The "power of deliverance"

I just read this verse in the first chapter of the Book of Mormon. 

"And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance." 1 Nephi 1:20

In this verse, Lehi and his family have to leave Jerusalem because they are seeking to take his life. I don't know about you, but I have never had anyone seeking to take my life. However, I love that Nephi writes a hopeful message even in this dark and scary time. He promises that if we have faith we will be delivered.

What is it that is keeping you down. What are you struggling with right now? Faith in the Lord will make you "mighty even unto the power of deliverance." You will be delivered from whatever hole you find yourself in. I promise.

The Power of Prayer

In the Museum of Art on BYU campus, there is a painting by Jehudo Epstein called Dying Job.

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In this painting, Job is on the ground in torment and feeling the loss of everything he had including the feeling of divine comfort and support. His friends are around him praying as well; they are exhibiting great faith during adversity so extreme that the only thing they can do is pray. As I sat and looked at this painting, I thought about the times that I have felt like Job--the times when I feel so helpless and hopeless that all I can do is cry to the Lord.

Then I noticed the man in the back. He is praying and looking up to heaven with a longing and pleading expression. I realized that most of the time, I identify with him. I see people around me suffering, and I wish I could take away the pain. It's hard to see those you love and care about deeply go through periods of loneliness, sickness, trial, sadness, doubt, or confusion. In those times all we can do is be like that man, look to God and plead for those we love. When we feel powerless, there is hope; we can pray. God doesn't forget us or those we love.

Own it!

This morning I looked in the mirror and thought "Wow, these bags that I have under my eyes make me look so sad. Without make up, I look like a little girl.... etc." Then, I remembered something that my good friend Allyson taught me: When you have imperfections, own it!

I looked in the mirror again, and instead thought "Wow! Thank goodness I have that face because it is part of who I am, and its kinda cute."


I promise you that if you look in the mirror every day and say good things to yourself instead of bad things, you will see yourself as your Father in Heaven sees you. Then, a light will come into your countenance, and you will be even more beautiful(or handsome) than you already are.

Better than you think

If you are a piano player and you don't play the piano one day, you are still a piano player.

If you are a basketball player, and one day you get busy and don't even touch a basketball that day, you are still a basketball player.

Sometimes we think we have failed at being who we are if we don't  do everything we normally do every day.

I am a friendly person, but some days I don't remember to talk to people and smile at people. Does that mean I am a grouchy and unfriendly person. Nope.

 Think of your best qualities. Remember that they are part of who you are whether you do it all the time or not. Remember that God is working with us. We are always progressing. Don't get discouraged by your imperfections. You are doing better than you think. He will change your heart a little at a time.

The Truth About You

"No matter what circumstances you sisters [and brothers] experience, your influence can be marvelously far-reaching. I believe some of you have a tendency to underestimate your profound capacity for blessing the lives of others. More often than not, it is no on the stage with some public pronouncement but in your example of righteousness and the countless gentle acts of love and kindness done so willingly, so often on a one-to-one basis."      -James E Faust

Have you ever been having a bad day, and one person said something that made you smile, or lifted your spirits? I have on countless occasions. It is amazing how many of those times I forget to let the person know of their influence on me. I have been inspired by complete strangers, who would never know it. I am sure many of you have had similar experiences.

Now think about the fact that you have done that for other people. I agree that we "underestimate [our] profound capacity for blessing the lives of others." I am starting to understand how much power I actually have for good. I know that the Lord has worked through me to touch the lives of others when I didn't even know it, and I know that he has work through you as well. So next time you are tempted to doubt yourself, remember the truth about you. You make a significant contribution to this world. Believe it because our Heavenly Father believes it.

Stone by Stone

Let me tell you why I love this video. Sometimes we all have trees(like the one in this video) that we are trying to grow in our lives. These are things that we are trying to accomplish. They are places that we hope to be someday. Sometimes we are tempted to tell God how to help us get there, but as we lay stone by stone and let him reach us, he will teach us how get there.

 I love the smile on Joseph's face when his tree is grown. It is great in contrast to the pain and sadness you see in the first part.

Even though there are trees that we are working on right now with God's help, lets not overlook the ones that have already grown. What progress have you made in your life? Let's look back and notice how far we have come, and what things we truly have overcome. There are many. I promise you.

From Seed to Flower

Our Father in Heaven is the only true judge of where we are and where we are going. Sometimes, we let other people be the judge. We listen when they tell us that we are too shy, too annoying, too selfish or too dumb. If we spend more time with our Heavenly Father in prayer and studying His words, we will find that he sees our potential.. He is not as concerned with where we are now, but rather, where we are going, and of course he knows how to get there. 

Brad Wilcox once said "We don't get mad at a seed for not being a flower"

So, little seeds, go to the source of water and sunlight, and let Him help you become a flower.