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 :)