Where The Spirit of the Lord is, There is Liberty!

With our celebration of the Independence Day on Monday I was especially receptive to reading a talk by Elder Robert D. Hales titled "Preserving Agency, Protecting Religious Freedom". For me it was a great reminder of the importance of religious freedom and a perfect close to my 4th of July celebration this year.

I've chosen to share the four cornerstones of religious freedom that we as Latter-day Saints choose to rely upon and protect.

The first is freedom to believe.
No one should be criticized, persecuted, or attacked by individuals, or governments either, for what he or she believes about God. It is very personal and very important. An early declaration of our beliefs regarding religious liberty states:  “No government can exist in peace, except such laws are
framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience. …"

 The second cornerstone of religious liberty is the freedom to share our faith and our beliefs with others. The Lord commands us, “Ye shall teach [the gospel to] your children … when thou sittest in thine house.”11 He also said to His disciples, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”12 As parents, fulltime missionaries, and member missionaries, we rely on religious freedom in order to teach the Lord’s doctrine in our families and throughout the world.

 The third cornerstone of religious liberty is the freedom to form a religious organization, a church, to worship peacefully with others. 
 The eleventh article of faith declares, “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”

The fourth cornerstone of religious liberty is the freedom to live our faith.
Free exercise of faith not just in the home and chapel but also in public places. The Lord commands us not only to pray privately13 but also to go forth and “let [our] light so shine before men, that they may see [our] good works, and glorify [our] Father which is in heaven.”

"Some are offended when we bring our religion into the public square, yet the same people who insist that their viewpoints and actions be tolerated in society are often very slow to give that same tolerance to religious believers who also wish their viewpoints and actions to be tolerated. The general lack of respect for religious viewpoints is quickly devolving into social and political intolerance for religious people and institutions."


Elder Hales goes on to give us three things we can do as individuals to safeguard these sacred freedoms and rights for ourselves and our posterity.

1. Become informed. Be aware of issues in your community that could have an impact on religious liberty.

2. In your individual capacity, join with others who share our commitment to religious freedom. Work side by side to protect religious freedom.

3. Live your life to be a good example of what you believe—in word and deed. How we live our religion is far more important than what we may say about our religion.

Brothers and Sisters, I'm thankful for this guideline given to us by Elder Hales. Nothing is more important than freedom of religion in this country. Regardless of the religion, this land was established so that all of God's children have the agency to choose. Be aware of what's going on around you and gain strength by seeking out others who are willing to be heard as well.  Always speak with meekness and with God's light.

Remember....

Coequals

So many assume that by taking on the role of a mother and wife, we as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are living a subservient life. Nothing can be further from the truth. As members of the LDS church we are choosing to take on the role of husband and wife and mother and father as Coequals.

Gordon B. Hinkley says:  "The wife you choose will be your equal. Paul declared, "Neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 11:11).
In the marriage companionship there is neither inferiority nor superiority. The woman does not walk ahead of the man, neither does the man walk ahead of the woman. They walk side by side as a son and daughter of God on an eternal journey. She is not your servant, your chattel, nor anything of the kind."

Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles eloquently said: “There is not a president or a vice president in a family. The couple works together eternally for the good of the family. … They are on equal footing. They plan and organize the affairs of the family jointly and unanimously as they move forward.” Both husband and wife have a sacred obligation to refrain from thoughts and actions that might undermine that equal partnership. 

Although the term "equal" is used, it we believe it does not mean the "sameness".  Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has taught: “Men and women, though spiritually equal, are entrusted with different but equally significant roles. … Men are given stewardship over the sacred ordinances of the priesthood. To women, God gives stewardship over bestowing and nurturing mortal life, including providing physical bodies for God’s spirit children and guiding those children toward a knowledge of gospel truths. These stewardships, equally sacred and important, do not involve any false ideas about domination or subordination.”

There is research that supports the idea that equal partnerships in marriage have happier relationships and are "more satisfied with the quality of the physical intimacy in their relationship." 

 ^{The Family: A Proclamation}  

 The family proclamation explains the relationship between husband and a wife perfectly: While they have separate responsibilities, “in these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners".

As a wife and mother I feel blessed to have an understanding of the roles both men and women have on earth.  I have a testimony of the divine importance of marriage and it's role in God's eternal plan of happiness. It's not always easy and most families aren't perfect, but having a better understanding of these principles will definitely benefit and bless your family in so many ways. 

Exaltation Is a Family Matter

After being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for 20+ years, the long term impact and reality of my family not being sealed really struck me hard after reading this quote.

My husband and I have been married for 11 years, completed temple prep classes twice, and held various callings in church, yet we still hadn't been endowed or sealed as a family in the temple. My teenage daughter would remind me weekly that "her spiritual happiness" was in my hands, but even that would not give me the push I needed to take the final steps in preparation.

For 10 years I had thought of going to the temple as a "WE" commitment, and not as a case of individual salvation. This past December I had a prompting to focus on myself and my own individual journey to the temple. I knew my husband would go if I asked, but I didn't want to push him into anything he wasn't spiritually ready for. Without consulting my husband of my intentions, I scheduled a meeting with my bishop and 2 weeks later, I had a temple recommend. My husband was shocked! 2 weeks later, he had his temple recommend and 4 weeks later, we were entering the temple and being endowed.

So far the story sounds like it has a happy ending, but 4 months later, we're still not sealed and that possibility seems to be moving further away with each passing day. Immediately after going to the temple, Satan through us some big curve balls. My daughter faced her own trial, that would keep her from being immediately sealed to us and my husbands faith seemed to be shaken a bit after our visit to the temple. Things seemed to be falling apart, but I immediately recognized it as Satan's work. I'm sharing my story because I want to stand witness of how much Satan wants to tear apart families and the sanctity of marriage. He was quietly watching my family take the necessary steps to reach exaltation and he felt compelled to step in.

I'm not sure how this story will end, but it makes me question my motive for going to the temple. Was I wrong in saying "I'm only responsible for my own salvation and my husband can make that choice himself?". I really thought I was doing the right thing at the time, but maybe that selfishness is what opened the front door to Satan and welcome him in.

My daughter and I are now having lengthy conversations about the "What Ifs" in life. "What if" he doesn't change his mind about going back to the temple?  "What if" we aren't sealed?  I told her the only thing she can do as his daughter is pray for a softened heart and continue to lead by example. As his wife, I will seek counsel. I will read, offer advice and hope is questions can be answered. I will thank heavenly father for the family we have now and I will seek strength to continue loving my husband. Lastly, I will submit to the understanding that "Exaltation Is a Family Matter". 

A Woman's Role is a Choice

If you aren't a "feminist" in today's world, you are looked down upon. To say "I want to be married before I'm 25, I want to have lots of children, and I want to be a stay at home mom" can lead to an immediate attack by others with less traditional values.  In a time where freedom of choice and acceptance is considered to be a priority, I find it contradictory for a woman not to be able to make this choice without backlash. 

 
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I find comfort in knowing that I was put on this earth to be a women, to enter into an eternal marriage, to have children, and to raise those children with the understanding that they too are a child of God. This may not be the path that others choose, but it's the guiding principle I've raised my child to believe. Why is the life of a "successful" career women considered more significant then a stay at home mom? 

I was raised by a single, working mother. I raised my daughter as a single, working mother for years.  Although both of us were very independent, strong women; I never question the influence a man could of made in our homes. Life was good for my daughter and I, but having a priesthood holder in our home would of made it complete. "The nature of male and female spirits complete and perfect each other, and therefore men and women are intended to progress together toward exaltation." (Elder David A. Bednar)

I've had a thousand thoughts cross my mind for this post, sharing all of them would take me days, so I'm going to keep it short. As a women I respect your choices. I respect your desire to join the military, be an auto mechanic, be a CEO of a major corporation, be an attorney, or be a doctor. In fact, I admire your drive and your vision.  I just ask that you have the same respect my daughter when she proclaims she wants to be a "stay at home mom".  Her desire and her drive is the same, she's just channeled it towards a different end goal. 

This article sums it up... Let's End the Mommy Wars

Earth..Our Dwelling Place

Of all the articles I've read recently in school, I'd have to say that Why Marriage, Why Families, has had the biggest impact on my understanding of "the plan of salvation," the great plan of happiness,", and "the plan of redemption."

I knew earth was important in Heavenly Father's plan, but I had never thought that earth was created entirely to fulfill this divine plan successfully. In Why Marriage, Why Families, Elder D. Todd Christofferson shares four of the things necessary to make the plan successful and number one is the Creation of earth.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson says, "First was the Creation of the earth as our dwelling place. Whatever the details of the creation process, we know that it was not accidental but that it was directed by God the Father and implemented by Jesus Christ—“all things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.^"


"Second is the condition of mortality. Adam and Eve acted for all who had chosen to participate in the Father’s great plan of happiness. Their Fall created the conditions needed for our physical birth and for mortal experience and learning outside the presence of God. With the Fall came an awareness of good and evil and the God-given power to choose. Finally, the Fall brought about physical death needed to make our time in mortality temporary so that we would not live forever in our sins.<sup>"

 "</sup>Third is redemption from the Fall. We see the role of death in our Heavenly Father’s plan, but that plan would become void without some way to overcome death in the end, both physical and spiritual. Thus, a Redeemer, the Only Begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ, suffered and died to atone for Adam and Eve’s transgression, thereby providing resurrection and immortality for all. And since none of us will have been perfectly and consistently obedient to the gospel law, His Atonement also redeems us from our own sins on condition of repentance. With the Savior’s atoning grace providing forgiveness of sins and sanctification of the soul, we can spiritually be born again and reconciled to God. Our spiritual death—our separation from God—will end."

 ^"Fourth, and finally, is the setting for our physical birth and subsequent spiritual rebirth into the kingdom of God. For His work to succeed to “[exalt us] with himself,” God ordained that men and women should marry and give birth to children, thereby creating, in partnership with God, the physical bodies that are key to the test of mortality and essential to eternal glory with Him. He also ordained that parents should establish families and rear their children in light and truth, leading them to a hope in Christ."

Without step one, the creation of the earth, steps two, three, and four would not be possible. As a youth, I constantly struggled to answer the question "how was this earth created?" Was it by God or was it scientifically explained by the Big Bang Theory? As I searched for answers, I came to believe that God created this earth. He created earth particle by particle, so why couldn't science be part of his plan. Why couldn't the Big Bang Theory and God exist at the same time?   After years of struggling to answer this question, I found comfort in knowing that the LDS church says "Yes" they can.

Although the thing that struck me most in this talk had to do with the creation of earth, there is significantly more information on the importance of marriage between a man and woman and the necessity of marriage in establishing families. I invite you all to watch or read this talk in it's entirety.

Ether 12: Faith, Hope, and Charity

The piece above is one of my favorite pieces of art. To me it represents our founding fathers being guided by our creator, to build a nation greater than all others on this promised land. For several years now, I've tried to use these three principles as my guiding compass.

As I continued to read the Ether chapters in the Book of Mormon today, I was comforted by the guidance given in Ether 12. It is made clear by Moroni that Faith, Hope and Charity are essential to our salvation. v28 Behold, I will show unto the Gentiles their weakness, and I will show unto them that faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me—the fountain of all righteousness. 

Let me share some scriptures that touch on these attributes specifically.

Faith: 
v3  saying unto them that by faith all things are fulfilled
v12 For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracles among them
v29 O Lord, thy righteous will be done, for I know that thou workest unto the children of men according to their faith
v31 for after they had faith, and did speak in thy name, thou didst show thyself unto them in great power.

Hope: 
v4 Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.
v32  wherefore man must hope, or he cannot receive an inheritance in the place which thou hast prepared.


Charity:
v34 And now I know that this love which thou hast had for the children of men is charity; wherefore, except men shall have charity they cannot inherit that place which thou hast prepared in the mansions of thy Father.
v35  if the Gentiles have not charity, because of our weakness, that thou wilt prove them, and take away their talent, yea, even that which they have received, and give unto them who shall have more abundantly.
 v36 If they have not charity it mattereth not unto thee, thou hast been faithful

 These scriptures tell me that in order to receive all the blessings the Lord has promised us, we must have faith that his promises are possible.  It reminds me of a book I read years ago, that said that believing in Christ, is different then believing in the powers of Christ. We must also remain hopeful and positive in life. That need for hope reminds me to Love other regardless of their downfalls and to have hope in humanity, even when the world is looking grim. Having no hope in your heart can harden it and give Satan a way in. Last, but not least is Charity. There is no action greater on this earth, then giving of yourself mentally, physically and spiritually. If we are struggling and can still give charity in any of these 3 ways, we will always have an anchor to the gospel and to Christ. When we loose hold of that anchor, we can become lost. Giving ourselves to others, gives us a purpose. It reminds us that all men and woman on earth are children of our Heavenly Father and deserve his love, regardless of where they come from, their circumstances or their sins. 

While I sat here and compiled this post, I've thought more about the actual picture above. It was made years ago for the Glenn Beck TV show on Fox. I wasn't a viewer at the time, so I don't have first hand knowledge of his thoughts and purpose behind the piece. I do know however, he is LDS and I can't help but wonder if he used this chapter as one of his inspirations.

Doing the Right Thing for the Wrong Reason

3Nephi 13 is so full of teaching and examples given by Jesus Christ. What caught my attention was the 4 examples given on doing the right thing for the wrong reason.  I'll share parts of the scriptures  pointing to these examples and then share how these have touched my personal thought and how I've applied the principle to today's world.

Charity: 

1 that ye should do alms unto the poor; but take heed that ye do not your alms before men to be seen of them; otherwise ye have no reward of your Father who is in heaven.

2 Therefore, when ye shall do your alms do not sound a trumpet before you

  

4 That thine alms may be in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret, himself shall reward thee openly.

In today's world to many people are focused on "what can someone do for me" and "what do I get out of it" if they are asked to do something for someone else.  To many people appear to "do good", not because their heart tells them to, but because they want the recognition that comes with it. If more people were go go out of there way for others, however small or big the deed is, they would realize that providing service for others is often healing to those performing the service. It may appear that the person being served is the benefactor, but spiritually the people serving are usually rewarded equally if their heart is in the right place. 

Prayer:

5 And when thou ^aprayest thou shalt not do as the ^bhypocrites, for they love to pray, standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast ^ashut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret; and thy Father, who ^bseeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

When I think of this counsel I think of two things. First I think of the many public evangelical leaders who preach publicly and speak up about the sins of others, yet what they do behind closed doors is an entirely different thing.  In my childhood years, every few years we wold hear about another scandal with a preacher or pastor involved. For many, they felt the hypocrisy displayed in these very public cases was a solid reason for not participating in any organized church. On a personal level this counsel reminds me that yes, we may participate in public prayer, we may pray on the behalf of others, but ultimately we must focus on our personal communication with the lord. We must go to him in solitude and we must be humble. We must have faith that in those moments of prayer and we will receive the rewards as Heavenly Father sees fit.

Fasting: 

 

16 Moreover, when ye ^afast be not as the ^bhypocrites, of a sad countenance, for they disfigure their faces that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.

17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and ^awash thy face;

18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father, who is in ^asecret; and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Personally, fasting has been a struggle for me.  By reading these scriptures I know that my intent and my thoughts aren't always where they should be. By focusing on the negatives of fasting and the personal discomfort it causes me, I'm taking away an opportunity that will not only reward someone in the ward temporally, but also reward me spiritually. I think it also comes down to obedience. For years, fasting is one form of counsel that I've rationalized not participating in. Like so many things in life, I need to stop making excuses and JUST DO IT for the right reasons.

Treasures of Heaven: 

 

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where ^amoth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal;

20 But lay up for yourselves ^atreasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.

21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

It's so easy in this day and age, to want, want and want more. Sometimes we might think of this desire for earthy treasures, only happening on a grand scale.  We might picture those who perform secret acts of corruption, that end up effecting large groups of people. We might picture ruthless criminals partaking in illegal acts to gain money and power.  If we're honest with ourselves, it can happen on a much smaller scale, yet be just as spiritually destructive. Purchasing a house or car you can't afford, running up credit cards to give a perception of a life you can't afford,  finding yourself constantly competing with others to "one up them". It doesn't even have to be money related. You can fall into the same trap by turning down callings because other worldly task are more important, not making scripture study and prayer a priority because "you don't have time",  and putting off temple work when you have a temple just around the corner. These examples are just a few of the traps we can fall into when focusing on our earthy treasures. I have no doubt, if you were to follow the simple counsel just shared on Charity, Prayer and Fasting, your heart can't help but be softened so the focus on heavenly treasures becomes more apparent and desirable.

Fighting for Liberty and Freedom.

When I found out that Alma 43-63 was called the "War Chapters", I didn't know what to think. War stories aren't exactly something that excite me, but I started my required reading with an open mind.

My reading this week did not go in order. I was prompted, on several occasions, to jump ahead and then back up. After my third chapter choice, I found myself excited about what I was reading. My understanding of who Moroni and Helaman were, grew stupendously.  As with many things in the Book of Mormon, I had heard the stories, but not read them myself. Having that confirmation from the Holy Ghost, brought me a whole new understanding of their message and example needed, in today's world.


I learned that they fought for freedom and liberty. The men and boys, who fought with Moroni and Helaman, were fighting because they believed in defending their family, their religion and their land.  They would not raise their swords on the offensive, but would defend themselves against the enemy and preserve their lives.

Alma 46:
11 And now it came to pass that when Moroni, who was the chief commander of the armies of the Nephites, had heard of these dissensions, he was angry with Amalickiah.

 12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.

 13 And he fastened on his head-plate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land—

Alma 48

10 And thus he was preparing to support their liberty, their lands, their wives, and their children, and their peace, and that they might live unto the Lord their God, and that they might maintain that which was called by their enemies the cause of Christians.

13 Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood.

14 Now the Nephites were taught to defend themselves against their enemies, even to the shedding of blood if it were necessary; yea, and they were also taught never to give an offense, yea, and never to raise the sword except it were against an enemy, except it were to preserve their lives.

After fighting for that freedom, Moroni chose to have a physical sign of "Liberty" raised on all the towers of the land. This immediately reminded me of photo, after 9/11, of the firefighters lifting the American flag.

Alma 46

36 And it came to pass also, that he caused the title of liberty to be hoisted upon every tower which was in all the land, which was possessed by the Nephites; and thus Moroni planted the standard of liberty among the Nephites.

I know some people around me wonder why I defend the constitution and religious freedom so strongly. I do so, because I have a testimony that the founding of this country was inspired and directed by God. The United States was chosen to be the promised land and was all part of the plan, that allowed the complete restoration of the gospel. On occasion, I find myself questioning how far I would go to defend that freedom. Looking forward, if I find myself asking that question, I will reference back to Moroni and Helaman, and remind myself of those characteristics needed to fight in such a war.

When I see Moroni at the top of each temple, I will no longer think of him solely as a messenger angel, but as a warrior and protector. 

I'd like to close, by sharing this video "War and Peace", by Gordon B. Hinkley. He shared this message during the the 2003 April General Conference; just days after the United States lead it's first offensive attack in the Iraq War. 

"It is clear from these and other writings that there are times and circumstances when nations are justified, in fact have an obligation, to fight for family, for liberty, and against tyranny, threat, and oppression." Gordon B. Hinkley 

Modern Lessons in Alma 35

Of all the Alma chapters I read this week, chapter 35 was most significant. It's a small chapter, but it's full of lessons that are still applicable today.

Alma 35:6

And it came to pass that after they had found out the minds of all the people, those who were in favor of the words which had been spoken by Alma and his brethren were cast out of the land; and they were many; and they came over also into the land of Jershon.

The minority that demonstrated faith, chose to repent and then live righteously were persecuted by the majority who did not. Like the early church members and pioneers, they were driven out of their homes, away from their family and lost the majority of their processions and land. Through all that persecution and adversity, they would hold on to the word of God as their firm foundation.

Alma 35:9

And he breathed out many threatening against them. And now the people of Ammon did not fear their words; therefore they did not cast them out, but they did receive all the poor of the Zoramites that came over unto them; and they did nourish them, and did clothe them, and did give unto them lands for their inheritance; and they did administer unto them according to their wants.

When the chief ruler of the Zoramites threatened the people of Ammon, they did not fear their words and stood strong, when caring for the new converts. Instead of fearing death from the conflict and facing possibility of war, they continued to stand strong and follow the counsel of the scriptures. They showed relentless courage by feeding, clothing and giving them land. As a members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we are constantly fighting off threats and standing for our convictions. There are still members across the globe, that are up against laws and policies that make it illegal and very dangerous for them to meet and observe the Sabbath on Sunday. 

Alma 35:15

Now Alma, being grieved for the iniquity of his people, yea for the wars, and the bloodshed, and the contentions which were among them; and having been to declare the word, or sent to declare the word, among all the people in every city; and seeing that the hearts of the people began to wax hard, and that they began to be offended because of the strictness of the word, his heart was exceedingly sorrowful.

In this verse, not only does Alma grieve because of the wars and bloodshed, he grieves because of the contention among the people. After all the conviction and faith, the people of Ammon and the new converts shared against the Zoramites and the Lamanites, they were letting disagreements among themselves harden their hearts. This makes me very sad, because today this is still a very big problem. There are people who have  and active participants in our church and then one day someone says something that offends them or hurts their feelings and you never see them again. Not only has this happened in my ward and family, but it's happened to me in the past. It's easier said then done, but sometimes I just have to remind myself that the gospel is the gospel and the church is made of imperfect humans. 

Alma 36:16

Therefore, he caused that his sons should be gathered together, that he might give unto them every one his charge, separately, concerning the things pertaining unto righteousness. And we have an account of his commandments, which he gave unto them according to his own record.

In this last verse of the chapter, it shares how Alma chose to sit his sons down and give them each their own responsibility. Alma knew the importance of their individual relationships and did not give them a one size fits all set of directions. This reminds me that all children are different and all children should be taught and directed according to their own individual needs. One size, does not fit all. 

My Becoming Project Report: Becoming More Prayful

When we were given the challenge to choose our Becoming Project attribute, I debated between Paying an Honest Tithe and being Prayerful. I chose Prayerful because I wanted to strengthen my testimony of prayer and use prayer more on a daily basis when looking for guidance with my family, friends, school, church callings and routine issues that come up at home. I wanted that personal, day to day relationship with Heavenly Father that so many testify of and I did not have.

When I began reading the Book of Mormon, it was quickly evident that Nephi was a man who believed in God and the power of prayer.  Nephi lead his family to the promise land by constantly asking for the strength, direction, mercy, and knowledge he needed to do so. I knew to navigate the changes that were happening in my life and finally make some choices; I needed to ask Heavenly Father for the same. I am a person of routine, so I started by setting a few goals, that I hoped would become a habit later. First, I started a prayer journal and then I put up a prayer reminder on my computer monitor. I started the prayer journal, so I could make a note of people who would ask for prayers throughout the day and not forget. I went as far as adding it to the daily task list I keep on my kitchen counter, so I would not forget at the end of the day. The reminder on my monitor was done, because I wanted to make sure I did a prayer before starting my homework and scripture reading each day. I started out strong with my journal and did really well the first 6 weeks or so. As the holidays drew closer, I got busier and was not referencing my daily check list, so I found myself forgetting at the end of the day.  After pondering my failure to use my journal more, I concluded that my prayer journal is an amazing tool, but when someone I know asks for a prayer, I do not have to wait. I can stop what I am doing and pray for them in that moment and the chance of forgetting later is taken away. I do believe in the power of group prayer, so when someone ask for prayers, I want to make sure Heavenly Father hears the blessings I am sending. My second goal of praying before starting my homework has become natural for me now. The first few weeks I did forget sometimes, but I always stopped when I realized I had forgotten and did my prayer then. The reminder note is now gone off my monitor and I almost always pray before I get started.  In the BYU-I learning model it states the following: have confidence that the blessings of heaven will accompany your efforts, see the gifts of the spirit in your education, use both reason and faith in your studies, pursue deeper answers and meaning, and seek opportunities to teach others who might not know. Asking to have the spirit with me each day and asking for Heavenly Father to share his knowledge, has given me the confidence I needed to get through my first semester of Pathways. I also held on to the promise Henry J. Eyring shared in his book titled, Major Decisions; “God cares about you and your education. He will not only help you get the education you need, he will take you to the people he wants you to encounter.” This learning experience has been entirely different than anything I have experienced in the past and I know that is because prayer is involved.

As my Becoming Project progressed, I started learning that I needed to be more specific with my prayers. I have always been a general prayer type of gal. In week 6 of my gathering group, we talked about asking for direction or confirmation from Heavenly Father when we are trying to make a decision in our life. When the group discussed this in detail, I felt like I had been doing it wrong all along. I do not know that there is a real wrong way to pray, but I will say I was not going about my prayers in the most effective way. If I am about to make a decision, I have always asked that Heavenly Father direct me as he sees fit. What I had not done is ask, after I have made a choice, for confirmation that my decision is the correct decision. When I am specific in my prayers, they actually become more meaningful. Although I am doing this more now, it is still something I need to continue focusing on in the future.  I know that if I am in tune with the spirit, asking for that specific confirmation, I am more likely to feel the spirit when I am doing as he wishes.

 Another area of prayer focus has been implement prayer in my daily life, as far as planning task and time management. “And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed” (Luke 5:16). Finding quiet time to think and pray about priorities and how to get there has become very important to me. I never thought about asking God how I should invest my time each day. I always thought of prayer as something you save for more important issues. After our Time Management lesson in Life Skills, that perspective changed for me. Each day I try to focus on my key relationships and ask how God wants me to serve. By keeping that focus, I realize not only does he help me have the power to get them done; he will give me the confidence in knowing what to put on my list.

Although prayer has become more of a priority in my daily life, occasionally when life is crazy or I am tired, I find my mind wondering and thinking about life in general and not praying with my full attention. A classmate in one of the discussion boards calls it “channel surfing”.  To help keep her focus, she suggested praying out loud.  I have found that advice to be very helpful and do most of my prayers out loud now. It also intensifies that communication and helps personalize it.

As I try and reflect on how I have become more Prayerful, I look at the pages and pages of notes I put together and realize I totally over prepared.  It has been 25+ years since I have written an essay, let alone a reflective essay, but I can see the importance of doing so. With all of this material in front of me today, I realize I chose the right attribute. I have a testimony that God speaks directly to us through the spirit. I have a testimony that God answers prayers through scriptures. I have a testimony that the spirit guides others to teach or tell us what we need to answer our prayers. Lastly, I now have a testimony that God answers prayers on HIS terms, no ours.