Scripture of the Day: D&C 58:42-43, 60

"42 Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.
 43 By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins--behold, he will confess them and forsake them."

"60 Let that which has been bestowed up [Ziba Peterson--insert your name--] be taken from him;......until he is sufficiently chastened for all his sins; for he confesseth them not, and he thinketh to hide them."

Bryan Krawczyk

My friend Bryan has been in Colorado for the past two years serving his mission for the church. He wrote a little tid bit that I would like to share with all of you.

""Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen which are true." and "......even if ye can no more than desire to belive, let this desire work in you, even until ye belive in a manner that ye can give a place for a portion of my words."-Alma the Younger    This is why Im on my mission!!"

D&C 58:21, 26-33

"21 Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land.

26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things, for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.
27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
28For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.
29 But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned.
30 Who am I that made man, saith the Lord, that will hold him guiltless that obeys not my commandments?
31 Who am I, saith the Lord, that have promised and have not fulfilled?
32 I command and men obey not; I revoke and they receive not the blessing.
33 Then they say in their hearts; This is not the work of the Lord, for his promises are not fulfilled. But wo unto such, for their reward lurketh beneath, and not from above."

D&C 58: 2-4, 5-6, 16

As I read section 58 of the doctrine and covenants today, I was blown away by how many versus stood out to me. There is a lot of information to soak in just in the first 45 versus! There are a lot of scriptures in this section I want to share, so for today, tomorrow, and maybe even the next day, I will be putting scriptures up here from section 58. It will give me a chance to study the section more fully, and maybe I will find even more things I can learn from this chapter.

D&C 58: 2-4, 5-6, 16

"2 For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.
3 Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation.
4 For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand."

"5 Remember this, which I tell you before, that you may lay it to heart, and receive that which is to follow.
 6 Behold, verily I say unto you, for this cause have I sent you--that you might be obedient, and that your hearts might be prepared to bear testimony of the things which are to come.
16 Behold his mission is given unto him, and it shall not be given again."

Scripture of the Day: D&C 56:18-20

D&C 56:18-20

"18 But blessed are the poor who are pure in heart, whose hearts are broken, and whose spirits are contrite, for they shall see the kingdom of God coming in power and great glory unto deliverance; for the fatness of the earth shall be theirs.
19 For behold, the Lord shall come, and his recompense shall be with him, and he shall reward every man, and the poor shall rejoice;
20 And their generations shall inherit the earth from generation to generation, forever and ever..."

Nikki's Pick: D&C 123:17

"Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."

Scripture of the Day: D&C 54:10, 56:1

D&C 54:10

"And again, be patient in tribulation until I come; and, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who sought me early shall find rest to their souls. Even so. Amen."

D&C 56:1

"Hearken, O ye people who profess my name, saith the Lord your God; for behold, mine anger is kindled against the rebellious, and they shall know mine arm and mine indignation, in the day of visitation and of wrath upon the nations."

Scripture of the Day: D&C 53:1

D&C 53:1

"Behold, I say unto you, my servant *Sidney Gilbert,* that I have heard your prayers; and you have called upon me that it should be made known unto you, of the Lord your God, concerning your calling and election in the church, which I, the Lord, have raised up in these last days."

*Replace with your own name*
Pretty cool, eh?

Scripture of the Day: D&C 52:40

D&C 52:40

"And remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple."

Pajama Dance Party

I had a party last night at my moms, and a bunch of mine and my sister ashlie's friends were there. It was a pajama theme, so everyone showed up in their pajamas. It was a blast! We played games, made and frosted cookies, danced all night, and even played a little bit of halo. It was an awesome night. I look forward to throwing another party. It makes me happy that people say my parties are the best ones, and there's never any alcohol or drugs there ever. It just goes to show that the best parties, are the ones when people can just be themselves. :]

Scripture of the day: D&C 51: 20

 D&C 51:20

"Verily, I say unto you, I am Jesus Christ, who cometh quickly, in an hour you think not. Even so. Amen."

[This to me is a scripture that says a lot in a very few words. It doesn't seem like much, but when I sat there and thought about it for a moment, it kinda hit me how huge of a statement this was. In D&C. the sections often talk about how Christ will come quickly, that we know not when that will be. But in this one it brings up a very great, and for me, nerve-racking point: He could show up at any time. As in, 5 minutes from now or 500 years! Everyone always hears Second Coming and thinks years into the future, but for all we know, it could be just hours away from happening. I mean, look at what's been going on in the world lately. Since July, we have had a great amount of natural disasters occur overseas. And how often they happen is increasing each week! It's amazing to me how soon He really is coming. And how unprepared we are. Just thought I'd share that with all of you, and to remind you all that we must be ready. We have no idea who soon He'll really be here.]

Nikki's Pick:

Ether 12:4

"Wherefore, whose believeth in God might with a surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh and anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."

Scripture of the Day D&C 50:9,17-21, 31-35

Let me just say how much I love section 50. There's so much clarification given in the versus in this section when it comes to knowing the truth of things, and how to know if someone[or something] is trying to deceive you. Some of the instructions are pretty specific. I love that. I feel like when I'm reading this section that these passages are out of a how-to book. Like a: "how to survive the zombie apocalypse" kind of thing. 

"9 Wherefore, let every man beware lest he do that which is not in truth and righteousness before me.

17 Verily I say unto you, he that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the Sprit of truth, doth he preacheth it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?

18 And if it be by some other way it is not of God.

19 And again, he that receiveth the word  of truth, doth he receive it by the Spirit of truth or by some other way?

20 If it be some other way it is not of God.

21 Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth?

31 Wherefore, it shall come to pass, that if you behold a spirit manifested that you cannot understand, and you receive not the spirit, ye shall ask the Father in the name of Jesus; and if he give not unto you that spirit, then you may know that it is not of God.

32 And it shall be given unto you, power over that spirit; and you shall proclaim against that spirit with a loud voice that it is not of God--

33 Not with railing accusation, that ye be not overcome, neither with boasting nor rejoicing, lest you be seized therewith.

34  He that receiveth of God, let him account it of God; and let him rejoice that he is accounted of God worthy to receive.

35 And by giving heed and doing these things which ye have received, and which ye shall hereafter receive--and the kingdom is given you of the Father, and power to overcome all things which are not ordained of him--"

Scripture of the Day- D&C 49:15-16

D&C 49:15-16

"And again, verily I say unto you, that whose forbiddeth to marry is not ordained of God, for marriage is ordained of God unto man.

Wherefore, it is lawful that he should have one wife, and they twain shall be one flesh*, and all this that the earth might answer the end of creation;"

*one flesh meaning family, or love within. [cute right?!]

Jeffrey R. Holland = greatness!

Nikki told me to check out a talk that Jeffrey R. Holland gave back in 1999 at a BYU devotional. I tried to pick just one thought that he shared as my favorite, and ended up picking like half of his talk. Below are the parts that were most important to me. Thanks again Nikki, for once again, picking something fantastic. Love you! :]

"This opposition turns up almost anyplace something good has happened... It certainly happens in matters of love and marriage. I would like to have a dollar for every person in a courtship who knew he or she had felt the guidance of the Lord in that relationship, had prayed about the experience enough to know it was the will of the Lord, knew they loved each other and enjoyed each others company, and saw a lifetime of wonderful compatibility ahead--only to panic, to get a brain cramp, to have total catatonic fear sweep over them. They "draw back," as Paul said, if not into perdition at least into marital paralysis.

I am not saying you shouldn't be very careful about something as significant and serious as marriage. And I certainly am not saying that a young man can get a revelation that he is to marry a certain person without that young woman getting the same confirmation. I have seen a lot of those one-way revelations in young people's lives. Yes, there are cautions and considerations to make, but once there has been genuine illumination, beware the temptation to retreat from a good thing. If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted it and lived for it, it is right now. Don't give up when the pressure mounts. You can find an apartment. You can win over your mother-in-law. You can sell your harmonica and therein fund one more meal. It's been done before. Don't give in. Certainly don't give in to that being who is bent on the destruction of your happiness. He wants everyone to be miserable like unto himself. Face your doubts. Master your fears. "Cast not away therefore your confidence." Stay the course and see the beauty of life unfold for you."

"That is the second lesson of the spirit of revelation. After you have gotten the message, after you have paid the price to feel his love and hear the word of the Lord, "go forward." Don't fear, don't vacillate, don't quibble, don't whine."

"...along with the illuminating revelation that points us toward a righteous purpose or duty, God will also provide the means and power to achieve that purpose. Trust in that eternal truth. If God has told you something is right, if something is indeed true for you, he will provide the way for you to accomplish it. That is true of joining the Church. It is true of getting an education, of going on a mission or of getting married or of any of a hundred worthy tasks in your young lives."

"I acknowledge the reality of opposition and adversity, but I bear witness of the God of Glory, of the redeeming Son of God, of light and hope and a bright future. I promise you that God lives and loves you, each one of you, and that he has set bounds and limits to the opposing powers of darkness. I testify that Jesus is the Christ, the victor over death and hell and the fallen one who schemes there. The gospel of Jesus Christ is true, and it has been restored, just as we have sung and testified this morning.

"Fear ye not." And when the second and the third and the fourth blows come, "fear ye not. . . . The Lord shall fight for you." "Cast not away therefore your confidence.""

Scripture of the Day: D&C 46:28-33

D&C 46:28-33

"And it shall come to pass that he that asketh in Spirit shall receive in Spirit;

That unto some it may be given to have all those gifts, that there may be a head, in order that every member may be profited thereby.

He that asketh in the Spirit asketh according to the will of God; wherefore it is done even as he asketh.

And again, I say unto you, all things must be done in the name of Christ, whatsoever you do in the Spirit;

And ye must give thanks unto God in the Spirit for whatsoever blessing ye are blessed with.

And ye must practice virtue and holiness before me continually. Even so. Amen."

Nikki's Pick

Nikki will be joining me in my scripture of the day on this blog. She is actually what inspired me to start this blog in the first place. She sends me scriptures through text all the time, and they are always EXACTLY what I needed to hear. She is so in tune with the spirit! Even from 2,000 miles away while I'm gone in New York, she knows just what I need. I love this girl. She's so great. Pay special attention to the scriptures she picks. They are always perfect. Love you! :]

Sunday afternoons

This last sunday afternoon it was really nice out. Around 50 degrees, and the trees are full of color! Perfect opportunity to take pictures of the family. We spent probably a good hour and a half or so playing at the park just down the street from my mom's house, me taking pictures all the while. We had a great time. It was really nice to get to do that. It's been a long time since we've all been together like that. Since before I moved to Utah almost 2 years ago. [Wow, I left awhile ago. How time flies!] Attached are just a few of the photos that I took/were taken [Phil Cavuoto took some so I could be in a couple pictures.] that afternoon. To see all the photos go to my facebook or to my photography blog. What a lovely sunday afternoon that was. :)

 

Scripture of the Day D&C 45: 57-59, 62

D&C 45: 57-59, 62


"For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived--verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.


And the earth shall be given unto them for an inheritance; and they shall multiply and wax strong, and their children shall grow up without sin unto salvation.


For the Lord shall be in their midst, and his glory shall be upon them, and he will be their king and their lawgiver...


For verily I say unto you, that great things await you;"


Nikki's Pick:


Hebrews 10:35-36

"Cast not away therefore your confidence , which hath great recompense of reward.


For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."

Super Fun Weekend

So this weekend I:

-was the DJ for a dance for kids 14-18 through my church.

-was dubbed the "best dj ever!!!"

-ran around in my footie pajamas wearing a super man cape, batman hat, and big nerd glasses.

-saw Where The Wild Things Are[amazing movie]

-played mario kart on the wii with my dad, and totally kicked his butt!

-started making my halloween costume with my grandma.

-gave a talk in church and totally rocked it!

-almost hit a deer.

-spent a lot of time with my sister ashlie.

-dinner with the grandparents.

-played halo 3 with my friends.

-played my clarinet for the first time in months.

-sang with my sisters while my mom played the piano, just like we did as kids.

-did a photo shoot of my family for my mom.

pretty accomplished weekend eh?

Scripture of the Day: D&C 45:8, 35

D&C 45:8, 35



"...but unto as many as received me gave I power to do many miracles, and to become the sons of God; and even unto them that believed on my name gave I power to obtain eternal life."


"And I said unto them: Be not troubled for, when all these things shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled."


Nikki's pick:
2 Nephi 31:20 and 32:3


"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.


Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do."

Scripture of the Day: D&C 50: 23-25

D&C 50: 23-25


"And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.


That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.


And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you;"

Scripture of the Day: D&C 44:2,5

D&C 44:2,5


"And it shall come to pass, that inasmuch as they are faithful, and exercise faith in me, I will pour out my Spirit upon them in the day that they assemble themselves together.


That your enemies may not have power over you; that you may be preserved in all things; that you may be enabled to keep my laws; that every bond may be broken wherewith the enemy seeketh to destroy my people."

Scripture of the Day: D&C 50: 40-42

D&C 50: 40-42


"Behold, ye are little children and cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and the knowledge of the truth.


Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me;


And none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost."

Scripture of the Day: D&C 42: 62,65

D&C 42: 62,65


"Thou shalt ask, and it shall be revealed unto you in mine own due time...
                ...unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom, but unto the world it is not given to know them."

Scripture of the Day: 3 Nephi 13: 32-33

3 Nephi 13: 32-33


"For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.


But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."

Scripture of the Day: Alma 7:23-25

Alma 7:23-25


"And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long suffering; being temperate in all things; being dilligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.


And see that ye have faith, hope, charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.


And may the Lord bless you, and keep your garments spotless, that ye may at last be brought to sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the holy prophets who have been ever since the world began, having your garments spotless even as their garments are spotless, in the kingdom of heave to go no more out."


notes I'd written:
-Qualities of my future husband.
-Blessings we receive when we have those qualities.

Scripture of the Day: Alma 58: 10-11, 40

Alma 58: 10-11, 40


"Therefore we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would strengthen us and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, yea, and also give us strength that we might retain our cities, and our lands, and our possessions, for the support of our people.


Yea and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him.


But behold, they have received many wounds; nevertheless they stand fast in that liberty wherewith God has made them free; and they are strict to remember the Lord their God from day to day; yea, they do observe to keep his statues, and his judgements, and his commandments continually;and their faith is strong in the prophecies concering that which is to come."

Scripture of the Day: D&C 101:16

D&C 101:16


"Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God."

Scripture of the Day: John 16:33

John 16: 33


"These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."