“Be Not Troubled”

 I’ve been thinking a lot about these times and all the chaos that is happening in the world. I felt like I should go to the scriptures to find some peace. 

Interesting what these verses in the Bible say about the last days. These verses state the exact things that are happening in our world today. (See Matthew chapter 24)

The amazing thing is that amidst the chaos, the Lord tells us to “be not troubled”, for He blesses us with peace when we are faithful to Him.

Keep smiling and stay faithful!

-JS

Take a Breath

Today I got home from walking the dog and started to make a smoothie. I was tired, hungry, and T was fussing at me. I turned on my blender and it immediately exploded... all over everything. Normally, I would have thrown in the towel and had a meltdown, but this time I paused, took a deep breath, got the baby to bed, and cleaned up the mess.

Then, I made a smoothie, and enjoyed it.

I was upset for a moment, but instead of allowing this to ruin my day, I chose to stay positive and move on.

Sometimes we have moments in life that make us want to give up and hide until the day is over. What matters is that we pick ourselves up, take a deep breath, and keep moving forward.

Keep smiling,

-JS

Find Rest in the Lord

These past two months have been a big learning experience for me. I recently had a baby, and along with that I ended up with many health complications. After undergoing minor surgery and experiencing more health troubles than I have ever had in my life, I’ve found myself having trouble sleeping (and not just because of caring for my sweet baby).

At first, it was extremely hard for me. I would cry and ask the Lord why this was happening to me. I was exhausted from taking care of my little one and I just wanted to sleep. I desperately needed the rest. But one night, I felt inspired to open my scriptures, so I followed the prompting and found myself led to verses that gave me comfort and guidance.

 I have since found that those quiet nights when I cannot get my mind to rest are times given to me by God. He answers my prayers and makes it possible for me to rest in Him. When the Lord needs me to connect with Him, He gives me these sacred opportunities to pray, reflect, and study. 

Though sleep may flee, I find rest in my God. I am so thankful for these moments of quiet reflection and the peace that they bring.

JS

Guardian Angels

I love this artistic depiction of guardian angels protecting our homes. It was shared in a video by Gary E. Stevenson, and it filled me with peace knowing that I have loved ones who have passed on, who are watching over and helping to protect my family and me. ❤️

“These ministering angels know who you are. They care for you. They love you. They will become a vital part of the fortification of your home.” -Gary E. Stevenson

God bless,

-JS

“It Mattereth Not”

I have always admired the Christlike attitude of Pahoran, a judge in the Book of Mormon that lived during the time of great war among his people. In Alma 60, Captain Moroni sends Pahoran a strongly-worded letter, rebuking him for not sending support to his small troops. Moroni was extremely angry at Pahoran, and called him many names that would have made any individual upset. But in Alma 61, Pahoran’s response is simple, yet profound. He says, “And now, in your epistle you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart.”
(Alma 61:9)

In the moment that Pahoran received and read the letter, he could have reacted in anger and frustration. He could have sent Moroni an equally rebuking letter, explaining how he was in a similar situation. Instead, he chose to react calmly, and focus on the good in the situation. He chose to see the good in Moroni, and he chose to forgive him.

Let this be an example to us of forgiveness and charity. When we have compassion on others and seek to focus on the good instead of the bad, we will be filled with love for those who could have angered or hurt us. Pahoran’s example of letting go of his anger and choosing to forgive lets us see that forgiveness and charity is possible.

We just need to choose it.

Choose charity.
-J.S.

A Beautiful Day

It's been some time since I recorded anything in this blog, so I figured I'd pick it up again. My most recent thoughts come from the movie, "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood", a story focused on Fred Rogers from the beloved children's TV show, "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood".

My husband and I went to see it together and it brought me to tears. It was such a beautiful and inspiring movie!

Here are some thoughts I shared on Facebook.

“To die is human, and anything human is mentionable. Anything mentionable is manageable.” -Fred Rogers

This quote hit home for me. I have a lot of loved ones who have passed on and it has brought me a lot of deep sadness at the emptiness I feel from missing them in my life. Knowing that our Savior made it possible for us to heal from the grief and sorrow that comes with the death of a loved one makes it “manageable”, as Mr. Rogers puts it. ❤️ There is always hope, and I’m thankful for people like Fred Rogers who #LightTheWorld.

As always, keep smiling, 

-JS

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 :)