Hope from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Joanne58

Are we born with morals, knowing right from wrong, the desire to show compassion for others, integrity, trustworthiness, honesty in our dealings with each other, the ability and desire to forgive, being humble and teachable? How did you learn to be a good person? Where did these instructions for living a good life come from?

How grateful I am for my faith that has taught me (and many generations) through the scriptures, living prophets and answers and inspiration through personal prayer. Without the timeless influence from the 10 commandments, I believe mankind would struggle far more in their identity, become easily lost and self-centered and virtually unable to truly reach their full potential as children of a loving Heavenly Father who wants them to return home. What point would there be to the human story, family ties, friendships forged if they die with our last breath? I believe there is so much more to our existence and the purpose of each of our lives than this short time on earth. I testify with heart and soul that we were meant to be eternal beings with the possibility of eternal families, forever learning, growing and continuing our lives beyond mortality.

Joanne58

One of my all-time favorite quotes from Elder Holland. I just love this and know it to be true. May it bring you hope for a new beginning.

Joanne58

A great talk was given in church last Sunday about how easy it is for us to serve our friends and those we don't know at all, but what about those in our family? Sometimes they don't recieve the love and attention we so easily give to those outside our family. I'm guilty of this, knowing I need to be more aware of showing my love for my husband. Litlle things I used to do for him strengthened our relationship. I'm trying to include more of these small and simple things, even if it's just a quick kiss on the cheek and a big hug, catching him by surprise (FYI--I knew Steve Owen as the highschool sweetheart and missionary of one of my college buddies from my Israel semester abroad in1978. She loved receiving his wonderful letters while he served his mission They married many years ago and he now serves as the General Young Men's President in the church. Great guy, and I love his quote below

Joanne58

One of my favorite paintings by Arnold Freiberg. I believe President George Washington was a very spiritual man who was foreordained to help establish America. As I grow older, my love and respect for leaders of nations who are righteous and seek to do good, loving God and their fellow men, grows deeper and more meaningful. I thank them, and all who served and currently serve in the armed forces of this country. Bless them, and God bless America!

Joanne58

It took me several years to muster up the courage to FINALLY send a copy of the Book of Mormon to a sweet friend of mine in Georgia. She's been studying the New Testament since she's retired from teaching elementary school and finding it very satisfying and motivating to be more like our Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm so happy for her! Then the constant thought kept coming to me, "She's ready to read what you know to be true, Joanne: The Book of Mormon; Another Testament of Jesus Christ." I was nervous. I was worried I wouldn't know what scriptures to highlight or how to capture her interest and not sound too preachy, etc. I've written my testimony inside several copies of the Book of Mormon and highlighted some of my favorite scriptures without worry and given them to friends and neighbors, but this was different. I felt like this friend needed extra special care and it needed to be timed just right when I sent it. Then it hit me, really hit me. My delay wasn't because of the need to handle this friend any differently than my other friends, it was because the adversary did NOT want me to send the book. Just as I was influenced by the Holy Ghost to send it to her in the first place, the adversary (Satan) was trying to influence me just as much, and was succeeding. Eventually I put the package together for this friend and mailed it off. It contained a copy of the Book of Mormon with my testimony of its truthfulness and my love for our Savior, Jesus Christ, a family picture glued to the inside cover, marked scriptures that are favorites of my family (especially 3 Nephi chapers 11-17 when Christ visits the Americas after his resurrection), See's Scotchmallow candy and 2 jars of homemade pomegranate jelly that she loves. It felt SOOOO good to hand that box to the postal worker and send it on its way!

How grateful I am for the gift of personal revelation that comes from the Holy Ghost. The older I get, the more I rely on its gentle but firm promptings that help me know what to do and say. I want to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord and share what means the most to me. How I love the Lord and his gospel! Blessings to all as you search for truth in righteousness

Joanne58

I thought this lovely floral image was perfect for today--a sunny Sabbath day in most of the US. The spirit of Christ is the source of true light and "sunshine" in our souls, for which I'm very, very grateful

Joanne58

Sharing the concept in a wonderful book/journal with you that helps you see how anything positive, productive, small or large that you do each day puts a drop of "awesome" in your bucket. We tend to be hard on ourselves and see more negative in our behavior, but this book gives you license to see the good that you do each day and can motivate you to do better and better with each little drop. You don't need to buy the book to keep track of your "drops," just use your own journal and see what happens

https://powerofmoms.com/book-summary-drops-awesome/

Joanne58

Joanne58

I just love my memories of sweet and funny Sister Hinckley--dear President Gordon B. Hinckley's wife!

Joanne58

Here is a wonderful video of how I've been taught to understand the miracle of God's grace. I hope you enjoy it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xIqcCwPpzk

Joanne58

Here is a short and sweet video of how I've been taught to understand the miracle of God's grace in our lives--how we use it. I'm a piano teacher so this analogy is especially meaningful Enjoy this bit of enlightenment!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xIqcCwPpzk

Joanne58

Just couldn't resist posting this cute picture! It reminds us to keep going, doing our best as we get through the toughest days

Joanne58

This reminded me that although we may feel like we aren't doing well in our lives, we can still "shine" in our own, unique way, giving light and love to others.

Joanne58

Here is an inspiring post from a facebook page I really like. I LOVE the artist's painting!

Come Follow Me Daily

August 14 at 6:28 AM ·

Why do I do the things I do when I know the things I know?

That question was my hidden burden my whole freshman year of college.

Not doubting God, but doubting myself.

Reading Romans 7 helped me realize I am not alone in that feeling. Paul had a similar frustration,
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"For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
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[...] for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. [...] oh wretched man that I am!

And so, with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin." (Romans 7:14-25).

I get you, Paul, I get you.

It is a horrible feeling to fall short time and time again of the truths you know.

Just like Paul, who CHAPTERS ago said, "where sin abounds, grace abounds much more." (Romans 5:20). And yet, here he is, beating himself up for his sins and shortcomings.

After struggling with this idea for the year, an answer finally came.

I got a phone call from my dad, who didn't know I was struggling, and he gave me this analogy:
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"If you watch your trainer deadlift 500 pounds and she teaches you the exact steps clearly so you perfectly understand each one—do you think you could step up and lift that 500 pound bar? Absolutely not. Even though you KNOW the end goal and you know the steps, it doesn't mean you can reach it immediately. And your trainer is not expecting you to. She just wants you to practice and progress towards that end goal. So you start out lifting just the bar, and get you form down and slowly work your way up in weights. The same is true with living the gospel."
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That analogy still brings me strength.

There is a gap between what we know with our minds and what we are able to do with our flesh. There was for Paul, and there is for me.

Slowly, with the Savior's help, we can align the two—

But today, ⭐️we just need to pick up that bar. ⭐️
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Start somewhere,
Knowing it isn't the end goal, but not letting that discourage us, recognizing our imperfect effort is the only way to progress toward perfection.

And as we "try a little harder to be a little better," Christ will help us close that gap.

For truly, where sin abounds, grace abounds much more.

Art by Jenedy Paige

Joanne58

Joanne58

This "invitation" on a piece of cardstock was given to us in our women's meeting (Relief Society) at church today. Wise advice I will try to follow:

"Look in the mirror each morning and promise yourself to do the very best you can in following Jesus Christ"

The Lord only asks that we do our best, that's all, and he will help us accomplish our goals of doing His will when we ask in faith.

Joanne58

When you have moments of questioning your faith in God, wondering if He cares about you or is listening to your prayers, here's a quote that has helped me regroup and carry on in faith. I always seem to return to what works best, and that is FAITH in the Lord, Jesus Christ. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, one of the current 12 apostles, counseled us with this:

"Hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes. In this Church, what we know will always trump what we don't know."

The quote in the image below is also from a current apostle of the Lord, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Oh, how

I love and need the inspired counsel from a living prophet, his counselors and the 12 apostles!

Joanne58

I know my grandmothers are angels who have helped me in my darkest hour. I've felt their presence and know they love and care about my famiy and me. What a comfort this is and a tremendous blessing!