Jesus, My Savior, Jesus, My Friend

Last March I started a new study program. I turned to my journal tonight to remember more of the details.

" 2017March 5

Today is fast Sunday I have been struggling this winter so I've made it a matter of fasting and prayer. I feel like I have received some inspiration on things to do.

Recently President Russell M Nelson gave a devotional and spoke about studying more about the Savior. The first I became aware of it was from social media. He went through the 19 pages of references in the topical guide, referring to Jesus Christ, in 6-weeks. He said he would be using his experience in upcoming conference talks. Bekah (who attended one of these devotionals) told me that he suggested copying the topical guide instead of the constant flipping that I've tried before. So lasterday I scanned those pages, then cropped and edited them, today I printed them and shared the files with Bekah. I'm praying that this will be part of the balm that I so sorely need."

As stated above, President Nelson completed this feat in 6 weeks. I'm not that fast but tonight, 7 months to the day, I finished this challenge.

I'm so grateful for this focused study of the Savior. One of the things that came through loud and clear to me was how much I love the language of the Book of Mormon. Most of the the topics start with Old Testament references and then progress through the New Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price. The doctrine of Christ is taught in such clear terms in the Book of Mormon. I am so grateful for that clarity. I bear testimony that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.

I bear my testimony that Jesus is the Christ. The only begotten Son of our Heavenly Father in the flesh. He came to earth as a humble baby, think of it! He was the creator of the Earth. "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:3) But He came here to be our Savior- to show us the way, to give His life that we too might live with Him again.

Because of Him this life is not the end. We will be with our loved ones again! Such a joyful thought. I am so grateful for this testimony.

October Pondering

The first Sunday in October I introduced my first of many ponderizing scriptures. Even before we learned this new word I've been someone who loves to ponder, and memorize, scriptures. They feed my soul, lift my spirits and strengthen my faith. And in recent years, since I started making graphics, I've created other photo/scripture combos.

So, without further ado, I will share the remainder of this month's images.

This has always been one of my favorite scriptures. I love that Christ is the center of the plan of salvation and the prophets have taught of Him since the beginning.

PHOTO TAKEN IN MALAD CITY, IDAHO 10 OCTOBER 2015

This is a new scripture to me. Sister Ashton shared this hidden gem in our Temple prayer meeting. I immediately saw this photo and scripture coming together just as you see it here. Oh, how I love the word of God!

PHOTO TAKEN IN MY GARDEN 25 AUGUST 2013

THE VINE ENCIRCLED THE FRUIT AS IT GREW!

This is another of my favorite scriptures. I'm so grateful that the Lord's has made my weakness strong in Him: because of my dyslexia I've learned to memorize... usually memorized words and numbers will stay straight. But even more I am so grateful that HIS grace makes the difference. HIS grace lifts and strengthens me even, and maybe most especially, when I am weak HE will lift me in a very real and tangible way.

SUNSET OVER HUNTER'S VALLEY, SPRINGVILLE, UTAH

 21 OCTOBER 2015

** This is the first scripture image I created from June 2010

Ponderize- I love the Lord

I've always been blessed with a believing heart and most of the time obedience is easy for me. I realize the great truth that the Lord will bless me when I obey His commandments.

Today in General Conference Elder Devin Durrant gave us two challenges... tonight I want to talk about the second one (but the first one is excellent advice also).

He introduced his made up word-

(And anyone who knows me knows I love made up words!)

So in that spirit of obedience I accept the challenge! I want my *packets of light* to increase. I want my confidence to wax strong. I want to enjoy the blessings of having a closer relationship with my Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ.

And why have I chosen this scripture over all the thousands there are to choose from? As part of my commitment to increase my spiritual strength I will go back to my paper scriptures instead of my electronic scriptures. So tonight I opened my scriptures at random and found these words- already loved and highlighted from an early time.

Prayer has always been a great comfort to me and I bear testimony that the Lord hears and answers our prayers...

Do we always get what WE WANT? Thank goodness, no. The Lord, in His wisdom, guides us down the path He wants us to tread... carrying us when necessary.

Fret Not Thyself

This is not the first time this image has been featured on my blog, nor the idea of Fret Not Thyself.

My original post was in the weeks before Camille's wedding when I needed to, well, Fret no MYself! I printed several of these images, with the good-parts-version of Psalms 37 (seen in this image) and have them in several rooms of my house. I seem to need that constant reminder to not worry and trust in the Lord.



I also have the text in a note on my old phone and it was one of the first things I transferred to my new iPhone!

I just shared it recently with the sisters that we visit teach. My thoughts came from Elder Richard G Scott's General Conference address about the scriptures.

Some of his words just resonate with my soul:

"Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high."


"They [the scriptures] can become stalwart friends... Learning, pondering, searching, and memorizing scriptures is like filling a filing cabinet with friends, values, and truths that can be called upon anytime, anywhere in the world."


"Scriptures can calm an agitated soul, giving peace, hope, and a restoration of confidence in one’s ability to overcome the challenges of life. They have potent power to heal emotional challenges when there is faith in the Savior. They can accelerate physical healing."

So today when I wanted just that right image to rework for Texture Tuesday I knew this was the one.  I hope that these *packets of light* will lift and heal you as well.
Hugs...



TT- stats
FRAME- Hof3_OrnateFrame3_RF (on a sad note House of 3 is no longer operating. But I did find Rhonna Farrer HERE. I've been a fan of her art for years!)
TEXTURES-
kk_autumnBurst- blending mode- soft light 55%
KK_seriousmagic- used as a vignette (applied a layer mask to select only the outside edge) blending mode- soft light 100%

Remember, Remember...

(MY WHITE *DE-LOR-EE-US* TULIP- SHE GAVE ME THESE BULBS LAST YEAR)

I’ve been waking up early- 7:30 to 8 and appreciate having these hours to think, work and be obedient to the injunction, “Arise early that your mind and body might be invigorated”. I know that when I sleep in I wake up tired, not the least of which is from stupid dreams, and stupid-headed.

Yesterday morning while I was mowing the lawn and was being assailed by negative thoughts. I hate that! Then I recalled to mind one of my favorite scriptures which I have memorized and stored away like nuggets of gold. As the words of Helaman 5:12 passed through my mind I could feel the power of the adversary with “all his hail and mighty winds” being blown away and replaced with sweet peace. I AM built upon the Rock of my Redeemer! Satan will NOT drag me down to that gulf of misery and endless who!

How grateful I am for the scriptures and the sweet peace they bring into my life.

269- More Glorious Light

I am so grateful for glorious light! Not only the kind we can see but that which can be felt as well.

Saturday night was the General Relief Society broadcast.  It is held the last Saturday in September, just before October General Conference each year. It is one of those meetings that I don't want to miss, and I've only missed a couple since their inception. Saturday's broadcast did not disappoint... but I knew it wouldn't. I'm so grateful for the continued light and knowledge we receive from our leaders.



There is usually one or two things that just stick out in my mind as I sit there taking notes. This time is was Sister Sylvia Allred's comments:

She asked, "What helps us stand steadfast and immovable?"  I love the answer... it is so simple-

• Prayer
• Scripture study
• Obedience [!]
• Service

I CAN do that! 

(You know what else I love?  Each of these bullet points was already a tag on my blog!)

169- Psalms 37

This week has been a little on the high-stress side. Last Sunday Sister Bressler spoke on prayer. One of the scriptures she references really resonated with me.

It is from Psalms 37-

Fret not thyself... Trust in the Lord, and do good.
Delight thyself in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself.



I've gone back to that scripture everyday for another healing draught of living water. I've felt it calm my soul and bring peace to my heart. I am so grateful for these beautiful, healing words.