How to Be Whole Again- Repentance

The song I chose for my daily message this week is "Castle of Glass" by Linkin Park on their new album Living Things. The lyrics are pasted below.

If you read the lyrics it talks about going down and getting help almost and how some being is helping. I think of that person as being God. It states in the last two lines of the first stanza, "wash the poison from off my skin, Show me how to be whole again" I believe the poison to be sin, sin in our lives, and he is asking god to help him get it off through repentance, so he can be whole again.

In Heleman 5:11 it reads "And he hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem them from their sins because of repentance; therefore he hath sent his angels to declare the tidings of the conditions of repentance, which bringeth unto the power of the Redeemer, unto the salvation of their souls." I really think this goes with my testimony, because I really believe in the process of repentance and have grown to love it. I know that repentance is the only way back to our Heavenly Father. Without it we would all be lost in the world.

I love Jesus Christ because and know without him we wouldn't be able to repent. I love my family and all the support they give me, and I love the church. It brings a great light into my life. I love everybody and hope you enjoy the message today. I miss you all.

Love, Seth

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRGSHvlu9Ss

Take me down to the river bend,
Take me down to the fighting end,
Wash the poison from off my skin
Show me how to be whole again

Fly me up on a silver wing
Past the black where the sirens sing
Warm me up in a nova's glow
And drop me down to the dream below

(Chorus)
Cause I'm only a crack in this castle of glass
Hardly anything there for you to see.
For you to see
Bring me home in a blinding dream
Through the secrets that I have seen
Wash the sorrow from off my skin
And show me how to be whole again

(Chorus)
Cause I'm only a crack in this castle of glass
Hardly anything there for you to see.
For you to see

(Bridge)
Cause I'm only a crack in this castle of glass
Hardly anything else I need to be

(Chorus)
Cause I'm only a crack in this castle of glass
Hardly anything there for you to see.
For you to see
For you to see

Bless Every Breath

My message today comes from the song, "Every Breath" by Jenny Phillips

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1-ED4zNM4M

I think this song is telling us that Christ is always there for us and will bless our every breath. This song also says that we should be thankful for every breath we take. We should also should be thankful for the gospel.

I would like to bear my testimony that I know this is the true curch of Jesus Christ and I know if we are more grateful that we will have many blessings. Also, if we do not show our gratitude we may not get as many blessings. I know families are forever, I know this is one of the most loving caring families in the world! I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I love y'all and can't wait to see you

Love,
Ambrielle Rheanne Gulley

Sin-Soaked Heart

Good morning family. My message today is focused on a song by Jars of Clay called"Worlds Apart". I have posted the lyrics below as well as a link to an acoustic version on YouTube:

I am the only one to blame for this 

Somehow it all adds up the same 

Soaring on the wings of selfish pride 

I flew too high and like Icarus I collide 

With a world I try so hard to leave behind 

To rid myself of all but love 

to give and die 

To turn away and not become 

Another nail to pierce the skin of one who loves 

more deeply than the oceans, 

more abundant than the tear 

Of a world embracing every heartache 

Can I be the one to sacrifice 

Or grip the spear and watch the blood and water flow 

To love you - take my world apart 

To need you - I am on my knees 

To love you - take my world apart 

To need you - broken on my knees 

All said and done I stand alone 

Amongst remains of a life I should not own 

It takes all I am to believe 

In the mercy that covers me 

Did you really have to die for me? 

All I am for all you are 

Because what I need and what I believe are worlds apart 

I look beyond the empty cross 

forgetting what my life has cost 

and wipe away the crimson stains 

and dull the nails that still remain 

More and more I need you now, 

I owe you more each passing hour 

the battle between grace and pride 

I gave up not so long ago 

So steal my heart and take the pain 

and wash the feet and cleanse my pride 

take the selfish, take the weak, 

and all the things I cannot hide 

take the beauty, take my tears 

the sin-soaked heart and make it yours 

take my world all apart 

take it now, take it now 

and serve the ones that I despise 

speak the words I can't deny 

watch the world I used to love 

fall to dust and thrown away 

I look beyond the empty cross 

forgetting what my life has cost 

so wipe away the crimson stains 

and dull the nails that still remain 

so steal my heart and take the pain 

take the selfish, take the weak 

and all the things I cannot hide 

take the beauty, take my tears 

take my world apart, take my world apart 

I pray, I pray, I pray 

take my world apart 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zpo7KJ1q1o&list=FLPungx4WGUlKv3Nhi9xQqFQ&index=5&feature=plpp_video

This is by far one of my favorite songs that is not a hymn or church song. It is touching and moving and reminds me of the sacrifice of our Savior and my role in taking advantage of that sacrifice. Like Jenn's message yesterday is a reminder of the atonement. I hope you all take some time to read the lyrics and listen to the song and the emotions it evokes. This is one that makes me cry when I hear it and I have heard it hundreds and hundreds of times. The breakdown at the end of the song is very powerful to me. When he says: 

So steal my heart and take the pain 

and wash the feet and cleanse my pride 

take the selfish, take the weak, 

and all the things I cannot hide 

take the beauty, take my tears 

the sin-soaked heart and make it yours 

take my world all apart 

take it now, take it now 

There are similar lyrics in a song by Afterglow called "The Touch of the Master's Hand" that state the following:

For many a life scarred and battered with sin

can find a great change, like the old violin,

When our eyes are opened, our hearts touched from within

by the touch of the Master’s hand.

Each of us has our own demons we deal with, but each of us also has the Atonement and sacrifice of our Savior to help us battle those demons and cleanse our "sin-soaked hearts". We have our Heavenly Father to lean on through the power of prayer. We have been given families as well to help us through our difficult times and lean on for support. I encourage us all to take full advantage of the different avenues we have to help in our times of struggle so we can all be together forever.

I love you all!

Love, Ryan

In Pieces

My message today correlates to the song "Pieces" by Red. I have posted the lyrics and a link to the song below:

I'm here again

A thousand miles away from you 

A broken mess, just scattered pieces of who I am

I tried so hard

Thought I could do this on my own 

I've lost so much along the way 

Then I'll see your face

I know I'm finally yours 

I find everything I thought I lost before 

You call my name 

I come to you in pieces 

So you can make me whole

I've come undone 

But you make sense of who I am 

Like puzzle pieces in your eye

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxIlR0TmOlg

While this song is not a hymn or a church song  it has much meaning to me. As the song states, I come to you in pieces and you can make me whole, I relate this to our Heavenly Father and the Atonement. I know that we can rely on our Heavenly Father for anything and He is always there for us even when we feel we are in pieces. He can truly make us whole again and we have been promised that through the Atonement and when we are all resurrected. I am grateful for this knowledge and have a testimony of it.

I love you all, have a great day.

Love, Jenn

The Labyrinth

Are you all familiar with the Jim Henson/George Lucas film, The Labyrinth? We love this movie!

The plot revolves around teenager Sarah's quest to reach the center of an enormous otherworldly maze to find her brother. The evil and cunning Jareth the Goblin King continually tries to confuse her, lead her off path & get her to give up. There are tons of stumbling blocks along her way to include the Knights & knaves logic puzzle, goblins, fire gang, dead ends, trap doors, dungeons & the Bog of Eternal Stench. 

Sarah does find some friends along the way in Ludo and Sir Didymus. A little troll named Hoggle appears to befriend her at first but then betrays her trust.

Despite all the enemies and challenges Sarah faces, she is determined to find her brother. Sarah endures to the end!

In the end she conquers the Labyrinth & the Goblin King by saying "You have no power over me!"
Sometimes, this life feels like a bit of a Labyrinth too! We have tests & trials, the Goblin King (Satan) tries to confuse & deceive us. We are human & sometimes fall into the stenchy bog of sin & rationalization. We have those that will try to lead us in the wrong direction, take shortcuts or trap doors. We also have those that pretend to be our friend but then sabotage us. We thankfully also have loyal family and friends that try to cheer us on and help us in our journey.

We too can know that Satan "has no power over us" unless we give him that power.
It's also vital, that in order to get through the maze, we remember our goal is to seek for and be reunited with our Brother (Jesus Christ).

Almost every talk (if not every)mentioned the importance of our testimony in the Savior, His teachings and atonement. Also the importance that we evaluate our relationship with Him. All testified in some way of Our Savior.

Jeffrey R Holland gave a very emotional & amazing talk asking us to "put ourselves in Peters place when the Savior asked the apostle Peter "Do Ye love me?" Do we really show Him through our actions and by the way we seek Him that we truly do love Him? Can we honestly say without hesitation or feelings of unworthiness that "Yea Lord, we do love thee"?" If we were to be on trial, would there be enough evidence to convict us of being disciples of Christ?

I hope that as we all go through our own Labyrinths that we can keep focus on our elder Brother Jesus Christ & never stop seeking for Him that we may live close to Him daily. Also,realize that the world and Satan have no power over us unless we relinquish it to them! If we do fall into the Bog of Eternal Stench (sin), the Savior has the power to cleanse us from all. Isaiah 1:18 "though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

We love you all!
Love, Deidi

I'll Strengthen Thee

The opening hymn for Saturday morning session was How Firm A Foundation.

1. How firm a foundation ye saints of the Lord,

Is laid for your faith in his excellent word;

What more can he say than to you he hath said?

You, who unto Jesus, for refuge have fled.

2. In ev'ry condition - in sickness in health,

In poverty's vale, or abounding in wealth,

At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,

As thy days may demand, so thy succor shall be.

3. “Fear not, I am with thee; O be not dismayed!

For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;

I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,

Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

4. “When through the deep waters I call thee to go,

The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o'erflow;

For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,

And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

5. “When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace all-sufficient shall be thy supply;

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design,

Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

6. “E'en down to old age, all my people shall prove

My sov'reign eternal, unchangeable love;

And then, when grey hairs shall their temples adorn,

Like lambs they shall still in my bosom be borne.

7. “The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,

I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes:

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,

I'll never - no, never, no, never forsake!”

I was very touched when hearing this hymn & read through all of the verses again today (even though they didn't sing all 7). My favorite verse is verse 3. 

The message I would like to share is "I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand". I was so impressed and inspired by hearing President Monson say he was 85 years old & called as an apostle 49 or 50 years ago. L. Tom Perry is 90 years old! It is amazing to me that they are so strong & young at heart. I know that they have diligently served & that The Lord has "strengthen them, help them, and cause them to stand" in their many years of service. This also strengthened my testimony of the Word of Wisdom & the blessings they have received from obedience to this also. I know it is because of their obedience! Heavenly Father will strengthen us and cause us to stand as well... If we try to be obedient and do what is right too.

Love, Deidi

Choose to Be Happy

One of the other recurring themes seemed to be on having more gratitude and feeling joy in our lives as opposed to feeling negative and having regrets.

Dieter F Uchtdorf shared these thoughts-
"The more we devote ourselves to the pursuit of holiness & happiness, the less likely we will be on the path to regrets. The more we rely on our Savior's grace, the more we will feel we are on the track our Father in Heaven has intended for us.

WE determine our happiness! It's not a race! It's a journey! Enjoy the moment! Life is not meant to only be appreciated in retrospect. This is the day which The Lord hath made, Rejoice and be glad in it! There is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it. Look less with our eyes and more with our hearts. Don't magnify the negative! Resolve to be happy! I pray that we will not wait until we are ready to die until we are ready to truly live!"

Sometimes we fall into a pattern of "I will be happy when (I have more money or less stress) ....or after. (I retire or kids are grown or)..." There are always going to be challenges or busyness in our lives. It is up to us to decide now to see the good in each day and resolve to be happy! Let us not live life in retrospect but decide to feel joy, gratitude and fulfillment now!

Love, Deidi

Be Still

This week, our family has been invited to share some of our favorite messages from General Conference. There were so many great things to choose from, that it will be hard to narrow down, so we encourage you to take time to read or listen in the coming days ahead. It was a wonderful weekend, with truly inspired messages, that are meant just for us during this time. I know that I didn't always appreciate the opportunity to sit through conference, when I was younger, but now I greatly look forward to it. Life is a struggle and I desperately need the strength and guidance to navigate through. I testify that Thomas S. Monson is our prophet, called of God! He is the prophet for all people on earth. I love him and sustain him (as well as the apostles & other general leaders) ! I was so touched to hear President Monson say (in his closing remarks) that he prays for us!

One of the recurring themes, throughout the messages, was the great importance of having the Spirit with us and being in tune with our Heavenly Father's will. Brother Gonzales shared a message of "Come unto me that you may see and feel" (seeing with our hearts) and also "Take the time to be still".

My challenge to each of you is to take the time (even 1 talk a day) to be still and read or listen to the talks. It is the perfect way to invite the Spirit into your homes and lives. It can be a challenge to feel the Spirit with all of the noise and demands that we have. We all have many responsibilities, pressures, deadlines, work, family etc but If we take the time to Be Still, we can know His will for us and call on Him to help us to get through this life. "Christ will not fail you! He knows how to succor His people."

"Be still and know that I am God" Psalms 46:10


Have you walked with me today?

I love you all and want you to know that I have a strong testimony of the gospel! The Spirit has testified of it's truthfulness to me many times. The world would have me show clear proof or a logical way of explaining this testimony but I can only share the personal witness that has been born to my soul. I know that if we take the time to "see and feel" with our hearts that we can all have this same witness! Spiritual truths are only learned by spiritual means. We need to have a desire to know and then ask God!

Though I am very imperfect, I am so grateful for the knowledge of a Heavenly Father who knows me (even every hair on my head) and loves each one of us. I know Jesus Christ is our Savior and is our advocate with the Father. He has atoned for our sins. We are here to overcome the things of the world and make weak things become strong! We can do all things through them.

I love you all!

Love, Deidi and Family

Who's On the Lord's Side?

This is a quote that Toby found last night before bed and really wanted to share with all. 

Abraham Lincoln was asked which side God was on in the Civil War. He responded: "I am not at all concerned about that, for I know that the Lord is always on the side of right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord’s side." (Abraham Lincoln’s Stories and Speeches, J.B. McClure, ed. [Chicago: Rhodes and McClure Publishing Co., 1896], pp. 185-86) 

We all need to make sure that even though the world does not look at the world this same way we need to make sure we do. We need to obey the laws of the land but also make sure that it still follows the Gospel and its teachings. 

We love you all 

Toby, Cate and Eme

A Child's Prayer

1. Heavenly Father, are you really there? And do you hear and answer ev’ry child’s prayer? Some say that heaven is far away, But I feel it close around me as I pray. Heavenly Father, I remember now Something that Jesus told disciples long ago: “Suffer the children to come to me.” Father, in prayer I’m coming now to thee. 2. Pray, he is there; Speak, he is list’ning. You are his child; His love now surrounds you. He hears your prayer; He loves the children. Of such is the kingdom, the kingdom of heav’n. Hey all sorry its so late we've struggle on a topic. As I was sitting her watching the debate for some reason it just makes me anxious watching them go back and forth. This primary song is actually a song and the first song that comes to mind when i'm in a situation or mind set when i'm uncomfortable, nervous, scared, anxious etc. I love the simple message of just talking to him and asking him if he's there. And the way i interpret the song in the second verse is the Holy ghost answering back letting us know He is there and that He loves us. There is also a scripture that goes with this in D&C 112:10 it says Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers. I love you all and just want those to share there favorite song they sing or hum to themselves in anytime where you need comfort, strength or guidance. Love you all so much Love, Cate

Being Honest

I Believe in Being Honest

I believe in being honest;

I believe in being true,

That honesty should start with me

In all I say, in all I do.

I’ll form good habits in my youth,

To keep my word, to tell the truth,

To speak up in defending right

And keep my name and honor bright.

I believe in being honest;

I believe in being true,

That honesty should start with me

In all I say, in all I do.

Words: Ruth Muir Gardner, 1927–1999. © 1986 IRI

This song is pretty straight forward but its something that we can all do. It sounds so simple and easy but is probably one of the hardest things we learn how to do at a young age. Being honest can get us in trouble or make us not fit in with others. We need to teach our children these good habits when they are young and always make sure to encourage it. And as adults we need to set this example not only for our family's but for those all around us. We can all make an impact in others life's by just being honest and speaking up for the truth when times are tough. We encourage everyone to try to stand tall this week and to always be truthful to others and also to ourselves.

We love you all!
Love, Toby, Cate, and Eme

Temptations

Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. and story arise and shine forth

Arise and Shine Forth

by Ann M,. Dibb, Second Counselor in the Young Woman General Presidency

http://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/05/arise-and-shine-forth?lang=eng

One of the greatest ways we can arise and shine forth is to confidently obey the commandments of God.

The scriptures provide many great examples to illustrate this idea. In the book of Judges in the Old Testament, we learn about Samson. Samson was born with great potential. His mother was promised, “He shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.”9 But as Samson grew, he looked more to the world’s temptations than to God’s direction. He made choices because they “pleaseth [him] well”10 rather than because those choices were right. Repeatedly, the scriptures use the phrase “and he went down”11 as they tell of Samson’s journeys, actions, and choices. Instead of arising and shining forth to fulfill his great potential, Samson was overcome by the world, lost his God-given power, and died a tragic, early death.

I chose to do the daily message on temptations because i have had many lately, im sure we all deal with our different kinds of temptaions each day. it could be as simple as eating a slice of chocolate cake on your diet, or more severe like immorality. i love the scripture especially, to me it lets us recognize that we are human and are of the world and are weak, why our spirit and internalness strives to be righteous and good and clean! its not easy. especially since there is so much things that are pleasing to our body, whether its food, drink, drugs alcohol, etc. etc. but those things are not pleasing to our spirit. our body is a temple temptations are our battle and test in life. i love you all and wish everbody the strngth to overcome their personal battles have a great day Toby, Cate, and Eme