Bloom In Adversity

There will always be tough times ahead. But we can be the flowers that bloom in adversity. Things will work out, no matter how downtrodden and hurt you may feel. If we are faithful and endure all the pains that life brings, we will be happier and greatly blessed in the end. God knows our pains and grief. He knows the thoughts and intents of our hearts. He loves us and wants what is best for us, even if the best seems like the worst at times. "Thru test and trial we'll have our fears, but we will not despair" (As Zion's Youth In Latter Days). Don't despair. Don't give up. You can endure, you can pull through, and you can become the most rare and beautiful of all, for you are loved beyond words, beyond reason, beyond any comprehension. There are great things in store for you. You are amazing! <3

Keep smiling,
JS

You Are Never Alone

“‘Do not fear, for I the Lord am with you’ [D&C 68:6].

“You are not alone on this journey. Your Heavenly Father knows you. Even when no one else hears you, He hears you. When you rejoice in righteousness, He rejoices with you. When you are beset with trial, He grieves with you.

“Heavenly Father’s interest in you does not depend on how rich or beautiful or healthy or smart you are. He sees you not as the world sees you; He sees who you really are. He looks on your heart. And He loves you because you are His child.

“… Seek Him earnestly, and you will find Him.

“I promise you, you are not alone.” ~Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Your Wonderful Journey Home

You are never alone! 

So keep a smile on your face. :)

~JS

Conquer Fear

Fear has great influence on us. Our thoughts also have powerful affect on us. What we need to do is choose to faithfully follow the Savior and keep our thoughts clean and pure. Uplifting thoughts will keep us going. The more we think uplifting thoughts instead of put-downs and judging ourselves because of our imperfections, the more we will be able to conquer the fear that stirs inside of us. Satan picks at the littlest things and makes them seem like big problems. That is when fear can take over. What we need to do is conquer the fear by being faithful and strong. Think positively, especially about yourself. Your thoughts reflect on your countenance. Are you reflecting the Lord's light, or is your light being dimmed by the adversary's shadows? You can conquer fear!

Keep smiling,
JS

Christ: Our Ultimate Advocate

Some thoughts from seminary yesterday. :)

"Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him-- Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou was well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified; Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life." Doctrine and Covenants 45:3-5

How do you feel about Jesus Christ being your Advocate and not only pleading your cause but paying the penalty for your sins?

Verse three really struck me because it said that Christ IS our Advocate and He IS pleading for us. It is powerful for me to know that He is constantly pleading our case, asking the Father for our forgiveness. He is always there for us, and He is ever-forgiving. I am so touched by that. 

What do you feel the Savior wants you to do to more fully come unto Him and accept Him as your Advocate?

He wants me to come unto Him through my thoughts and actions. I need to keep my thoughts clean and pure, and constantly repent of my sins. We all make mistakes, because we are all human. That is what happens. What we need to do is embrace the Atonement and fill our lives with Christ's grace. I am so grateful for His love for me!

Ever smiling,

JS

Dare To Be Truly Beautiful

It isn’t just about cosmetics or clothing. What makes a young woman truly attractive comes from her heart. ~Lynn G. Robbins

As a part of seminary this morning, I learned about the importance of dressing modestly and forsaking the lusts of the world. Pornography is a really dangerous thing! I can lead to so many problems and massively damages you and others.

"Young women, please understand that if you dress immodestly, you are magnifying [the problem of pornography] by becoming pornography to some of the men who see you." ~Dallin H. Oaks

It is important to dress modestly. The way we dress will often reflect who we are. Do we want others to see us as people who will throw away our values just to satisfy worldly lusts? Or do we want others to see us as confident individuals who stand firm in their beliefs and will not lower their standards? If we choose now to keep high standards of modest dress, we will better protect ourselves from the temptations of lust.

Thomas S. Monson said, "You can dress attractively without being immodest. Within the Lord's guidelines, there is room for you to be lively, vibrant, and beautiful both in your dress and your actions." We should always choose to dress modestly and avoid the lusts of the world.

One of my friends commented on a post I wrote on Google Plus about modesty. He said, "Really girls, we do notice. That quote by Elder Oaks is so true. What's worse, depending on how bad it is, any friendship that exists will suffer, because we feel terrible about thinking of you that way, but we also can't forget. Living, breathing girl friends, carefully guarding their standards are the best therapy I know of for recovering from a porn addiction. You can be the brightest light in a struggling guy's life. Please don't let yourself become  just another damaging influence. You're worth more than that."

Choose to be modest, even if dressing modestly means dressing differently than "the style" now. You really are worth more than that! Dare to be truly beautiful. :)

Ever smiling,
JS

Knock And It Shall Be Opened

As I was studying in Doctrine and Covenants this morning, I read a familiar scripture that is repeated a lot throughout most of the books of scripture.

"Ask and ye shall receive; knock and it shall be opened unto you." (Doct. & Cov. 49:26)

Normally, I just skim over that kind of verse because it is said so often that I feel like I don't need to read it anymore (as I basically have it memorized). But this time, as I read it, a thought struck me. This could very easily pertain to missionary work. I paused and pondered on the verse.

"Knock and it shall be opened unto you." What if that was referring to missionaries knocking on doors? If we ask in faith for God to lead us to the right places, to someone who needs us, the door will be opened to us and we will be accepted by the right people.

We need to fear as we strive to be the faithful missionaries that follow God's plan in calling His people to Zion, for He will open the doors for us!

Keep smiling,
JS :)

Your Prayers Limit Temptation

"Be the kind of [person] that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says, 'Oh, crap, s/he's up!'" ~Unknown

One of the first steps to being this kind of person is to pray! Your prayers have incredible effects on your life. You have the power to conquer Satan! Use it wisely--say your prayers. Talk to Heavenly Father. He will listen. If you have a sincere heart, He will answer your prayers, and you will be protected against the "fiery darts of the wicked" (see Ephesians 6:16, Doct. & Cov. 27:17).

Keep smiling,
JS

The Beauty Of The Gospel

These are some words that came to my mind as I answered questions for seminary today. It is incredible what can happen to us when we follow the Spirit's promptings--and just listen.

"Behold, I say unto you, my servants Ezra and Northrop, open ye your ears and hearken to the voice of the Lord your God, whose word is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of the joints and marrow, soul and spirit; and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

 For verily, verily, I say unto you that ye are called to lift up your voices as with the sound of a trump, to declare my gospel unto a crooked and perverse generation."  Doctrine and Covenants 33:1-2

1. What do you think it means to declare the gospel “as with the sound of a trump”?

The notes of a trumpet are clear, strong, and powerful. When we declare the gospel "with the sound of a trump", we declare it with power. If we are faithful, then the Holy Ghost will clearly manifest the truth of the gospel to those we teach. As we speak, we must teach with clarity, strength and power, declaring the gospel to others through the way we act, speak, and live.

2. In Ezra Thayre’s vision, when he played the trumpet, it produced the most beautiful sound he had ever heard. Why do you think the sound was so beautiful?

The gospel itself is beautiful! The word beauty is defined as "the quality present in a thing or person 

that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind." The note that pierced the air as he blew into the horn must have filled him with joy as the power filled him. The beauty of that sound was from the power of it. We can feel God's power through things like this, when we fill our lives with beauty and joy.

Ever smiling,

JS

My Peace I Give Unto You

There is peace to be found in this world of turmoil and confusion. Sometimes it can be very hard to see the good in our lives when there are so many bad things going on around us. But there is always good to be found, whether it be a simple smile, or a service project, or even a beautiful, sunny day. God is with us always, whether we know it or not, and He will help us through our trials if we put our trust in His will!

Ever smiling,
JS

PS http://inspirationlamppost.com/peace.html

The Tender Mercies Of His Grace

As I was in my room pondering on some hard things that had been going on earlier today, I felt broken. For the longest time, I had been treated rudely and with disrespect verbally. I was really struggling with it, especially today. But each time it happened, I realized that I would forget the happening and continue loving that person.

It hit me especially hard today as I struggled with something that I needed support with. It was something that I was really conflicted about, and I didn't know how to handle the situation. Instead of giving me support in my confusion, the person spoke rudely and made it seem like my concerns for our spiritual welfare weren't important. 

So I locked myself into my room and prayed. I asked my Father how He was able to forgive so easily and continue loving. I was so hurt, and He forgives all damage done, no matter how serious the problem. I wanted to feel the love that He feels for everyone, to see things the way He sees them.

At that moment, He filled my soul with His love. He gave me the reason to see beyond weakness and He opened my eyes to the joy that He sees. He blessed me with incredible joy and love. His love for me, and for others, filled me, and at that moment, I knew that He would help me conquer my fears and my troubles. He wanted me to forgive. So I prayed for charity and forgiveness, and He blessed me with so much more than that!

These precious words are the results of that tender moment. As I wrote them, I was overwhelmed with His love. I was filled with the joy from heaven. When the pen connected with the paper, the words just flowed--like a song. The words became music, a song from the soul, a heavenly song from the heart. 

Tears falling down my face, I kneel down and I pray. Praying for God's tender mercy. Broken down, lost and forgotten, spat upon, abused. I beg for His forgiveness, I plead for His love.

The the light of His kindness, His tender Father's hand brings me into His warm embrace, wraps me in His love. The love that He feels for me is so real, and He shows me His tender mercy. 

Laughter and joy, a bright child's face, singing and dancing, winning the race. His sunshine warmed my soul, His grace redeemed my love. He rescued me, strengthened me, filled me with His light! He loves me, and knows me, knows me for who I am: a daughter of His, beloved. 

These are the gifts for His child--a Son of God, Redeemer, sent for us to die. To live again, and be again--our Saviour, our Christ.

They love me for who I am. They care for me and lead me through Their plan. The road is rough, but be not afraid. Stand tall, be true, and be His. A daughter of a living God, honest, faithful, true. Benevolent and virtuous!

Now He knows the way, and He shows the way, and His is the way--the way to truth and light! Be these things, trust in Him, and you will be filled with His light. Charity is all that you need. Just trust in Him, believe in Him, and the tender mercies of His grace will fall upon you and fill your soul.

He loves you, you are His, and He is yours.

Have a beautiful day, filled with the warmth of God's sunshine and love.

Ever smiling,

~JS

Pure Joy

"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." Doctrine and Covenants 18:10

We hear this scripture all the time. The worth of souls is GREAT in the sight of God. But have we ever considered the joy that is shared in this scripture? Not only is there great love shared, but this scripture has wonderful depth and tender feelings shared.

As I continued reading, I discovered this verse that struck me even more than the previous verse.

"And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!" Doctrine and Covenants 18:13

Notice the exclamation point at the end. An emphasis is placed on this simple sentence that makes the meaning more powerful and touching. Christ sacrificed His life for us, so that we would have the divine gift of repentance. This verse proves to us that Christ's joy for us is magnified when we choose to sincerely apply the Atonement in our lives.

When we cry, He cries with us. When we laugh, He laughs with us. When we have that tender moment of pure joy that comes from truly repenting, how much greater is the joy in Christ's heart, for we have chosen to come unto Him!

~JS

We Have The Power To Change The World!

It is amazing the power we have to change the world--starting with ourselves. If we change our hearts and serve God with all our heart, might, mind and strength, we will be blessed with the Christlike attributes we need to be the heroes that this world needs. 

I want to develop the Christlike trait of patience, so that I can endure patiently and be more happy in dire circumstances. I know that as we strive to be the missionaries and examples that the world needs, we will be blessed for our efforts and become more like Christ.

Ever smiling,

~JS

I Can Be A Missionary Now!

For the longest time, I was convinced that I would go to college. Never once did I consider going on a mission. But last year, the Spirit struck me with an incredibly powerful thought. I am going on a mission. It was as simple as that.

That powerful sentence has stuck with me ever since. And when I got my patriarchal blessing, a part of it told me that if the Lord desired it, I would serve a full-time mission. That confirmed my feelings even more. 

Because of that simple prompting, my life has been changed completely. I realized that I wasn't living a life that was in complete harmony with the gospel. I still have my weaknesses, but I have been able to overcome a lot of them and turn them into strengths. I have been able to establish a better habit of studying the scriptures, saying daily personal prayers, and writing in my journal regularly. My heart has been opened to the desire to serve, and to sharing my testimony with others. Because of the Spirit's influence, I can be a missionary now!

Ever smiling,

~JS

The Worth of Souls

Doctrine and Covenants 18:10

"Remember the worth of souls is GREAT is the sight of God."

This scripture has really stood out to me lately. We are all beloved children of God--His love for us is eternal. No matter how many mistakes we make, He will help us out of them and reach out to touch our lives. His love for me has inspired me to look for the good in others and see that they are absolutely amazing individuals! The worth of souls in great--so great that we are blessed daily with God's love. Because of this scripture, I have been blessed with the love for others that I didn't have before. I have been given the gift to reach out and shine my light to others so that they can, in turn, shine themselves. You are amazing!

Keep smiling,

~JS

The Fruit Of The Scriptures

The scriptures are here for us to learn from and feast upon.

"The fruit within the peel, which we use for strength and nourishment, can be compared to the doctrines and principles found in the scriptures. The peel that surrounds the fruit can be compared to the events and people of the scriptures. Much like the outer covering preserves and helps transport the inner fruit, these scriptural accounts hold and carry gospel doctrines and principles to us in a way that helps us understand, remember, and apply them in our lives.

The work needed to remove the outer covering and expose the inner fruit is similar to what we must do to open up or uncover a passage of scripture. To peel open the scriptures and expose the fruit inside, we need to understand the historical setting of a revelation and also strive to understand the events, people, and meaning of words. As we do so, the doctrines and principles contained within the scriptural accounts become easier to see and understand."

~Online Seminary

As we feast on the fruits of the scriptures, we will be filled with the Spirit and our testimonies will be strengthened. A scripture a day keeps the devil away! 

Keep smiling,

~JS

The Gift Of The Gospel

I absolutely love Seminary! It has taught me so much, and continues to broaden my perspective and strengthen my testimony of the truths of the Gospel!

These are some things I enjoyed from Seminary today. 

"While some information has merit, as members of the Church we have access to the source of pure truth, even God Himself. We would do well to search out answers to our problems and questions by investigating what the Lord has revealed through His prophets. With that same technology today, we have at our fingertips access to the words of the prophets on nearly any subject. 

...What has [God] taught us about personal happiness and fulfillment through His prophets?" ~Kevin R. Duncan

A story shared from the Friend:

Mike and his younger brothers, Eric and Tom, liked to go hiking with their dad. Dad always said he knew the mountains like the back of his own hand. He had grown up walking the same paths with his own dad, who was a sheepherder. 

One summer day [the boys] were excited to reach the top of the trail—a high meadow filled with fresh green grass and flowers of just about every color. And so they took off running through the trees at top speed, even though they were tired from their morning’s hike. They wanted to burst onto that meadow like jackrabbits.

'Stop when you get to the meadow,’ Dad called after them. ‘I’ll meet you there.’ They ran ahead, each trying to get in front of the others. [They forgot] Dad’s instruction. They ran in circles through the deep grass, jumping and dodging, whooping and hollering and tagging each other. Then Eric had an idea. ‘Let’s race all the way across the meadow!’ 

Tom hesitated. They couldn’t see the far side of the clearing because a grassy hill obscured their view. But Mike wasn’t worried. ‘I think this is the same meadow we came to last summer,’ he assured his brothers. They gathered back at the trees. ‘Ready!’ Eric shouted. ‘Set! GO!’ The wind felt fresh and cool on Mike’s cheeks and in his hair, and the faster he ran, the more wind he got. Soon he was leading the race. He felt like he could run forever. 

‘STOP!’ a voice bellowed like thunder behind them. All three boys stopped immediately. They turned and saw Dad running toward them from the edge of the meadow. ‘Come back here beside me,’ Dad called, more gently this time. The boys obeyed. [Then] they walked together across the meadow. As they topped the little hill, Dad suddenly stopped. Just a few paces ahead of them, a sheer cliff dropped down at least 20 or 30 feet. If they had been running, there was no way they could have seen it in time to stop. 

‘We could have died,’ Mike said softly. 

‘Well, maybe. I’m sure glad you stopped running even though I didn’t have time to explain. Sometimes we have to obey first and ask questions later!’ 

‘Especially when someone else knows what’s coming, and you don’t,’ Mike said.” (Ana Nelson Shaw, “Stop!” Friend, June 2005).

What we truly are in our heart will inevitably be revealed in our thoughts, words, and behaviors. The real truth about a man cannot be kept secret. ~Seminary

What a gift the gospel is in my life! I am so grateful for the opportunities I have to learn and grow from Seminary and other spiritual lessons.

Keep smiling,

~JS

Explain, Share, Testify

How can you make your life experiences better?

1. Remember why you are doing what you are doing
2. Ask yourself how you can help yourself and others
3. Reach out to others and be an example

"Explaining will help you understand the principles of the gospel. If you can explain a concept clearly, you have learned it well.

Sharing will help you and others see the connection between what you are learning from the scriptures and your own life today.

Testifying invites the Spirit so that your testimony can be strengthened and so that others can gain a testimony too."

I love the quote shared by Spencer W. Kimball about sharing our light with others. 

"Where we carry the lantern to light the path of others, we light our own way." 

This is a powerful reminder to be courageous and share our light with others. Each day, there may be something that someone you know (or a stranger) needs to hear. And what better way to learn it than by examples of others? As we do our part in life to explain, share, and testify, we will be filled with the Spirit and not only light the path for others, but also light our own way. We will be led on the path that we need to go, and the Spirit will guide us in the footsteps of Christ. 

~JS

Share The Joy

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation...

Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man could not hear the band, he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days, weeks and months passed.One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window.The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.
It faced a blank wall.
The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.
The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.
She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.'



Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy. Today is a gift, that is why it is called 'The Present'.

What a powerful story! And an incredible lesson to be learned. Our happiness, when shared, is doubled. When we share joy, our joy is magnified and we can be filled with the light of Christ. Let us all strive to be filled with charity, which is the most pure love, a love which never fails.

~JS

Seek To Ponder

"By pondering, we give the Spirit an opportunity to impress and direct. Pondering is a powerful link between the heart and the mind. As we read the scriptures, our hearts and minds are touched. If we use the gift to ponder, we can take these eternal truths and realize how we can incorporate them into our daily actions. 
…
“Pondering is a progressive mental pursuit. It is a great gift to those who have learned to use it. We find understanding, insight, and practical application if we will use the gift of pondering” ~Marvin J. Ashton, There Are Many Gifts

"Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere hearts, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost." Moroni 10:3-4

As we seek to ponder the Lord's words, and not just read them, we will be filled with the Spirit, and He will guide us to the path of true conversion. Seek to be filled with the Savior's light by pondering the divine truths taught in the Book of Mormon. As we "seek learning even by study and also by faith" (see D&C 88:118; 109:7), we will be filled with the Spirit. Our testimonies will be strengthened as we feast on the words of the Book of Mormon (see 2 Nephi 32:3), and we will have the capability to share it with others.

~JS :)

Exercise Faith in Christ

What can I do today to exercise greater faith in Jesus Christ?

My goal:
To spend less time on a screen, wasting away my time, and accomplish better things in life.

How am I going to achieve this goal? 

Through faith in Christ, I can do all things. I have been blessed with the power to forgive, and be forgiven. This doesn't just mean forgive others, it also includes forgiving myself. The power of the Atonement is real, and it is incredibly strong. It helps me to overcome all the hard trials in life, by exercising faith in Christ, and by choosing to repent.

I need to work on setting a time limit on my screen time, and choose to only participate in uplifting things that build me up. By doing so, and setting this goal, I can become better, and just by setting goals I can learn new things. God has given me an opportunity to grow and learn through faith, and that is what I am going to do. I am determined to become more like my Father, my Brother, and ultimately, overcome the natural man.

"For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." Mosiah 3:19

~JS

Even As I Am

"What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am." 3 Nephi 27:27

Christlike Attributes

Humble

Obedient

Healer

Kind

Teacher

Courageous

Servant

Submissive

Selfless

Full of Love

What opportunities did I have yesterday to be like the Savior?

Yesterday I had the opportunity to serve my stepsisters and do their dishes. I haven't really had a very good relationship with them, but the service resulted in a smile and hugs. :) Service = Success!

How could I be more like the Savior today?

By being full of love and selfless. I have found myself judging others lately, and it has become a bad habit. To become more like the Savior, I need to choose to love others, despite their weaknesses, and not judge them to myself.

What works of the Savior could I do tomorrow, at school or at home?

Every day I have the opportunity to be Christlike, whether I realize it or not. What I need to do right now is work on my thoughts, for my thoughts turn into actions, and if I don't control them, then they will lead to bad decisions.

“That man is greatest and most blessed and joyful whose life most closely approaches the pattern of the Christ. This has nothing to do with earthly wealth, power, or prestige. The only true test of greatness, blessedness, joyfulness is how close a life can come to being like the Master, Jesus Christ. He is the right way, the full truth, and the abundant life” (Ezra Taft Benson, “Jesus Christ—Gifts and Expectations,” Ensign, Dec. 1988, 2).

Today, I choose to be selfless!

-JS

I Choose To Love!

This week, I have been thinking about love, and its great effect on us. As I read scriptures for Seminary today, I came across many that involved love.

First, Doctrine and Covenants 6:19, 30.

"Be patient; be sober; be temperate; have patience, faith, hope and charity.

...Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward."

These things listed all involve love. Doing good is an act of love towards others, and towards our Heavenly Father, who loves us. Serving others = Serving God (see Mosiah 2:17).

Next, the Beattitudes, found in 3 Nephi 12:3-12.

"...blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

To be poor in spirit is to be humble. Humbling ourselves and coming unto Christ are acts of our love for our Father in Heaven and Christ.

 "...blessed are all they that mourn, for they shall be comforted."

When we mourn, we are often showing that we care for others. Especially when we "mourn with those that mourn" (see Mosiah 18:9). Caring for others is loving others.

"...blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."

 To be meek is to be patient and calm. Choosing to act with patience is choosing to act with love.

"...blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost."

By hungering and thirsting after righteousness, we are gaining a sincere desire to live righteously. By sincerely trying to live righteously, we are showing love for our Heavenly Father.

"...blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."

Showing mercy to others is showing love. When we are merciful, we are acting in love.

"...blessed are all the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

When we are pure in heart, our desires, intents and actions are pure. By being pure in heart, we acting in love.

"...blessed are all the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God."

Choosing to be a peacemaker is a hard decision. But when we do, we are choosing to love others through our decision, no matter what the consequences are.

"...blessed are all they who are persecuted for my name's sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. And blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake; For ye shall have great joy and be exceedingly glad, for great shall be your reward in heaven."

As Latter-Day Saints, we are God's chosen people. When we choose to follow God's commandments, even in persecution, we are showing our love and devotion to God.

And finally, 3 Nephi 12:22-25, 27-30, 43-45.

Verses 22-25 talk about loving others, despite their actions. We need to love others as ourselves.

Verses 27-30 talk about controlling our thoughts and desires. As we control our thoughts and passions, we will be filled with love.

Verses 43-45 talk about loving our enemies, and doing good to others, despite their actions. Again, love others, and sincerely try to be loving.

As we choose to love, we choose to fill our lives with the light of Christ, for the light of Christ is centered on love. Each Christlike attribute has something to do with love. Love is a powerful thing. Love can change the world. Today, I choose to LOVE!

-JS