tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28866841945756225302012-01-26T12:42:22.418-08:00"Long ago, travelers used bonfires to keep wolves away. Today, spiritual wolves threaten. Is your testimony burning bright? *** Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin - Spiritual Bonfires of Testimony 2002jenjaminnoreply@blogger.comBlogger491100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-31040241426709941682010-04-15T12:53:00.000-07:002010-04-16T11:34:19.885-07:00

Economics, economics, economics.. have been on my mind. What life would be like if we were poor. I mean really poor poor. Would people matter more? Would possessions seem entirely petty? The scriptures paint a vivid picture of this idea. So, I was running the other day, yes I have picked up running a little, at least until my knee kaputts. I am training for my big whopping 4-5 mile leg of the "

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-48436181951195339102010-01-25T12:59:00.000-08:002010-01-25T13:00:35.645-08:00

I just love it when I open up my scriptures and read a passage that virtually strums the strings of my spirit, making music within me that communicates something completely tangible but inaudible. These verses in Alma 31 - 33 created some rather spectacular music within me last night. Alma was sure a remarkable person and I am anxious to meet him one day. He was talking about the Zoramintes

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-19267130714522791492010-01-15T21:02:00.000-08:002010-01-15T21:06:17.848-08:00

Something to think about! "While I believe that reverence is often exhibited through reverent behaviors, it is not behaviors that concern me now. I want to discuss reverence as an attitude of deepest respect and veneration toward Deity. Of course, reverent behaviors follow reverent attitudes, but it is the attitude of reverence that we need to cultivate first among our members. Reverent

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-5188966922258601192009-11-13T11:33:00.001-08:002009-11-13T11:39:54.154-08:00

PAUSE MUSIC PLAYER"Jesus Christ, the light of the world is the only lamp by which you can successfully see the path of love and happiness... How should I love thee...? As HE does. For that way never faileth ."

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-11299828159349831242009-10-30T13:39:00.000-07:002009-11-02T06:56:51.908-08:00

I have had a loose piece of paper floating around in my quote journal for years now that said " There is no price too high to become acquainted with God" I had loosely scribbled the source on that tattered piece of paper as being from someone in the Martin Handcart company but have never been able to legitimize the source but I did find this one.... “Everyone of us came through with the

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-73650031149777450312009-10-30T13:20:00.000-07:002009-12-09T07:48:24.572-08:00

"As we share our testimony with others, I hope that we will have the same convincing power and enthusiasm the members had who brought the message to Brigham Young. He said: " 'The brethren who came to preach the Gospel to me, I could easily out-talk them . . .; but their testimony was like fire in my bones; I understood the spirit of their preaching; I received that spirit; it was light,

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-60912397066978218772009-10-26T11:20:00.001-07:002009-10-26T16:07:21.446-07:00

PAUSE music player

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-7096379508035193752009-10-21T11:36:00.001-07:002009-10-21T11:36:41.276-07:00

It is no mystery that I am a deep thinker. I think all the time (cause of my insomnia) and usually about big ideas and thoughts, the kind that have the capacity to exhaust you. Some nights I feel literally "rung out" emotionally and spiritually because of all the conversations I have with myself throughout the day. I have been having one particular conversation with myself for many years now

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-85580049608653151862009-10-15T08:40:00.000-07:002009-10-15T08:41:18.445-07:00

 Apostle Says Religious Freedom Is Being Threatened Read this...  In an address given October 13th by Elder Dallin H. Oaks Elder Oaks said members of the Church should not be deterred or coerced into silence by threats. “We must insist on our constitutional right and duty to exercise our religion, to vote our consciences on public issues, and to

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-41886176127795113012009-10-15T08:13:00.000-07:002009-10-15T08:28:21.407-07:00

Oh I love this. Just this morning I saw the episode of Stephanie Nielson (Nie Nie) on Oprah and by the nature of her very tring experiences got me thinking about me and my life. I have things so easy. Then moments later I saw this video called "Choose This Day" Oh MY! I think the Lord is tryng to tell me something! I  just had to share it.  (PAUSE MUSIC PLAYER) "In the hardest trials as long as

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-14469593427459787142009-10-05T11:30:00.000-07:002009-10-06T06:26:05.163-07:00

I have had a thought blowing around in my mind for a long time now. I think and feel it with great conviction. This is IT! You have to know WHO you are!You have to know what you believe!You have to know why you believe it!andYou have to know how you are going to defend it! That is in essence what this past General Conference told me. It was completely inspirational. These are a few of the

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-77936630079376546432009-09-28T06:22:00.000-07:002009-09-28T12:59:31.797-07:00

With the next General Conference coming up this week it has me reflecting on the past conference and all that I loved about it. I am now peaking with curiosity about all that will be said this next week and looking forward to the many ways I will be inspired, uplifted and edified. This is one of my all time favorite talks from General Conference one year ago."What kind of existence can we hope

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-55563715861818299162009-09-20T20:21:00.001-07:002009-09-28T08:36:57.552-07:00

M. Russell Ballard said this.... and loved it! "In the hectic, pressure-filled schedules you face, I . . . know how easy it is to let prayer slip. Some of you hit the snooze button on your alarm clocks, thinking you can eke out just another minute or two of sleep, then jerk awake realizing that you are going to be late for school or work. On such mornings, prayer gets pushed aside, perhaps with

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-71333273324804885132009-09-11T08:27:00.000-07:002009-09-11T09:13:05.920-07:00

Right now, life is busy, so many things to juggle, nothing insurmountable but there are lots of challenges right now, some in my control, others not so much. I am trying to learn from the challenges I am faced with and grow where needed. Learning to rise above them so as to not let them completely absorb my life. When I am preoccupied with the worldly challenges I can literally feel the adversary

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-22570773893212972472009-08-21T13:45:00.001-07:002009-09-11T09:10:31.402-07:00

I have an enormous testimony of the temple. This is one of the best writings I have found on the blessings of the temple. Temple statement for Utah South Area - Given in the Manti Temple April 1987 by Vaughn J. Featherstone"The season of the world before us will be like no other in the history of mankind. Satan has unleashed every evil, every scheme, every blatant, vile perversion ever known to

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-83534561420617177962009-07-23T14:57:00.000-07:002009-07-23T20:26:17.223-07:00

"...The terrible thing, the almost impossible thing,is to hand over your whole self-all your wishes and precautions-to Christ.But it is far easier than what we are all trying to do instead. For what weare trying to do is to remain what we call "ourselves," to keep personalhappiness as our great aim in life, and yet at the same time be "good." Weare all trying to let our mind and heart

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-12952545927331024472009-07-05T15:04:00.000-07:002009-07-05T15:54:54.133-07:00

Things got busy... FAST! I can not believe it has been so long since I posted here. Certainly not due to a lack of things to share, just an over committed life and a long list of priorities. We are on a summer hiatus in Utah right now and it has been fabulous. I have been able to reflect on the quietness of life here and the tremendous value of simple things. We have departed from the hustle and

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-27351500177729316782009-04-30T07:08:00.000-07:002009-04-30T09:26:17.707-07:00

"Even if you cannot always see that silver lining on your clouds, God can, for He is the very source of the light you seek. He does love you, and He knows your fears. He hears your prayers. He is your Heavenly Father, and surely He matches with His own the tears His children shed....Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-50754737168851711672009-04-18T19:57:00.000-07:002009-04-19T19:29:05.143-07:00

I had an interesting and uplifting day today. We had our stake Relief Society Enrichment and Janice Kapp Perry came as our quest speaker. She is a remarkable woman and SO very talented. I am so grateful for her gifts and talents. None of our children that go through primary will ever be the same since she has written so many of the songs we parents sing to our children as they fall asleep at

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-21533872000054988142009-04-12T19:14:00.003-07:002009-07-26T20:21:36.011-07:00

I have some strong feelings about the same gender marriage issue that seems so prevalent in political arenas lately, particularly in the most recent election. To some it may seem as if the issue has gone by the wayside because it is no longer being covered on mainstream media, DON'T let that fool you! This is a sleeping dragon, that will soon rear its head again, remembering with vivid contempt

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-56301232902693940342009-04-12T19:14:00.001-07:002009-04-13T20:49:18.376-07:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Christ centered Easter holiday, we sure did. I have a deep endless abyss of spiritual thoughts and feelings swimming inside of me right now, only a few of which I can articulate.Jeffrey R. Holland describes the Savior’s solitary journey to overcome sin and death and testifies of the resulting blessings to all mankind... "May we stand by Jesus Christ at all times and

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-63718975840174046022009-04-07T05:13:00.000-07:002009-04-07T06:18:09.161-07:00

On the tails of the last General Conference and one of the MANY things that touched me is the responsibility that each member has to be a missionary. I found these little videos and thought what a great missionary tool they are and would be especially great for a family night to help teach my kids. It is done so very simply. Book Of Mormon Made SIMPLE - Found on Mormons Made SimpleI have more

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-17167637806292283822009-03-19T20:34:00.000-07:002009-03-19T20:40:31.906-07:00

My testimony grew today, unfortunately at the expense of another. I posted this on our family blog as a THANKFUL THURSDAY post but it also seemed fitting to post it here. I read about this family from a friend of mines blog and it has really touched me. It is really just very sad. You can read about Gracie here. Reading this has flooded me with an overwhelming appreciation for what I have and an

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-53416365240517902302009-03-15T08:14:00.000-07:002009-03-15T08:15:11.011-07:00

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-28713641704907158922009-03-10T07:55:00.000-07:002009-03-10T08:00:14.543-07:00

Gordon B. Hinckley the Fifteenth President of the Church said “Sacrifice is the very essence of religion; it is the keystone of happy home life, the basis of true friendship, the foundation of peaceful community living, of sound relations among people and nations. … “Without sacrifice there is no true worship of God. I become increasingly convinced of that every day. ‘The Father gave his Son,

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-7722389003007491402009-03-08T19:44:00.000-07:002009-03-09T07:19:01.698-07:00

"Awaken to His Love" This is a topic that I am fiercely passionate about. It is one of my up most desires for myself and for those around me to rise up, to recognize who they really are, to see themselves as our Heavenly Father sees them and wake up! Wake up!!!! from their slumbering spiritual minds and arise from idleness and do good. The scriptures use these words and I love it! 2 Nep 4:28

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-35639318893034316272009-02-21T18:18:00.000-08:002009-02-21T20:14:30.134-08:00

Our last enrichment was themed "Strive to be Resolute" and with that implication to be resolute there were talks given on goal setting and journaling. I was one of 3 who spoke on journaling. Normally I would not take the opportunity to speak at enrichment but I have such a huge testimony on journaling in all its forms I knew I needed to share what I feel. Below is the sum of what I shared that

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-25354582048030263352009-01-30T07:00:00.000-08:002009-01-30T11:21:44.991-08:00

(I apologize in advance for always being so long winded...)As is the tradition in our home, we pick a family scripture every year that we all memorize and refer to all year long. I print out a pretty little poster quoting the verse and display it in a prominent place where we can all see it, everyday. The scripture we are retiring year is this. "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-7016219945203698862009-01-25T18:28:00.000-08:002009-01-26T08:02:52.286-08:00

I feel like I have a fire raging inside of me. I have a great deal I want to share, despite my burning desire, I literally find it nearly impossible to squeeze the time from my days. Life has been very busy as of late. Partial emotions of remorse are floating through me as I have not testified of the things I have in my heart, not privately or publicly which is unusual. I know these feeling are

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-31747531043545932732008-12-25T21:46:00.000-08:002008-12-25T21:50:42.252-08:00

This post is the THANKFUL Thursday post from our family blog, but since it was really nothing BUT a testimony I thought it was appropriate to post it here as well. I am irrevocably thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ. This is an easy time of year to be thankful for Him and truly I am overwhelmingly thankful all the time for my savior but today, Christmas Day, provides a perfect opportunity to

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-69957261882312744442008-12-15T12:47:00.000-08:002008-12-15T20:27:53.622-08:00

Since I received my new calling I guess you could say I have been baptized by fire, pretty expected right:) Being the 2nd counselor that generally means I am in charge of enrichment which is the case here. Well my enrichment committee leader had a family emergency on Monday morning and called saying that she could not continue planning our big R.S. Christmas Enrichment progressive dinner. As a

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-78315468662956543492008-12-07T19:17:00.000-08:002008-12-15T20:30:29.594-08:00

"I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not blory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy." Alma 29:9Well … today I received a new calling, the 2nd counselor in the Relief Society. Though I am moderately

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-25651957662035775372008-11-29T18:56:00.000-08:002008-12-02T08:40:32.835-08:00

“Both abundance and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend … when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present—love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness]—the wasteland

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-73554784662095576562008-11-19T18:38:00.000-08:002008-11-24T16:42:40.740-08:00

This is a very simple testimony but one that has nagged at me for several weeks. I am frustrated at myself for not writing these feeling down sooner as I feel much of what I was feeling and was prompted to say has left me. A testimony is most powerful when it is BURNING and though I still know that what I say is true, the burning sensation I had when I was initially inspired to write this, has

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-28987398817033000482008-11-04T17:38:00.000-08:002008-11-05T06:17:06.053-08:00

My sister forwarded this message to me sent by one of her friends. This is truly amazing, and it makes me wonder "WHO could deny a prophet?" This talk, "A More Determined Discipleship" was given almost exactly 30 years ago... WOW! After reading this in its entirety, it reaffirms my previous posts/testimony "Make your Voice Heard" where I mostly quoted Joseph F. Smith, he certainly knew what he

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-64067787458118060272008-10-30T08:47:00.000-07:002008-11-19T19:42:18.673-08:00

Ahhh… this week has been crazy. It has been a very hard week to find the time to sit and get these thoughts out. These thoughts began several days ago and have taken a few extra days to digest and produce. On a somewhat side note I wanted to share this quick thought…..Several days ago I was so frustrated that I was getting so many bits of spiritual information and I could not write them down

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-19098875235318006472008-10-19T20:11:00.000-07:002008-10-22T08:11:05.706-07:00

My feelings today are going to be short and sweet.... at least I'll try. I have had moments were I am being flooded with inspired feelings about this topic but have had a challenging few days getting myself to sit down long enough to get it out.I find it so interesting, perhaps just to me... but I often wonder what in the world I will write about each week and just at the moment where I feel

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-70985568259434732342008-10-15T19:12:00.000-07:002008-10-16T08:57:30.953-07:00

This talk I gave on August 24th 2008 in our wards sacrament meeting. Requirements for membership in His Church, the Lord stated, “All those who humble themselves before God … and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, … [these are the ones who] shall be received by baptism into his church”(D&C 20:37) Bishop Richard Edglley of the presiding bishopric said - "Humbly submitting our

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-52411749423027654202008-10-15T12:19:00.000-07:002008-10-15T12:23:44.130-07:00

I am opening this blog up for all eyes to see. I was adding President Monsons quote to my BYT blog and as I read it, I had a strong feeling that it is not necessary for me to keep this private. Testimonies are intended and expected to be shared. So for now, it is open for the world to see and read. The only ones that will actually take the time to read are the ones that really care anyway so

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-7674228488244686172008-10-13T21:12:00.000-07:002008-10-15T12:14:12.886-07:00

This photograph is from a stain glass window in the San Antonio temple. Jeremiah 17:7 -8 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green...Mattehew. 15: 13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-43019908616862021382008-10-09T20:10:00.000-07:002010-05-07T14:22:56.021-07:00

I have had a fire lit under me for a while…. May I vent just a smidgen? I promise there is a testimony here, a big one really. I will preface this by saying that I do not get offended very easily and it takes a lot to do so. There is one thing though that I do take quick offense to and that is kid bashing, motherhood bashing and husband bashing, I hate it, despise it and I resent it. There are

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-7458654426224323962008-10-05T20:04:00.000-07:002008-10-06T09:07:56.938-07:00

I am floating around in a mist of feelings and emotions on the tails of an extraordinary general conference. Having feasted on the word of God I am fulfilled, grateful and energized to be a member of this great gospel. I wish so badly I had the General Conference Ensign to refer to; with so many wonderful messages that struck a cord with me I am anxious to read them again. I could go on and on…

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-84746072415959491132008-09-30T07:26:00.001-07:002008-10-15T12:12:20.081-07:00

I would be the 1st person to point out my many human flaws and imperfections. I would be the 1st to point out with great efficiency my areas of weakness and vulnerabilities. I want to make a public apology to anyone that has perceived me as being proud or self or pretending to be perfect. The truth is, I am a flawed person like everyone else and though I strive everyday to be humble, teachable

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-90858499112041956122008-09-30T07:25:00.007-07:002008-10-15T12:12:02.214-07:00

ORIGINAL POST September 22nd 2008Below is a blog entry I wrote a few weeks ago (originally written 9/3/08) but never posted as it was a thought in motion but since I am behind a bit on my blogging due to so many other activities I thought I would post it anyway. It is not necessarily spiritual in nature although if applied could be very spiritual and is very spiritual to me. What do you think

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-3589280764199310442008-09-30T07:25:00.005-07:002008-10-15T12:11:33.672-07:00

ORIGINAL POST September 14th 2008Today on my way to church as I wiped the sweat off my brow from a typical hectic Sunday morning rush. I thought silently to myself... "oh, I hope have a spiritual experience today at church...". Since I have committed myself to be accountable to my BLOG tradition and my few followers that care to read, I was felling the pressure. Some Sunday mornings it feels

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-2941773801373702242008-09-30T07:25:00.003-07:002008-10-15T12:11:07.831-07:00

ORIGINAL POST September 7th 2008Some Sundays I walk away from church literally overflowing in feelings of the spirit. Today was one of those days. Nothing spectacular just simply and profoundly edified. I end this day satisfied spiritually and feel stronger to take on the woes of the world that are relentlessly calling on my family. Our lesson in Relief Society was on Julie Becks talk, "Mothers

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-57731809952497533832008-09-30T07:25:00.001-07:002008-10-15T12:10:56.912-07:00

ORIGINAL POST September 8th 2008I am beginning a new tradition in my BLOG. Since we have been encouraged by the 1st presidency of our wonderful church to share the gospel using whatever medium possible. I decided to start a new tradition every Sunday to share a small part of my testimony that has grown as result of attending our sabbath services or some other event that has strengthened my

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-36316607095543043092008-09-30T07:24:00.000-07:002009-10-25T07:37:48.685-07:00

 This is one of my favorite books of all time. I just finished it and it has truly inspired me in ways I had never imagined. Every now and then I will read a book that will act like a lens to my life and the world around me... this is one of those books! It RE-confirms everything I know to be true and as a result have been edified by the spirit. There were some chapters that I felt were written

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886684194575622530.post-36628975936348712042008-09-30T06:59:00.001-07:002008-10-15T12:09:03.999-07:00

I am so grateful for this amazing prophet and the influence he has had on so many of our lives. He has been and will always be a source of spiritual strength and direction. I have a wonderful picture of Evan shaking his hand when he was 5, but it was pre-digital era and can't post it. If I can get the photo scanned I will post it later. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hinckleys. He will be

jenjaminnoreply@blogger.com0