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 :)