Be A Superhero

We are all superheroes. Share a smile today! :)

Keep smiling!
JS :)

Prepared To Serve

Discipleship is a lifelong journey. Serving a mission is one way to come closer to Christ and be a true disciple. I have prepared in ways that I had never before thought would benefit my life the way they have now. 

1. The first and biggest step in becoming prepared is to establish a habit of saying daily prayers. As I worked on beginning my days with a prayer, I was able to develop a new relationship with my Father in heaven. He helped me to see the joys in every day life, and He protected me from the storms of the adversary that came my way as I chose to dedicate my time to the Lord.

2. Smile! Yes, smiling can help in so many ways! As soon as you wake up, smile! Smile at random people at the store. Smile at the people passing you in the street. Share your smile with those around you. I promise it will help with preparations to serve. The Lord wants us to be happy, and what better way than to share your light through a smile?

3. Look for ways to serve around you, and then do it! Service is an excellent way to draw closer to God, and to learn to love others. You can't be a successful missionary without loving the people that you serve. Service doesn't have to be an extreme project that is planned over a long period of time. Simple things, such as posting uplifting thoughts and quotes on social media sights, doing the dishes for someone who is unable to, or even cleaning your room! (Trust me, moms love seeing clean rooms!)

4. Ask for priesthood blessings, and read your Patriarchal blessing frequently. I have had some really tough days when I've felt completely stuck. The adversary makes it really, REALLY hard sometimes to prepare to serve a mission! Those times are when I have turned to the priesthood for help. I pray beforehand, and then I receive the priesthood blessing. After a really hard day, a priesthood blessing is a great way to feel relief and gain personal revelation for where to go next in preparations.

5. "Ponderize" the scriptures. Take the time to study and ponder the scriptures daily. Establish a habit of daily scripture study in your life. I have found that as I take the time to listen to the Spirit, I greatly benefit from my studies. The Spirit guides me in my scripture studies, and I learn so much more!

6. Develop good relationships with your family. Learning to love and serve your family helps you to love and serve those you will teach in the mission field. It will also help you to get along better with your mission companions. Pray for help, and diligently try to see the good in each family member. Look for the good instead of the bad. God will help you to see them through His eyes if you seek to love them.

7. Replace the bad with the good. Sometimes, there are habits or situations in your life that aren't in harmony with the Spirit. Be willing to replace the bad with good, and, if needed, talk to the Bishop. He will help you to free you from your burdens through the Atonement. He will guide you through the steps, and he will be your friend through it.

8. Stand up for what you believe! Be brave. If someone is saying or doing something that you aren't comfortable with, take a stand and let them know! If I am listening to the radio in the car, and a song comes on that I don't like, I make sure to tell someone if I don't feel comfortable with the music, and usually they change it to something better. Dare to stand up for what you believe!

9. Be proud of who you are. Many people are insecure about themselves. They allow the adversary to creep into their lives and tell them that they aren't good enough, or point out their flaws. Instead of allowing the adversary in, command him away and look for the good in yourself! Understand that you are a beloved child of God, and that you are worth it. God wants you to see the good in yourself. He wants you to be happy. So next time you are feeling downtrodden and alone, look in the mirror and smile at yourself. Then say to yourself, "I am proud of who I am! I am a child of God, and He loves me!"

10. Bear your testimony frequently. It may be one of the hardest things to do at Church, but stand up and bear your testimony! My first time bearing testimony in Sacrament Meeting was just a few short months ago. Since then, I have been able to get up almost every time I feel the Spirit urging me to go, and I have been filled with the words that I have needed to say. My testimony has been strengthened through sharing it, and through my everyday tries to become more like Christ.

So, in a nutshell:

1. Establish a habit of saying daily prayers

2. Smile!

3. Look for ways to serve around you, and then do it!

4. Ask for priesthood blessings, and read your Patriarchal blessing frequently. 

5. "Ponderize" the scriptures.

6. Develop good relationships with your family.

7. Replace the bad with the good.

8. Stand up for what you believe!

9. Be proud of who you are.

10. Bear your testimony frequently.

Life is beautiful!

Ever smiling,

JS :)

Be You

"What are you holding onto in your life, even if it does not bring you joy? What do you think you need, even though holding onto that very thing is stopping you from stepping into the best version of you? ...Experiment, try, be different. Be you. Remember, if something does not bring you joy, it is a good idea to let it go! Release, release, release. Purge all that blocks you from coming fully into the unique expression of you!" ~Unknown

Dare to be you! Choose to let go of grudges and embrace the child of God that is within you.

Ever smiling,

JS :)

The Eternal Effect Of Our Behavior

Eternity is a very long time... longer than we can imagine. 

What kind of relationships with our family do we want to last?
Are we stuck in the world of complaints and negativity as we are nit-picky about others, or are we embracing the joy of eternal potential as we see the good in others?

For the last year and a half, I have held grudges and been upset by little things that just build up and keep holding me down. Now, I am beginning to see the great joy that comes from loving and serving my family. They are a great blessing in my life, and I know that as I change my behavior towards them, I am blessed with the joy of eternal love.

Ever smiling,

JS :)

Conquering Fear And Worry

There is great strength to be found in being brave. As we accept our roles on this earth, it can be hard to conquer some of the scary things that come with them. But we can rely on our heavenly and earthly parents to help us through.

If I am worried or afraid of anything, I turn to my parents--heavenly and earthly. Talking things over with my mom helps. She always has good advice for me. If I am still struggling, I turn to Heavenly Father, through prayer or priesthood blessings. Both ways help me to know that I am not alone, that I am loved, and that I am strong enough to endure. Worldly fear can be conquered through Godly fear (respect and obedience to our Father in heaven). Knowing that God is there for me and will help me to conquer my fears gives me the strength to be brave.

Ever smiling,

JS :)

Prepare To Serve

As I've prepared to serve a full-time mission, I have had so many things thrown at me that I have had my doubts about whether or not it is the right thing for me to do. But each time I try harder to be more worthy and spiritually ready, I am filled with the Spirit testifying that this is the right thing for me to do.

There is great value in preparing to serve a mission. Preparing to serve has brought me closer to the godhead than I have ever been before. The more we strive to serve God's people, the more we are blessed and filled with His Spirit. He loves us and wants what is best for us, and He will help us in all circumstances if we are humble, faithful, and open to learning.

Keep smiling,

JS :)

Do Your Best... And Then Do Better

What will help to deepen my testimony of the doctrines and principles of the gospel?

I try to set goals consistently of things I can do to develop a stronger testimony and draw closer to Christ. As I did the personal assessment for myself, I found myself answering many with "I try my hardest". But some I answered with "I often try". Sometimes I find myself slacking and needing to pick up the pace. As I work on becoming more like my Savior, I find myself applying the Atonement more fully in my life, and not just by repenting. I strive to do better, become better, and be my best self.

I now commit myself to living like the Savior, walking in His ways, and doing my best to become like Him.

Ever smiling,

JS :)

Joseph Smith, Divine Example

Truth restored

Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate individuals.

This helps me to know who they are, and because I know this, I can get to know them individually. Knowing them individually brings a better perspective of and relationship with them. Because of that, I have come to know each better and I want to work harder to receive eternal life so that I can live with them again.

Ordinance restored
Baptism by immersion.

This is an essential in striving for eternal life. As I choose to renew this sacred ordinance each Sunday, I remember my commitments and it helps me to progress towards eternal life.

Priesthood authority restored

The power of giving blessings to heal the sick and afflicted.

This greatly blesses me with strength and faith to endure. As I accept the priesthood into my life and allow it to help me, I am strengthened and motivated to strive for perfection and eternal life.

Importance of Joseph Smith, the Prophet

The Prophet, Joseph Smith, was an incredible individual. He was such an amazing example for the early Saints, and for me. He has blessed me with a firm faith, and a solid Church that has been restored. Without him, I would not have my testimony, and I wouldn't be in the situations I am now. I know that the Church and Book of Mormon is of God. I am so thankful for Joseph Smith and his incredible, Christlike example that he set for all of us. He was (and is) truly amazing. :)

Ever smiling,

JS :)

Loving Words

This is an interesting blog post that I read today. I love how the author puts it-- "You may never know how much good you will do by sharing a kind and loving word. But I can almost assure you that you won't ever regret choosing loving words over unkind words."

It may be hard at times to hold your tongue or say something loving instead of degrading. There may be a nearly irresistible urge to bite back and fight. But you are better than that. You are a child of God, a disciple of Christ. You have taken on our Savior's name. Would He want you to misuse that honor and throw it away by putting others down? No.

We should always speak, act, walk, as Christ did. Think before you act. Do as He did. Walk in His ways. Be an example of the believers, in WORD, in CONVERSATION (1 Timothy 4:12)... Choose today to act in Christ's name and speak loving words.

Keep smiling,

JS :)

God's Pearls

Are you ready to give all you have to gain the kingdom of God?

"Natural pearls are rare and very valuable. Jesus spoke the parable of the pearl of great price when he told of a man who found such a valuable pearl that he sold everything he had so he could buy that pearl. The Savior said the pearl is like the kingdom of God. We should be ready to give everything we have to gain the kingdom of God."

Ever smiling,
JS :)

Cease To Contend

"Cease to contend one with another; cease to speak evil one of another." (verse 23)

1. Why do you think this counsel could be helpful?

It would help us to realize that we should not be concerned with the affairs of others. It would help us to become more unified and less contentious, for it would help us to realize that we need to be peacemakers.

2. How can you apply this counsel as you interact and work with other people?
This scripture has taken an important place in my heart. I learned it a while ago, and have been working on applying it to my life for over a year now. It has been a challenge to work on, but I have been able to learn to hold my tongue and be the peacemaker instead. I've been able to learn to love those I serve, and the more positive I am, the more positive others are. :)

Keep smiling!

JS :)

Three-Way Covenant

I know I just recently posted about this, but it is truly an important lesson to be learned and lived. In seminary, we had another discussion about temple marriage. These are some of my thoughts about this subject:

Temple marriage is so important to me! I know that as we strive to live the way Christ lived, we will be able to become more like Him, thus becoming more prepared for our future lives with an eternal partner, and eternal family.

Temple marriages lead to powerful unity that is not otherwise in a relationship between husband and wife. Couples who are sealed for eternity have the opportunity to bless and strengthen each other through temple covenants. Not only is is "for time and all eternity", but it is also a three-way covenant, between man, woman, and God. What a wonderful blessing it is to have the opportunity to be sealed for eternity to the one you love! :)

Keep smiling,

JS :)

Called Of God

I know the Prophet is called of God. Deep in my heart, I know that he is. God has provided a way for us to be guided in the right direction. Every time the Prophet speaks, I am inspired and uplifted, and I am reminded that he is truly called of God. He is such an amazing example to me! :)

Ever smiling (like our dear President Monson),

JS :)

Together For Eternity

Eternal, temple marriage is SO important to me! We cannot reach the highest degree of glory if we are not married and sealed eternally to a worthy spouse, so we should always strive to reach that point. And when we have been sealed in the temple, we should continue our progression towards Heavenly Father.

I will be receiving my endowments soon to be ready for my mission, and it has been an important part of my life to be prepared for this spiritual experience. I have been working hard to live temple-worthy at all times. No matter how many times I fall down, Christ lifts me up again and helps me to continue progressing through His Atonement. I know that as we strive to remain temple-worthy at all times, we will be able to one day find that "perfect match" and be sealed for time and all eternity (and for those who are already married, they, too will be greatly blessed for their efforts!). :)

Ever smiling,

JS :)

Strengthen Family Relationships

The prophet has counselled us to strengthen family relationships. This is an important one to focus on. As we work to build a stronger family, we work to build a temple. The home can be a temple if we strive to be peacemakers, comfort those who need comforting, and lift the hands that hang down. We need to be the examples in our families, so that we can help to build up our families and strengthen them. I have been blessed with developing Christlike attributes (like patience) as I strive to strengthen my family, and overall, I am happier. :)

Keep smiling,

JS :)

To Be Temple Worthy

"What are you doing in your life to prepare to worthily enter the temple and receive the fullness of the priesthood ordinances for yourself?"

This seminary question got me thinking. What am I really doing to prepare for my upcoming sacred temple ordinances? I answered with this.

I am striving to live God's laws, and follow His will at all times. I am working on being a truly virtuous, kind and loving daughter of God as I learn to control my thoughts and actions. I learn to love God through my efforts to become like Him.

It is important that we strive to be like God. Part of His plan is for us to become "as gods, knowing good from evil" (Alma 12:31). One day, we will become godly beings like our Father. 

"Our lives will depend upon the decisions which we make--for decisions determine destiny."
-Thomas S. Monson

The decisions we make now will effect our future. What we do now shows a hint of who we will become as we choose good or evil. We must decide for ourselves whose side we are on, and stick to it! Choose today to prepare yourself to be worthy to enter the temple and accept the sacred ordinances of the priesthood into your life, and become more like our Father in heaven.

Ever smiling,
JS :)

You Are Valuable

"If you aren't being treated with love and respect, check your price tag. Maybe you've marked yourself down. It's you who tells people what you're worth. Get off the clearance rack and get behind the glass where they keep the valuables!" ~Unknown

Keep smiling,

JS :)

Peace Be Unto Thy Soul

I have been plagued by the adversary ever since I made the decision to prepare for a mission. Most recently, I have felt the oppression growing stronger, and it's been hard for me to handle as the time approaches for me to work on my papers. Each time I feel it is too hard to handle, I pray for help and strength to endure. Today I was blessed with the prompting from the Spirit to do my seminary, and I have been able to fill my life with the light and love that comes from it. The Spirit gave me comfort at my time of need, and my prayers have been answered.

"My [child], peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes." Doctrine and Covenants 121:7-8

You are loved!

Keep smiling, be strong, and endure well.

JS :)

Live For The Lord

I interviewed one of my friends with this question from seminary: "Why do you think it might be even more difficult to live for the Lord than to die for Him?" 

His response was very well worded. :)

"I think its more because it's easier to sacrifice our mortal lives for what we believe.
But often times we don't give our lives (Our time and our actions) for what we believe.
The original apostles gave their lives for what they believed (excluding John the beloved), but more importantly they lived their life based upon what they believed.
Anyone can profess to be a member of our faith, and have membership in the church, but only a few people actually LIVE the gospel. Devotion indicates that you would die for what you believe, TRUE devotion dictates that you live what you believe. To know is not enough, you have to DO." ~Paul S.

I believe that it is so important to follow the Lord, even to the death. He will guide us through life. We must do our part to live for the Lord, to walk in His ways, and to devote ourselves to living what we believe. 

Ever smiling,

JS :)

God's Will Be Done

Last year, I was asked to be Student Mentor for my Shakespeare class. It was a big step in my life, and I was unsure about whether or not it was the right thing for me to do. I did a lot of praying, and even fasted about it, and I was blessed with answered prayers--a big, resounding "YES!".

A short while after I receive my answer, the original mentor for Shakespeare moved away. She was a good friend of mine, and I was extremely disappointed to see her leave. I would no longer be teaching with her--instead I would be working with someone that I didn't get along with so well.

Instead of giving up, I chose to stick to it, and I have never regretted it. God put me in this position so that I could learn to love others despite weaknesses, and to see the good in everyone. Now, I have developed a strong friendship with the new mentor (something I never expected to happen), and I have seen such amazing things come from her leadership! :)

Great blessings come from following God's will!

Shining smiles,

JS :)

Faithful Saints

“Some years ago in the Philippines we arrived early for a conference. Sitting on the curb were a

father and mother and four small children dressed in their Sunday best. They had come several hours on a bus and were having the first meal of the day. Each of them was eating a cob of cold, boiled corn. The cost of the bus to Manila probably came out of their food budget.

“As I watched that family, my heart overflowed with emotion. There is the Church. There is the power. There is the future. As with families in many lands, they pay their tithing, sustain their leaders, and do their best to serve. …

“Let no one underestimate the power of faith in the ordinary Latter-day Saints” (Boyd K. Packer, The Least of These).

NEVER underestimate the incredible power of faith!

Keep smiling,

JS :)

The LDS Church--A Powerful Name

“I have thought a lot about why the Savior gave the nine-word name to His restored Church. It may seem long, but if we think of it as a descriptive overview of what the Church is, it suddenly becomes wonderfully brief, candid, and straightforward. How could any description be more direct and clear and yet expressed in such few words?

“Every word is clarifying and indispensible. The word The indicates the unique position of the restored Church among the religions of the world.

“The words Church of Jesus Christ declare that it is His Church. …

“Of Latter-day explains that it is the same Church as the Church that Jesus Christ established during His mortal ministry but restored in these latter days. …

“Saints means that its members follow Him and strive to do His will, keep His commandments, and prepare once again to live with Him and our Heavenly Father in the future. Saint simply refers to those who seek to make their lives holy by covenanting to follow Christ” (M. Russel Ballard, The Importance of a Name).

The name of our Church is so important and has incredible significance. Am I living in such a way that I am worthy of Christ's name? Do I live up to the powerful name of our Church? Am I an example of a true saint?

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to do missionary roleplaying, where I pretended I was a "missionary" teaching two "investigators" (Young Women), and I taught them a lesson. When I introduced myself, I said, "We are missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and we have come to teach you a message." At that moment, the Spirit overcame me and I was filled with the power of the Holy Ghost, testifying that those words were true, and that I was soon to become that--a sister missionary, an instrument in God's hands. 

I am so excited to serve, and I look forward to the opportunity to draw closer to my Father in heaven and Christ our Savior. 

Ever smiling,

Future Sister Eggett :)

Cast Aside Your Pride

"Humility does not mean convincing ourselves that we are worthless, meaningless, or of little value. Nor does it mean denying or withholding the talents God has given us. We don’t discover humility by thinking less of ourselves; we discover humility by thinking less about ourselves. It comes as we go about our work with an attitude of serving God and our fellowman.

"Humility directs our attention and love toward others and to Heavenly Father’s purposes. Pride does the opposite. Pride draws its energy and strength from the deep wells of selfishness. The moment we stop obsessing with ourselves and lose ourselves in service, our pride diminishes and begins to die." 

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Pride and the Priesthood
Be thou humble!

Ever smiling,

JS :)

Choose Christ

We must be prepared for the adversary's attacks. When the enemy comes, he will attack with full force, and there is little that we can do if we have not prepared spiritually. Choosing to follow Christ is an important way to protect ourselves from the adversary. As we follow Christ, we walk in His ways and we fill our lives with the spiritual preparation that we need. It is important to follow this principle, because if we don't, we will fall for the temptations of the adversary, and we will be trapped. It is much easier to conquer the adversary when we are spiritually prepared. 

Keep smiling,
JS :)

Turn The Other Cheek

A friend of mine, Elder Cloward, shared an awesome story in a letter that I felt like I should record. It is important for all of us to learn to turn the other cheek and be patient, because all of us are children of God. We need to treat each other as such.

"I'll admit there have been times when I've wanted to turn around and give a couple of people a piece of my mind, and sometimes it's all I can do to just grit my teeth and keep walking. What helps most is a scripture that comes to my mind often where Jesus says that it's easy to "return railing for railing", but the true mark of a follower of Christ is one who "bears all things with meekness and humility". Strength is not determined by whether or not you can deck the guy who just insulted you, strength is when you have every reason to retaliate but you choose to do as the savior did and 'turn the other cheek'. It's been a hard lesson for me to learn, but I testify of that truth."

What a powerful lesson to be learned. I pray that we will be able to apply this to our lives as we strive to become like our Father in heaven.

Ever smiling,
JS :)

Peace, Be Still

Be at peace, for God is with you, and He loves you! No matter how hard the afflictions you are going through, He is with you through every step of it. He will bless you with the peace and comfort you need to endure. His love is eternal!

Take the time to pray and thank Him for His support. Prayer is an excellent way of coming unto Him. He will listen, and He will provide answers.

Something I have done to "be still" is to go into a quiet place and seek His forgiveness. Sometimes we are blinded and confused because of the sinful decisions we have made. We need to get back on the path. When I choose to talk to my Father and repent of my misdoings, He blesses me with peace, comfort, and forgiveness. He still does, every time I choose to talk to Him. I choose now to repent of my sinful behavior and come unto Him in prayer.

Ever smiling,

JS

The Gospel's Gift

The gospel is such a great blessing in my life! I would be nothing without it. It has given me hope when there could have been none, joy when I am least expecting it, and comfort when I am feeling down. Because of the gospel, I am a better person! :)

Ever smiling,
JS

Necessary For Your Salvation

"Every calamity that can come upon mortal beings will be suffered to come upon the few, to prepare them to enjoy the presence of the Lord. … Every trial and experience you have passed through is necessary for your salvation." ~Brigham Young

Keep smiling!

JS

Personal Assessment

As I was reading and doing the annual seminary personal assessment, I realized that a lot of what I am doing is "almost always", rather than "always". I need to commit more to God, and His ways. Though I try to follow His will, I don't always. As everyone does, I heed the natural man, because I'm not perfect. But that is something I can change. Through Christ's Atonement, I can repent and strive to become perfect daily. Commitment is an important thing in life to learn, to stand strong and be diligent in daily doings. As we strive to become like Christ, and ultimately like God, we will become better individuals, for we will be more faithful, more diligent, more strong, and more pure. We will be powerful individuals, and achieve the impossible through God! 

Ever smiling,
JS

Be Faithful And Trust In Him

Prayer and faith are very important parts of life. If we are feeling down on ourselves, or don't feel worthy of the role that we have been blessed with (such as parenthood), we need to seek the Lord for His divine guidance. He will guide us in the direction we need to go, even if it means accepting the hardest trial and saying that the Lord's will be done. It is hard, but through faith and earnest prayer, we can know for ourselves that what we are chosen to do is hand-selected by God. He knows our strengths and our weaknesses, and He will help us through the tough times. He will guide us through it and help us to understand why, for He loves us and wants what is best for us!

Keep smiling,
JS

Anxiously Engaged In A Good Cause

"Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness." Doctrine and Covenants 58:27

I love this verse. It doesn't just say that we should try to do good in our lives, it says that we should be anxiously engaged in a good cause. God wants us to learn to act for ourselves, and to exercise our agency wisely. This scripture perfectly illustrates it for us--We need to be continuously striving to live good lives, and be enthusiastic about our services. As we exercise our agency by doing things with righteousness, we will be filled with the Spirit and we will ultimately become as gods, knowing good from evil, knowing the results of our actions, and knowing that we can act for ourselves!

Ever smiling,
JS :)