that the Lord is in charge and is aware of us gives me so much peace and hope as we face our struggles, trials, fears, and heartaches.

Last year our family experienced a major trial that literally dropped me to my knees in fervent prayer. I remember countless times asking Heavenly Father to bring me peace and calm my heart. Putting my trust in Him, His plan, and His timing instantly brought a calming peace that washed over my entire body - like nothing I’ve experienced before. Looking back on those experiences I often think about how Heavenly Father never left me alone. Though he hasn’t taken away this trial, he has provided me/us with all the tools we need to grow and learn and become closer to Him. Reading the scriptures and words of our prophets, using the priesthood power and priesthood blessings, receiving the love and service of those around us, and heartfelt fervent prayer are just some of the blessings that have helped me. These actions on my part have opened the door for Heavenly Father to give me peace. Isn’t that what we all long for...PEACE.

L. Whitney Clayton’s talk “Choose to Believe” beautifully illustrates my feelings on why I choose to believe. He tells us, “The decision to believe is the most important choice we ever make.” I can not imagine going through this life with all the challenges we will face - ALONE. I have a testimony of Our Lord and Savior, Our Comforter, The Prince of Peace. Isn’t it awesome that His very name reflects the very peace we are all longing for! Elder Clayton continues, “If we are WILLING to believe, if we DESIRE to believe, if we CHOOSE to believe, then the Savior’s teachings and example will show us the pathway forward.” Isn’t that where we all want to eventually be - Back in our Heavenly home with our Savior and our families - surrounded by a love and peace that only the Savior can provide. I know he loves each of us soooo much! I know this to be true and I am eternally grateful for this knowledge. This knowledge is what brings me peace EVERYDAY! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

~Melissa Lunsford

The Peace of the Savior Subdues the Whirlwinds of the World

I have been pondering this question for a few days now, “Why do I choose to believe” and the answer that I keep thinking is that it is scary to think of what the alternative is. The Gospel brings me peace and hope. My daughter is serving a mission in Newport Beach California. When people ask me how she is doing I can’t help but smile. She brings light into my life; I can see the light of Christ in her eyes and I can feel the spirit (she calls them spirit chills) when she shares her experiences with us and all the tender mercies she is experiencing even in a Pandemic. People are looking for this same peace and hope that we already have and she gets to share the Good News of the Gospel with them. I feel so blessed each day that I know that God knows me, that he hears and answers my prayers. I am so grateful for the tender mercies in my life and my children’s that strengthen my testimony and remind me that God Is there, that he is in the details.

One of our family’s favorite movies is “Signs” and there is a quote that I think about often when things happen that give me the spirit chills. It is “People break down into two groups. When they experience something lucky, group number one sees it as more than luck, more than a coincidence. They see it as a sign, evidence that there is someone up there, watching out for them. Group number two sees it as just pure luck. Just as a happy chance…See what you have to ask yourself is what kind of person are you? Are you the kind that sees signs, that sees miracles? Or do you believe that people just get lucky?”

I know that the more we recognize the Hand of God in our lives, the more we see it. “The peace of the Savior,“ said Elder Neil L. Anderson, “subdues the swirling whirlwinds of the world.” Peace comes from knowing that the Savior knows who we are and knows that we have faith in Him, love him, and keep his commandments, even and especially amid life’s devastating trials and tragedies. (Elder Cook)

~Wendy Johnson

Love More

In this unpredictable world that we are experiencing, it has been easy for me to feel anxious and frustrated. I have learned to pray with more intent and I have searched the scriptures more diligently . I believe, because doing these things brings me calm and peace and I feel His love for me. One thing that has never changed is the need to love others more. The guidance that the Holy Ghost has whispered to me as I teach beautiful children at school is to just love them more. Show more kindness and understanding. Speak softer. As I strive to do these things I have felt happiness in the storm of this life.

~Connie King

I Can Rely on My Savior to Bring Me Peace

With everything going on in our world right now, I find myself feeling anxious at times. It’s easy for me to get caught up in all the confusion and chaos. When I find myself heading down that unsettling path, I remember that my Heavenly Father loves me and has a plan for me. And that everything will work out according to his will. Having the knowledge of His plan and of our Savior’s Atonement in my life is such a comfort to me. I can rely on my Savior to bring me peace. That’s why I choose to believe.

~Camille Stevens

Seeing the Hand of the Lord in Your Life

Last November I was counseled through a Priesthood blessing to increase the amount of time studying the scriptures. I pondered the blessing for a few weeks and then decided on my plan of action. I’m so grateful for that blessing! As I read and studied the scriptures for a few additional minutes each day there were so many teachings that seemed to jump off the page, things that I hadn’t noticed before. As I look back on difficulty of these past several months it is the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon that has helped me to keep going. I have also found great peace in General Conference talks.

A few years ago I read in a book that President Eyring wrote in his journal about how he had seen the hand of the Lord in his life that day. I wasn’t much of a journal writer at the time but I decided that I could at least write a few lines as President Eyring suggested. Since then I have tried to write in my journal about how I had seen the hand of the Lord that day. As I began to record these experiences I became so much more aware of the blessings and the tender mercies me and my family were receiving on a daily basis. There have been days lately when it’s been difficult to come up with something to write about since most days aren’t real exciting and they all seem to run together. When this happens and I get down or discouraged I go back and read some of the entries from my journal. I am reminded of the many blessings the Lord has given me and how grateful I am for those experiences. It helps me to put one foot in front of the other and to move forward.

I Choose to Believe that the Lord speaks to us through the scriptures and the words of our modern day prophets and apostles. These words have brought so much peace and strength to my soul and I’m so grateful for the wonderful blessings that have come to me by studying the scriptures.

~Shauna Weidman

I Know the Lord Loves Me Because I Have Seen His Hand in My Life

I choose to believe because believing helps me to have HOPE for a better world AND to feel PEACE in the midst of this troubled one. I must admit that this pandemic has not been too much of a road bump for me. I have enjoyed extra family time, I have loved having church at home, and I have also improved my focus on studying various gospel topics. I am so thankful for a living prophet on the earth and how his words bring me comfort.

I know that the Lord loves me because I have seen His hand in my life so many times. How can I not believe, when I know that He is very aware of me? I feel that believing is so much easier than not believing! I definitely feel His strength every day helping me to become the person He wants me to become.

~Tammy Foote

I Find Peace in My Savior and My Prophet

Holy Moly is this world for real?!? I cannot believe how often I look at Facebook or the news or look at the magazines in the grocery store aisle and am left reeling (and nauseous) at how bizarre this world is getting. So much Evil . I even miss the three headed baby and alien abduction headlines from the National Inquirer.

I find peace in my Savior and my Prophet. My son asked me “who do you think you will vote for for president? Like, who do you like?” ... I thought about it and tried to answer, but all I could come up with is “I love our Prophet”.

I choose to believe that my Heavenly Father loves me, that the Holy Ghost will guide and direct me and that my Savior and Redeemer lives!!!

~Heather Wykstra

We Can Find Peace as We Turn to Him

The last 6 months have been filled with lots of highs and lows, a time of reflection, anxiousness, renewal, goal setting and despair. I don’t like change and I despise contention. I feel like we are living in a world filled with constant contention and chaos. I keep thinking, as soon as we get back to “normal” everything will be okay. I am in the process of learning that this could be our new “normal” and it causes great fear and anxiousness. However, it can be the complete opposite, we have been given a unique opportunity to make our homes a refuge from the storm. I have been fighting against the 82 meals a day, the constant clutter and craziness instead of looking for the good.

I Choose to Believe that we can find the peace we need during this difficult time as we turn to Him. I know that He knows what each of us need individually, what our families need, He knows how we can grow stronger and more capable and feel the spirit more abundantly in our homes and lives.

One of my favorite scriptures is John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; NOT as the WORLD giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

~Julie Brophy