D&C 6:22-23

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things.

Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?"

Have you ever been making a decision and get more opinions than you want? Or possibly, it is hard for you to decide, and you ask everyone’s advice about what you should do. And the more opinions cause more confusion. Often times the only counsel we really need comes from our Heavenly Father. There have been many times in my life that as I have prayed, I knew exactly what I should do, but when I got up from my knees and discussed my decision with others, I would begin experiencing uncertainty. As we seek the Lord’s guidance, He will speak peace to our mind and heart when the decision is the one that is best for us.

Several years ago, we needed to buy a vehicle for our family and had limited funds to do it. We began looking at used car dealerships and searching the want ads in the newspaper. Many people offered their opinions, and often it was that we would need to spend more money in order to get a reliable car. We asked for Heavenly Father’s guidance to help us find the best car within our budget. One day as I was looking through the paper, I knew immediately when I read a particular ad that it was the car we should buy. I felt a tremendous peace. To others, the car probably didn’t seem like the wisest choice at the time, and if we had been willing to spend a little more money, we could have purchased something more reliable. It was only when I listened to others that I began to feel confusion and question my choice, but when I thought back on the guidance the Lord provided, I always felt peace about our decision. Despite the car being older, it required minimal repairs and blessed our family with adequate transportation for many years.

If you find confusion about the choices you need to make, remember where peace can be found. I love the words of the hymn “Where Can I Turn for Peace?”

Where can I turn for peace?
Where is my solace
When other sources cease to make me whole?
When with a wounded heart, anger, or malice,
I draw myself apart,
Searching my soul?

Where, when my aching grows,
Where, when I languish,
Where, in my need to know, where can I run?
Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?
Who, who can understand?
He, only One.

He answers privately,
Reaches my reaching
In my Gethsemane, Savior and Friend.
Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching.
Constant he is and kind,
Love without end.

Other sources may cause doubt and confusion, but as we reach out to Christ, He will speak peace to our minds when we humbly go to Him and seek His will for us.

Love, Sis. Linnell

Matthew 11:28-30

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

When I read this scripture I had so many feelings come over me. I reflected on the times in my life when I needed Christ's help. I wanted to give him my burden's so I could quit worrying about them. Then because I was weak or lacked faith I would turn around and take them back. I loved Elder Hollands talk he says thing's way better than I can.

"I don't know what things may be troubling you personally, but, even knowing how terrific you are and how faithfully you are living, I would be surprised if someone somewhere weren't troubled by a transgression or the temptation of transgression. To you, wherever you may be, I say, Come unto him and lay down your burden. Let him lift the load. Let him give peace to your soul. Nothing in this world is more burdensome than sin--It is the heaviest cross men and women ever bear."

"No matter how serious the trial, how deep the distress, how great the affliction,God will never desert us. He never has,and He never will. He cannot do it.It is not His character to do so. He is an unchangeable being; the same yesterday,today and will be the same throughout the eternal ages to come. " We shall emerge from all these trial and difficulties the better and purer for them, if we only trust in our God and keep his commandments".

I know Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. He wishes us to come unto him, to follow him, to be comforted by him. Only through Christ will we truly find rest.

Love, Sister Madsen

Mosiah 27:14

14And again, the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath ^aheard the prayers of his people, and also the ^bprayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has ^cprayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the ^dknowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to ^econvince thee of the power and authority of God, that the ^fprayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith.

I love how this scripture talks about the power and authority of God. God does hear our prayers. Whether we are praying for ourselves or others. We just need to have the FAITH to know that He will do what is best for us. I have personally witnessed this when I have prayed for loved ones, those around me and for myself. He has answered my prayers! He hears me and knows what is best for me. Your Father in Heaven loves you. Go to him. He will help you through every moment of your life's journey.

Love You,

Sister Anderson

Ephesians 6:18

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

I looked up the definition of supplication and found it means to ask humbly or earnestly, to beg or plead. When we pray earnestly and humbly, we are more prepared to receive answers to our prayers. A lot of times I find myself praying without really focusing or paying attention to what I'm saying. It's easy to get lax in our prayers and to go through the motions without having our hearts really in our words. When I am humble and earnest in my prayers, coming to the Lord with purpose and intent, I find that I am more receptive to the Spirit and can be touched to know what I should do.

When you pray today, really prepare and humble yourself before you start. Think about what prayer is--a conversation with your Father in Heaven. Earnestly seek Him and plead to Him for the answers and help that you need. He loves you and wants to help you.

Love,
Sister Jones

3 Nephi 13:5-8

5 And when thou prayest thou shalt not do as the hypocrites, 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 shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret; and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen, for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them, for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him.

Do we use "vain repetitions" when we pray? Are we thankful for the same things and asking for the same things and saying our prayers without even thinking about them sometimes? I know that I get caught in that cycle from time to time and have to remind myself that I'm not just saying words. I'm talking to my Father in Heaven, who loves me, and I love Him. He wants to hear from you and me, and we need to get advice and feedback from Him. Today when you pray, take the time to think about what you are saying. And take time to stop and listen. Prayer is a two way form of communication. I find that when I take the time to pause after I ask for something, or tell Him something, that the Spirit will speak to me and answer my questions and give me impressions on what I need to do. But, if I'm rushing through and saying everything on my list that I need to say, and then closing the prayer and hurrying off to the next thing, I don't receive nearly as many answers. So, pray today like you are having a heart-to-heart with your Father. Listen to His voice. Share things from your heart. Really take the time to feel His love for you. He knows what you need before you even ask of Him, but He really loves to hear from you and will bless you for spending time with Him every day. I know that's true.

Love,
Sister Jones

1 John 5:14-15

14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

On 21 September 1823, a little more than three years after the First Vision, the Prophet Joseph Smith prayed to know his standing before God. Moroni was sent to answer his prayer. Joseph said of the event, “I had full confidence in obtaining a divine manifestation, as I previously had one” (JS—H 1:29). Joseph’s experiences had taught him that God heard his prayers. Joseph had obeyed the Lord’s counsel and had been steadfast in his testimony—continuing, despite persecution, to affirm that he had seen a vision. He had grown in confidence that God “giveth … liberally” (James 1:5) to those who ask. (Spiritual Confidence, Liahona, Dec 1994 pg25)

We are so blessed that Joseph Smith caught on the first time, he received his testimony of prayer the first time. It was a big answer but none the less, Joseph Smith believed what God told him, he had confidence that God would answer his prayer the second time and the third and so forth, What if Joseph Smith would have questioned his answer, or thought that his first prayer was a lucky shot and God will not be there for him again.

Has prayer ever worked for you? I know that our prayers are answered, I have had my prayers help me in all areas of my life. I wish that I could be like Joseph Smith and get it the first time that Heavenly Father hears our prayers, but still many, many answered prayers later I sometimes don’t get it, I have let my confidence slack and think maybe Heavenly Father will not be there for me this time, that I might have to handle things alone. I testify that has never been the case, I have never be left alone before when I have sought out the Lord, he has always been there, my first prayer and my thousandth prayer. Keep your confidence in Jesus Christ
Believe him! He is there, every time.

I love you,
Sister MaryAnn Jensen

Mosiah 4:9-11

9 Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.

10 And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them.

11 And again I say unto you as I have said before, that as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, which was spoken by the mouth of the angel.

As a parent, I have experienced great pain, for and because of the choices, my children have made, and continue to make. I pray for them, remind them of the blessings God pours out to them. Love and accept them, as they are. I pray that we will all seek greater knowledge, and understanding of our Father in Heaven, that we will have the desire to dwell with him again.

With Love, Sister Woolsey

Philippians 4:6-7

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I love reading the epistles of Paul to the Saints.  He has such a love and concern for them.  However, sometimes they can be a little confusing.  When I first read this scripture, I wasn't sure what to think.  I thought about focusing in on just a word, like Thanksgiving, or Peace.
The next time I read it, I started reading all of the footnotes.  I learned that "careful" could be substituted with "afflicted", or that the whole phrase could be substituted with "don't be unduly concerned about anything.
This began to change the meaning for me.  As I have studied and pondered I have come to learn that for me this scripture is telling me to not be concerned about the little things, but instead turn it over to my Heavenly Father through prayer, and with a grateful heart.  Have I ever told my Heavenly Father thank you for the fact that I can turn my burdens over to him?
The word afflicted really struck me also.  Too often I spend my time worrying about little things, details that aren't important and I let myself get worked up over them.  To be afflicted by them.  I forget that I know that I can turn the worrying over to my Heavenly Father.  It is a hard thing for me to let go of things and I need constant reminders about it.  The greatest part, though, is the promise -  the peace of God.
The last few weeks I have had a dilemma that I have been trying to figure out involving my sons' job and a car pool.  It was something that shouldn't have been that big of deal, yet it was a huge focus for me.  So much so that I was indeed feeling afflicted.  I prayed about it, stewed about it, thought about it, with no solution.  I was reading this scripture in the temple and reading the footnotes and felt prompted.  I thought at the time that my answer was to let it go and be okay with how it was.  Then that afternoon I was presented with an opportunity to change it.  I took it and thought  - this was really my answer.  Then, later that evening my solution fell through.  I was back to thinking that I really need to just accept it.
In fact what I needed was to simply let the feelings of affliction go.  To be thankful to my Heavenly Father and to let him know that I could be okay with it.
I finally felt at peace.  No longer was it consuming my thoughts and causing me stress.  I could feel peace again.  Then an amazing thing happened.  I literally had someone show up on my doorstep with the answer to my problem!  I know this seems like such a silly thing to make such a big deal about, but I was reminded that our Heavenly Father cares about us so much that He is concerned even about the little things.  It doesn't have to be a big problem to go to our Heavenly Father and ask for His help, to allow Him to help us.
In fact, we are reminded later on in this chapter, in verse 13, of a great important truth.  "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."  But we must remember to ask.  I'll end today with the same farewell that Paul used to close his epistle. "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all."  He loves you! What problems can he help you with today?
Love,
Sis. Norris

D&C 109:8

8 Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;


Have you ever tried to make dinner in a messy kitchen? You try to find the right measuring cup and it's dirty. There's no counter space because there's homework out or playdough, or whatever. You go for an ingredient and it's gone- the kids ate it and you didn't even notice in the chaos. Everything seems to be in an uproar. Well, that's how I'd feel, anyhow. But, now think of walking down to the kitchen to cook and all the counters are cleared off, no clutter, and they have been wiped clean, just waiting for you to cook away. All the dishes are clean, no need to rinse something off real quick so you can use it. The recipe book is tucked away in it's designated spot ready for you to pull it out make something wonderful. You're not having to go put your shoes on to cook, because the floors have been swept clean and therefore no crunching underfoot. Wouldn't you feel more creative in the clean kitchen? More calm? More ready for a challenge? More of a willingness to take on the task of making dinner?

I think our lives can be like my messy kitchen scenario. Sometimes are lives are full of clutter- literal clutter, negative thoughts, and sin. We might be a little "messy" or lax in our attitude towards our callings, or our responsibilites. We may be unorganized in our approach to prayer and fasting and scripture study, having no real schedule or habit formed. We may be a little unprepared- missing essential ingredients to Heavenly Father's plan.

Heavenly Father has said that we need to clean out the clutter in our lives. We need to get organized, prepared. We need to make our homes be homes of prayer, fasting, faith, learning, full of glory and order. I think he means this literally. Our homes need to be organized and in order to function at their true potential. But, I think He is also referring to cleaning out the "messy" in our lives. We need to repent. We need to pray and read our scriptures regularly. We need to prepare ourselves and our families for the Second Coming. And, we need to cut out the clutter in our lives like bad language, movies, books or music, negative friends, anything that distracts us from becoming closer to our Heavenly Father.

I know that if we put our homes and most importantly, our lives, in order Heavenly Father will bless us so that we can live up to our true potential. We will be more excited to take on the challenges of life, we'll be more creative, and calm, and ready to make a masterpiece of our lives!

Love ya,
Sister Norman

1 Corinthians 14:15

"What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also."

Why?

Have you ever found yourself asking that question in your prayers? Often times when we experience trials or heartache, we may want to know why we must endure hard things. During the past couple of years of my life, I have dealt with trials that seemed so hard that I simply could not understand why my Heavenly Father would require so much of me. As I prayed, I pleaded for understanding as to why I needed to endure these particular trials. But, it wasn't until I changed the questions in my prayers that the burdens no longer overwhelmed me. One day as I was praying, instead of asking to know why, the question changed to help me understand how to accept, have patience, and endure.

Praying with understanding isn't about gaining knowledge of why we must do what the Lord requires, but how we can accomplish the things He wants us to do. Once we comprehend what it means to understand, we will be more aware of how to pray with understanding.

When searching the meaning of understand on dictionary.com, the following definitions will be found:

- to be thoroughly familiar with; apprehend clearly the character and nature

- to grasp the significance, implications, or importance of

- to learn or hear

- to accept as true; believe

- to perceive what is meant; grasp the information conveyed

- to regard as firmly communicated

Praying with understanding means to be familiar with Heavenly Father and to comprehend His character and grasp the significance that we can ask the God of the universe for individual help to guide our lives. To understand, we must perceive, learn, hear, accept, and believe the words He speaks to us. When we seek to understand, we must desire to know what is being communicated. Understanding requires more listening that speaking.

I often find myself doing all the talking during my prayers because it takes more effort to listen. I need to constantly remind myself that the fewer the words, the better the prayer. In your prayers today, try to listen and understand instead of doing so much talking.

Love, Sister Linnell

Alma 7:23-24

23 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 diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.

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

This scripture gives a recipe for how we should live our life each day. Being Humble and submissive and gentle, I interpret this as someone who is kind, who is not selfish. Patience; have patience with your family. Sometimes it is easier to be nicer to our friends than our own family. Diligence in keeping the commandments; do your very best to keep all of the commandments not just the ones that are easy for you.

I like the part of this scripture that says ask for what ever things we need. We are being invited to ask for help with whatever we need. Personally I need help with alot of things that are in my life. But I have faith that Heavenly father hears me and wants to do what is best for me, knowing that, gives me hope. We should not forget charity the pure love of Christ, try to see others how Christ would see them then we can feel love for that person even if it is your brother or sister. So do something today for someone else.....abound in good works.

Have a great day today.

Love, Sister Madsen

Moses 1:1-6

1 The words of God, which he spake unto Moses at a time when Moses was caught up into an exceedingly high mountain,

2 And he saw God face to face, and he talked with him, and the glory of God was upon Moses; therefore Moses could endure his presence.

3 And God spake unto Moses, saying: Behold, I am the Lord God Almighty, and Endless is my name; for I am without beginning of days or end of years; and is not this endless?

4 And, behold, thou art my son; wherefore look, and I will show thee the workmanship of mine hands; but not all, for my works are without end, and also my words, for they never cease.

5 Wherefore, no man can behold all my works, except he behold all my glory; and no man can behold all my glory, and afterwards remain in the flesh on the earth.

6 And I have a work for thee, Moses, my son; and thou art in the similitude of mine Only Begotten; and mine Only Begotten is and shall be the Savior, for he is full of grace and truth; but there is no God beside me, and all things are present with me, for I know them all.

I find it so comforting to know that the God's knowledge and experience is "Endless". He knows all things that have happened before we were here, so he has the wisdom and the knowledge to help us.

In verse 6 I want you to replace the name of Moses with your own name and replace the word son with daughter. "And I have a work for thee, my daughter; and thou art in the similitude of mine Only Begotten; and mine Only Begotten is and shall be the Savior, for he is full of grace and truth; but there is no God beside me, and all things are present with me, for I know them all."

We were created just like the Savior, full of grace and truth. The Savior is our brother and just like our mortal families we have characteristics just like him. I don't mean the same eye color, I mean that we have the same divine inheritance that he has.

Like the Savior we need to trust that the work God has given us to do will better our lives and the lives of those we serve. We also need to have faith that when our Father in Heaven says that he knows all things, he really does!

I have a testimony that God speaks to us through our prophets, through personal revelation and through prayer. He tells us what needs to be done, and then lets us decide whether or not we want to do it. We have the Book of Mormon because of a 14 year old boys obedience to his Heavenly Father. Like Moses, Joseph Smith was just a man trying to show obedience to Heavenly Father. Like Moses, Joseph Smith's faith and actions have blessed generations of people after him.

If a 14 year old boy can exercise that amount of faith, then so can we.

I Love You!
Sister Horne

3 Nephi 18:18-20

18 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.

19 Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in my name;

20 And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.

These scriptures are from my favorite part of the Book of Mormon, when Jesus visits the Nephites. So this is counsel directly from our Savior!

It starts with a warning, we must pray always because Satan desireth to have us! Then He encourages us to have faith in our prayer. Today as you say your prayers, think of our Savior as you read His counsel. Then pray believing that ye shall receive that which you are asking for and "behold it shall be given unto you". What a great promise from our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Love,
Sister Emett

D&C 136:28

28 If thou art merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.

What a joyful verse! How many of you participated in, or attended, the Temple Celebration that our stake participated in in conjunction with Oquirrh Mountain Temple dedication? This scripture reminds me of that event, where we really did have the opportunity to praise God and offer a prayer of thanksgiving through singing, music, and dancing. It was such a memorable event for me, and I felt so grateful to have been a part of that effort. I left that celebration feeling uplifted and really like we had offered a prayer of thanksgiving to our God. How can we continue to have that kind of prayer in our every day lives? What music do you have on your mp3 player right now? What do you listen to on the radio in the car? What song do you have in your head as you go about your day? Today make a conscious effort to have uplifting music in your day. Sing a hymn. Listen to good music. Pick media that uplifts and inspires you. Make your music and entertainment a prayer to God. And have joy in doing it! The Lord loves music, and He loves you! Have a great day!

Love,
Sister Jones

Proverbs 15:29

29 The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

So where does the Lord go? Why is he far from the wicked? Many times in the scriptures and lessons from our latter day prophets they tell us that Christ is waiting with arms open ready for any one that humbles himself enough to come to him. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is always there, it is us that move away from him. Each sin takes us a step away from him, even baby steps in the wrong direction adds up. I love our Young Women theme, it says We will Stand as wittiness of God in all things and in all place. We stand, meaning we don't go this way one day or with one circumstance or friend and back again, than maybe the other way for the next friend but we stand, believing in God, all the time, no matter where we are or who we are with. We will always have his spirit to be with us.
I have felt the power in a righteous prayer, I sometimes like to think of prayers as fireworks being shot up to heaven, sometimes I shoot duds, not much going on there, I know went I send up a 4th of July firework, when I know that my prayers made it there. I also love the thought of everyone saying there prayers, can you imagine the firework show that we can give the world. We can and do make a different. Stay close to the Lord.
Love you, Sister MaryAnn Jensen

Enos 1:8-9

8 And he said unto me: Because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen. And many years pass away before he shall manifest himself in the flesh; wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole.
9 Now, it came to pass that when I had heard these words I began to feel a desire for the welfare of my brethren, the Nephites; wherefore, I did pour out my whole soul unto God for them.

We are again reminded of the power of FAITH. His faith made him whole. In these trying times, we must continue to exercise our faith. Faith in God, Faith in Jesus Christ, Faith in our Prophet, Faith in each other. Then pray for our leaders and ourselves, that we may have God watching over us, and blessing our lives.

With Love, Sister Woolsey

James 1:5-6

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

I have a favorite talk that I like to listen to.  I first heard it 5-6 years ago, and I like to listen to it again a couple of times a year to remind myself of it's message.   It's called Prayers That Reach Heaven by Diana Hoelscher.  It was given to a youth group, and while she is a very entertaining speaker, her message, at least to me, is profound.  I'd like to paraphrase one of the experiences she shares. 
Before I do, picture in your mind the boy Joseph Smith, confused and looking for answers.  One night he was reading in the bible.  (Did you catch that?  He was reading the scriptures, looking for answers and peace!)  When he came across this scripture, he realized that this was his answer.  So he choose a place that he knew would be peaceful, and where he could be alone, and began to pray - out loud.
Sister Linell reminded us a couple of days ago of the power of praying out loud.  This story is another example.  In the talk, Sis. Hoelscher shared an experience she had on her mission.  There was an elder that got up to share his testimony at one of their meetings.  He said something like this.  "The other night as I was preparing to say my prayers"...  Preparing.  That means he thought about what he was doing and who he was praying to before he began to pray!  He went on to say that he prayed out loud.  That really struck Sis. Holescher and she decided to try it.  Because she was on a mission, finding alone time was very difficult, so she chose a moment when her companion was in the shower and she proceeded to pray out loud to her Heavenly Father.  She shared that the power of that prayer and the love that she felt from her Heavenly Father were overwhelming.  Later, her sister was visiting her on a mini-mission.  When her sister knelt to say her prayers, she stopped her.  She told her to go in the other room to be alone, and then to pray out loud.  Minutes later, her sister came running back in the room, tears streaming down her face saying "Why have you never told me this before?"
I'm telling you know, there is power in praying out loud.  Not a prayer for your class or your family (though they are powerful too) but an out loud conversation between you and your Father in Heaven - just between the two of you.  When you pray out loud, your prayer becomes much more personal.  It is easier to stop and listen for a response, and when you pray with faith, nothing wavering, it is almost impossible to not feel His love.
Joseph Smith followed this example.  He prayed out loud and was rewarded with the knowledge that Heavenly Father knew him by name.  Find a quiet place.  Have a conversation with your Father in Heaven. Talk to him out loud.  It may change your whole relationship with Him.  Heavenly Father is real. And He is waiting to talk to you today.

Love, Sister Norris

Alma 5:45-46

45 And this is not all. Do ye not suppose that I know of these things myself? Behold, I testify unto you that I do know that these things whereof I have spoken are true. And how do ye suppose that I know of their surety?

46 Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me.


I appreciate so much the times in my life when I have felt Heavenly Father has answered my prayers. Like when I prayed to Heavenly Father to know if I should marry my husband. And, when I asked Him to bless my husband in finding a new job. And, when I have prayed to Him to please bless a family member of mine who was so, so sick. Those are major things, but He has also blessed my in the little things I have prayed for, like helping me to be a patient mom, and help with getting all of the things done that are on my list for the day.

But, the most important prayer that He has answered for me is that of letting me know that the Gospel is true. Jesus Christ is my Savior, and He died for me. I did not have an experience like Joseph Smith when I prayed. I didn't see Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. There was no lightening bolt or loud voice from above. But, the answer came to me in a better way. He answered my prayer in a way that was right for me, in a way that I would understand and that felt personal to me. The most amazing thing about this though, is that He continually answers this prayer. I feel the Spirit testify to me often that Heavenly Father loves me and that this is His true church. I love being in a church meeting and listening to a speaker or a beautiful musical piece and feeling the Spirit testify of the truthfullness of the Gospel. I love seeing the seasons change around me, or go for a hike in the mountains and see the beautiful creations of Heavenly Father and have the Spirit witness to me again of the goodness of our Heavenly Father.

I know that you can also know of a surety of the truthfullness of this Gospel. This scripture tells us that we can fast and pray to know the truth. I testify that if you are looking to gain a testimony, you can get down on your knees and pray to Heavenly Father. Pray often. Don't give up. Sometimes, when I think Heavenly Father hasn't answered my prayer, I need to look back and examine my life. I need to focus. Sometimes He has answered my prayer and I didn't notice. Isn't that sad? I can't believe I admitted that you you! I wasn't listening, or I wanted my prayer answered another way. And, maybe Satan really didn't want me to feel the Spirit and I let him be a distraction. But, I know that if you pray and listen for Spirit to testify to you, Heavenly Father will bless you with a testimony! And, He will continually bless you with the knowledge that Heavenly Father loves you!

Love,
Sister Norman

Joseph Smith-History 1:14-17

14 So, in accordance with this, my determination to ask of God, I retired to the woods to make the attempt. It was on the morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in the spring of eighteen hundred and twenty. It was the first time in my life that I had made such an attempt, for amidst all my anxieties I had never as yet made the attempt to pray vocally.

 15 After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction.

 16 But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction—not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being—just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.

 17 It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!

About 15 years ago, when my children were little we purchased some animated scripture stories on video for our children to watch. One of the videos told the story of Joseph Smith and the First Vision. There was some controversy surrounding this particular story. When Joseph Smith begins praying the video shows a thick darkness gathering around him and a great struggle to overcome this enemy as the scriptures describe. Many parents felt that it was too graphic and might scare their children that the same experience might happen to them if they chose to pray. I was somewhat concerned that my children might feel that way, but I love to focus on the fact that no matter how dark or powerful the adversary is that the light is always greater. By facing the adversary first, Joseph learned that as great as the power of evil might be, it must always withdraw with the appearance of righteousness. I believe that Satan is more subtle with each of us in his persuasion against prayer. If we were seized upon by darkness and felt we were doomed to sudden destruction as Joseph was, I believe we would all call upon God immediately with all our energy to deliver us as Joseph did. Satan is more cunning with his attempts against our prayers with Heavenly Father. We don’t battle thick darkness or feelings of destruction, but laziness, uncertainty, distractions, and doubt.

Joseph Smith believed in the principles taught in the scriptures and had faith that if he asked God, that he would receive an answer. He prayed in the morning in a secluded place. It was the first time in his life that he had prayed vocally. He kneeled and offered the desires of his heart to God. He fought against the adversary. When the light appeared, Heavenly Father called him by name. And he listened and obeyed.

What would happen today if you followed the example of Joseph Smith and prayed as he did? Would you find yourself delivered from the temptations and struggles in your life? Would you hear Heavenly Father call you by name? Would you feel the presence of God and His light? Would you listen and obey?

Your prayer is just as important to Heavenly Father as Joseph Smith’s prayer, but if you doubt that, try this experiment.  I went to a secluded place in my home and knelt down. I began praying vocally and said, “Heavenly Father this is Alison.” I then paused and imagined what His response might be. “Hello Alison, how is my daughter?” I responded, “My heart feels sorrowful because of the choices of my child.” I paused again and then imagined Him saying that His heart was heavy also, and then we cried together. I told Him that I wasn’t sure how to help my sister-in-law. He told me to keep doing what I was doing. I thanked Him for His help and guidance in planning Girl’s Camp. He told me He knew it was important, and He would always help if I kept asking. As I prayed, instead of making a list of things I needed or was grateful for, I listened to what He wanted me to know. I knew that my needs were important to Him, and I felt His light and was delivered from the burdens facing me that day. When fears and temptation come your way and keep you from praying remember that light and righteousness are and will always be more powerful than darkness and doubt.

Love, Sister Linnell

1 Nephi 15:8-11

8 And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord?

9 And they said unto me: We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us.

10 Behold, I said unto them: How is it that ye do not keep the commandments of the Lord? How is it that ye will perish, because of the hardness of your hearts?

11 Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you.



Nephi was having a conversation with his brothers about what Lehi had taught them. His brothers were telling him that they didn't understand what there father Lehi had taught them about the Olive trees. Nephi is asking them if they had prayed about it.

We all have the privilege to listen to the prophet and apostles regularly. Sometimes we don't fully understand what we need to do. Sometimes we do understand but we don't want to do it. We can pray about what we hear in Conference, in Church, in Seminary, even in Young Women's.
Sometimes the prophet asks us to do things like don't tattoo your body, or dress modestly, or only wear one set of earrings.
It is sometimes hard to follow that council when for example the fashions are short and therefore not modest. We might rationalize in our minds that it's not my fault the fashions are short. We do have the free agency to choose not to wear those clothes. We can pray and ask Heavenly Father to help us find modest clothes.

When my daughter needed to get a dress for a school dance, we went and looked at the different stores we thought were in our budget. The dresses we saw were either too short or were missing a lot of fabric on the top. We were frustrated and sad that we couldn't find "the dress".
I prayed and asked for Heavenly Father's help to find a dress because I wanted my daughter to be happy.
After several stores we ended up at the cloth store. We found a pattern that was modest and fabric that was pretty. We took it home and before I began sewing the dress I again asked for guidance to help me make a dress that would look nice and that she would feel good wearing. The dress turned out and she was happy with it.

My prayer was answered.

When we are asked by the prophet to do the things that God wants us to do because he knows our lives will be happier if we will. We can ask for him to help us find a way to obey that commandment. I know that we will be blessed if we will follow him.

Love, Sister Madsen

Luke 22:32

32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

What I really like about this scripture as I studied it is the fact that the Lord explains that HE has prayed for the faith of Peter. The Lord knew that Peter would betray him, but yet he is praying for Peter's faith to "fail not". I like to think of the Lord praying for my faith to "fail not" also. I know that the Lord loves each of us and does hope and pray for our faith as well, even if just like Peter we are not perfect and falter at times. Let us pray today that our faith with "fail not". Have faith to know that with Heavenly Father we are strengthened each day. Then when we know of this strength... share it! Share an experience of faith with others, maybe a friend, coworker, or a family member!

This morning I felt strengthened by a simple statement that my daughter said to me. You see, our new baby has been congested and she could hear that he was frustrated since his nose was stuffy. She was very concerned that he was going to get worse and wouldn't be able to breathe. I explained to her that I thought he would be fine and that we would take really good care of him until it clears up. I had asked her to watch him while I took a quick shower. After my shower she brought him to me and she seemed much less stressed about the situation. She explained to me that she had said a prayer for him that he would be okay and that she thought he would be. Her simple expression of faith, strengthened me as I started off my day. Who around you may need to be strengthened today?

Love,

Sister Emett

2 Nephi 32:3-5

3 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.

4 Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark.

5 For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.

These verses say a couple of times that Jesus, through His words (the scriptures) and His Spirit (Holy Ghost) will tell us all things that we should do. So, what would the Lord have you do today? As you read the scriptures and turn to Heavenly Father in prayer, He will tell you what you need to do today to be happy and to do His will. That's a beautiful thing about prayer. We have access to God at all times, and in all things, and in all places. He can speak to us and tell us all things that we should do. So, my challenge to you for today is to ask God what He would have you do today, and then listen. It's amazing the direction that we can receive if we ask and then listen for the Spirit to guide us.

Love,
Sister Jones

John 15:7

7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

I often here people say in their prayers, "thy will be done", they say it so easily, but I often wonder how many of us really think about what Heavenly Father has in mind. I love the saying that God has bigger and better dreams for us than we could ever have for ourselves, I know he makes everyone better than what they can become on their own.

When one of my boys were younger, I think about 6 or 7 years , he wanted to drive our truck, not just sit on dads lap and pretend, but really be in control. Of course we said no every time he asked, he cried, he plead, he promised to clean his room but every time we said sorry, you can't drive the truck. About this same time I remember praying for Heavenly Father to give me what I thought I needed. During that prayer the thought of my little boy came into my mind. Is it smart, is it safe to hand over the keys to our truck to a 6 year old, the answer is no. The cool thing is I felt peace, I knew Heavenly Father heard my prayer, he was protecting me.

Have you every tried asking Heavenly Father what you should pray for? He has a wonderful life in store for you, let him guide you, pray that you will be everything he has in mind for you, and someday he will hand over the truck keys and you will be ready.

Have a great Day, Love Sister MaryAnn Jensen

D&C 88:63-64

63 Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

64 Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you;

WOW ! If I seek my Savior, Jesus Christ, I will find him. And if I ask our Father in Heaven in Jesus's name, it shall be given to me, (if it is expedient, this means if it is for my good, because after all my Heavenly Father knows me) what could be better?

I am constantly reminded, that to have God in my life, is my choice. I must go to him, I must seek him, I must call to him, I must knock upon his door. He is waiting. :)

May you invite God into your life today.!

With Love, Sister Woolsey

Alma 34:17-27

17 Therefore may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you;
18 Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save.
19 Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him.
20 Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks.
21 Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening.
22 Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies.
23 Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to all righteousness.
24 Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them.
25 Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase.
26 But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.
27 Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you.

Where do we pray, and about what?  I don't have any flocks, and I don't have any fields, but I certainly have a house, and a job, and errands to run and....   I also have the devil influencing me and enemies that I need power over.  I can pray - and should pray at any of those places and about any of those things.  As an experiment this week, I tried to think about this scripture in the many places and situations I found myself in.  Here are some of the highlights of my week.  Monday we attended a family gathering.  I have a complicated relationship with one of my family members who doesn't seem to have a lot of respect for the rest of us.  I let myself be stressed and upset by her, and did not use this power!  On the way home, I remembered my experiment and quickly said a prayer in my heart to ask forgiveness.  Immediately I felt lighter.  Tuesday I attended my daughter's choir concert.  A quick prayer that she would do her best calmed me and hopefully her!  Wednesday was a difficult work day.  Some of our special needs kids have a difficult time with change and the end of the year is rough!  I already found by this day that my thoughts were turning to prayer for help more quickly.  I know it helped me keep my patience that day.  Thursday, I was with a group of individuals and the topic of conversation was fairly negative.  At other times I may have been able to ignore it, or maybe there would have been times that I joined in, but because of the prayer that I had carried in my heart, I found that it really bothered me, and what I wanted most was to leave.
This is just a few highlights of my week.  Do I have enemies?  Yes.  Are they vicious people that want to fight with me?  No.  They are everyday influences.  Moods, negative words, strained relationships, etc.  I proved to myself this week, and have proved it in the past, that when I make an effort to turn my thoughts to my Heavenly Father, consciously say a little prayer in my mind throughout the day, He will give me the power to overcome those things.  Maybe they seem like little everyday things, but they add up.  If we turn to Him for help before they get big He can make our days so much smoother.
I am grateful for this week that I made an extra effort to have this in my mind.  Where are all of the places you can pray today and this next week?

Have a wondrerful day!
Love, Sis. Norris

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:13-16

Do you have problems or trials? Pray. Are you happy, thankful, grateful? Pray and thank Heavenly Father. Are you sick or in some kind of pain? Ask for a blessing, a prayer of faith. Have you sinned? Pray for forgiveness.

Prayer seems to be the answer to everything, right? I believe it is. It's like the the magic "fix-all". But we know that prayer is not magic on our part. It takes some work. We need to pray with a "pure heart" and "real intent". We need to have faith that Heavenly Father will hear and answer our prayers. And, we need to listen for and sometimes seek out the answer to that prayer.

But, look at the last line of this incredible set of verses: "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." Effectual means valid and capable of producing the intended effect. Fervent means with great feeling and intensity. And availeth means to be of value or to profit.

We can think of it like this- The valid and 'full of potential' prayer given with great feeling and intensity and faith, by a righteous man or woman, WILL profit them and be to their advantage.

Heavenly Father WILL answer your prayers. He loves you and wants you to be happy.

I love you too!
-Sister Norman

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Jacob 4:10

"Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works."

In my home office, I have a variety of artwork, clay pottery, and picture books made by my children. Each one is unique and bears characteristics of their creator. I have a story book that details the wit and vivid imagination of one of my daughters. I have about 15 clay pots that show the varied skills and personalities of my children. Hanging above my computer, I have a water color of an arch located in Arches National Park. This picture was painted by a daughter after our family climbed this arch on a fun vacation. Even though many of these works are at least five years old, when asked about the process of creation, my children could tell you many details of how and why the particular item was made. They are proud of their creations, flaws and all. Each of these art works are treated with care and hold a great deal of sentimental meaning for our family.

When you think of all of God’s creations, do you list yourself as one of his works? Not only are you one of His works, you are His supreme creation. Our Heavenly Father knows the details of our lives. He understands everything about us because He made us who we are. Perfection is not a requirement for His love. Being His creation, we each possess divine qualities of our Heavenly Father. We are made in His image.

Just as any artist wants his creation to be the best it can be, our Heavenly Father has a plan for us to become all that we can become. When we seek His counsel through prayer, He will guide and direct us to what we should become. Often times that process may be challenging and different than our desires for our lives. Just as the artwork doesn’t dictate to the artist the colors or methods used in the development of his work, we must conform to our Creator and allow His process of completion in our lives. His methods are perfect, wise, just, and merciful. As you pray today, allow His wisdom and counsel to guide you to be the best you can be. He knows you best and loves you because you are His great work.

Love, Sister Linnell

Alma 26:22

22 Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing—unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even as it has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance.

As we do our best each day to do what is right, by keeping ourselves clean through repentance. Exercise faith in God and perform service whenever we have the opportunity. Pray everyday continually, I interpret that as being consistant, do it everyday, have a prayer in your heart everyday. We are promised to be given to know the mysteries of God. WOW.
Love,
Sister Madsen

Romans 10:13

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Saved? Saved from what? Well what do you need help with? Sometimes I feel like I need a respite from the daily grind of life, sometimes I feel like I am in danger, and sometimes I just need help with a problem. All of these things are perfect examples of my needing to be saved.

In ward conference I shared a story about my son needing to be saved so he prayed. I know that many of you have heard this story now but it is a wonderful example.

When my son was in 2nd grade he went to a school that was about 2 miles away from our home. He stayed after school one day only to find that his friends and ride had left without him. He began walking home but as he approached a busy road saw that even the crossing guards had left. He became afraid. Afraid of the long walk home. Afraid of being alone. He left the sidewalk and went down into a ditch where he could not be seen from the road. He prayed for help. Heavenly Father heard the prayer of my frightened child because when he came up out of the ditch one of the crossing guards had returned. He ran to her and explained his situation. She let him use her phone to call me and waited with him until I arrived.

Heavenly Father answered more than one prayer that day as our family had prayed for safety that morning. I also offered a prayer for each of my children that day to return home to me safe and sound.

The scripture is talking about more than just the daily things we will need help with. It is an all encompassing statement of truth about our eternal salvation. When we pray we stay closer to our Heavenly Father. When we stay closer to our Heavenly Father we make good choices. When we make good choices we perform good actions. When we perform good actions we are living the life that He hopes we will live. When we live this life of goodness and charity we will also live an eternal life with our Father. Just like dominoes our daily prayers can set off a chain reaction that is delightful to see and joyous for those around us to be a part of.

Remember to call on Him in prayer for whatever circumstance you are in. His answers may surprise you!

I Love You!
Sister Horne