A Great Message From Priesthood

We ought to understand—and I presume that we do generally—that the work which
we have come into this life to perform cannot be done to the glory of God or to the
satisfaction of ourselves merely by our own natural intelligence. We are dependent upon
the Spirit of the Lord to aid us and to manifest to us from time to time what is necessary
for us to accomplish under the peculiar circumstances that may surround us.12

It would be simply foolish indeed to expect the Latter-day Saints in these days to comply
with the celestial law, with the law that proceeds from God, and with his designs to
elevate the people into his presence, except they were sustained by a supernatural
[heavenly] power. The gospel promises this. It promises the gift of the Holy Ghost,
which is divine in its character, and which is not enjoyed by any other class of people,
and which we are told by the Saviour, should lead into all truth, and inspire those who
possessed it, and give them a knowledge of Jesus, a knowledge of the Father, and of
things pertaining to the celestial world; that it should inspire those who possessed it with
a knowledge of things to come, and things that were past; and inspire them to an extent
that they should enjoy supernatural gifts—the gift of tongues and prophecy, to lay hands
upon the sick, by which they should be healed.

We should so live that we shall know that our course of life is acceptable to God. We
should understand the voice and whisperings of the Holy Spirit. In the day when the sky
is not obscured by clouds, we discover surrounding objects, their beauty and purpose. So
are we dependent on the Spirit of God for light upon the principles of truth and salvation.
No professing Latter-day Saint can enjoy any great degree of happiness unless he thus
lives, and thus places himself under divine guidance.14

When we live humbly, the Holy Ghost helps us in our onward path.

Make up your minds to live humbly and in such a way that you will always have the
Spirit of the Lord to be your friend, to make such suggestions to you from time to time as
shall be needed under the peculiar circumstances in which you may be placed. …

A Few Scriptures that would be beneficial to read.

D&C 84-46 / 1 Nephi 10:17-19 / 2 Nephi 32:5

Surely Love All Love Dad & Patty

Sabrina's Goals- 2013

I had a lot of thoughts swirling about in my head about the goals when Ryan first posted the calendar (explains why I am so late still – LOL). This is not still really like I wanted to send it but if I wait to get it right you may never see it  The cliché New Year’s Resolution is always to lose weight – and yes I do want to – and many of us struggle with this so I am sure you know where I am at with this. . This year I want to take a different approach and then the weight loss should follow anyway! I want to get healthy – that is my goal. I would like to see all of us be healthy so we can all be on this earth a long time together. It would be sad to lose any one of us – and even sadder if it was by something we could prevent. I feel like I have done many good things with my health over the long haul – but I definitely still have my bad times where I am not vigilant and there is always room for improvement. I want to find a way to break as many bad habits as I can and keep a good continuum with the good habits I have. It is sooo easy to fall back on the bad habits – of course much easier than keeping the flow with the good ones. I think feeling crummy with the migraines recently really hit home and although it turned out to be nothing I think every time I feel so crummy it makes me want to not step a toe out of line health wise so I can never be sick again (even though you will still be sick sometimes – it might not be as frequent or severe I believe) Bryan and the kids are always so supportive of me. Bryan will even do many things with me to make it easier on me. He never really needs to lose weight like me – but he recognizes and has mentioned many times that just because he is naturally slim doesn’t equate to being healthy!
 
Here are some thoughts I had about ways to help me accomplish this once and for all – maybe something will strike a chord with any of you that want this for yourselves too… 
 

1. I need to start focusing on what I CAN eat instead of what I CANNOT eat.
2. I need to rely on multiple support systems.
3. I need to learn to have things to say for those that would sabotage – and yes some friends do this! I think being prepared with non-offensive things that don’t mention the word DIET would help avoid any backlash from would be saboteurs.
4. All the experts say to not call this a diet and call it a lifestyle change – I need to wrap my head around this and truly view it and treat it as such.
5. JUST MOVE – I always try to do these crazy workouts. Some of the crazy workouts I love and others I loathe and then I peeter out... sometimes cause I am too sore (yes this is worse when you are old like me peeps) I need to just do something most days and do things I enjoy so I will continue to do them.
6. JUST BELIEVE in myself and all my abilities

If anyone wants to add to this list it would be awesome! I have had more thoughts but can’t think of them now – but we all might have a different take or way to think that would make things easier.
 
I last wanted to share something personal that is on my mirror in my bathroom – and has been for years. I think that we sabotage ourselves for some reason – Jillian and Bob  say this all the time( I assume most of you know them from Biggest Loser). I don’t understand why this happens – it is all on a subconscious level I am sure. It stinks when in one way you feel strong and confident and in other ways you feel weak and unsure of yourself! We all need to believe in ourselves and love ourselves and treat our bodies with the utmost respect and care – it is the only body we have!
 
Here is what is on my index card in the bathroom…
 
I DESERVE THIS!
 
I WANT TO LIVE AN ABUNDANT LIFE!
 
I DON’T WANT TO SIMPLY EXIST!
 
KEEP GOING – I CAN DO IT!
 
NO FOOD TASTES AS GOOD AS THIN AND HEALTHY FEELS!
 
I love you all and hope we can all become exactly what we envision for ourselves…at home…at work…at play!!

Love Dare

THE LOVE DARE - 40 Days Love Journey

Day 1: Love is patient

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

—Ephesians 4:2

TODAY’S DARE

The first part of this dare is fairly simple. Although love is communicated in a number of ways, our words often reflect the condition of our heart. For the next day, resolve to demonstrate patience and to say nothing negative to your spouse at all. If the temptation arises, choose not to say anything. It’s better to hold your tongue than to say something you’ll regret

Day 2: Love is kind

 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

—Ephesians 4:32

TODAY’S DARE

In addition to saying nothing negative to your spouse again today, do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness.

Day 3: Love is not selfish

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another

—Romans 12:10

TODAY’S DARE

Whatever you put your time, energy, and money into will become more important to you. It’s hard to care for something you are not investing in. Along with restraining from negative comments, buy your spouse something that says, “I was thinking of you today.”

Day 4: Love is thoughtful

How precious also are thy thoughts to me. . . How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand.

—Psalm 139:17–18

TODAY’S DARE

Contact your spouse sometime during the business of the day. Have no agenda other than asking how he or she is doing and if there is anything you could do for them.

Day 5: Love is not rude

He that blesseth his friend with a loud Voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.

—Proverbs 27:14

TODAY’S DARE

Ask your spouse to tell you three things that cause him or her to be uncomfortable or irritated with you. You must do so without attacking them or justifying your behavior. This is from their perspective only.

Day 6: Love is not irritable

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that ruleth his spirit, than he who taketh a city.

—Proverbs 16:32

TODAY’S DARE

Choose today to react to tough circumstances in your marriage in loving ways instead of with irritation. Begin by making a list of areas where you need to add margin to your schedule. Then list any wrong motivations that you need to release from your life.

Day 7: Love believes the best

(Charity/Love) Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

—1 Corinthians 13:7

TODAY’S DARE

For today’s dare, get two sheets of paper. On the first one, spend a few minutes writing out positive things about your spouse. Then do the same with negative things on the second sheet. Place both sheets in a secret place for another day. There is a different purpose and plan for each. At some point during the remainder of the day, pick a positive attribute from the first list and thank your spouse for having this characteristic.

Day 8: Love is not jealous

Love is as strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave, the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.

—Song of Solomon 8:6

TODAY’S DARE

Determine to become your spouse’s biggest fan and to reject any thoughts of jealousy. To help you set your heart on your spouse and focus on their achievements, take yesterday’s list of negative attributes and discreetly burn it. Then share with your spouse how glad you are about a success he or she recently enjoyed.

Day 9: Love makes good impressions

Greet one another with a kiss of charity (love).

—1 Peter 5:14

TODAY’S DARE

Think of a specific way you’d like to greet your spouse today. Do it with a smile and with enthusiasm. Then determine to change your greeting to reflect your love for them.

Day 10: Love is unconditional

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

—Romans 5:8

TODAY’S DARE

Do something out of the ordinary today for your spouse—something that proves (to you and to them) that your love is based on your choice and nothing else. Wash her car. Clean the kitchen. Buy his favorite dessert. Fold the laundry. Demonstrate love to them for the sheer joy of being their partner in marriage.

Day 11: Love cherishes

So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies…

—Ephesians 5:28

TODAY’S DARE

What needs does your spouse have that you could meet today? Can you run an errand? Give a back rub or foot massage? Is there housework you could help with? Choose a gesture that says, “I cherish you” and do it with a smile.

Day 12: Love lets the other win

 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

—Philippians 2:4

TODAY’S DARE

Demonstrate love by willingly choosing to give in to an area of disagreement between you and your spouse. Tell them you are putting their preference first.

Day 13: Love fights fair

And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

—Mark 3:25

TODAY’S DARE

Talk with your spouse about establishing healthy rules of engagement. If your mate is not ready for this, then write out your own personal rules to “fight” by. Resolve to abide by them when the next disagreement occurs. If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.

Day 14: Love takes delight

Live joyfully with the wife whom though lovest all the days of the life…

—Ecclesiastes 9:9

TODAY’S DARE

Purposefully neglect an activity you would normally do so you can spend quality time with your spouse. Do something he or she would love to do or a project they’d really like to work on. Just be together.

Day 15: Love is honorable

…giving honour unto the wife…and as being heirs together of the grace of life;

—1 Peter 3:7

TODAY’S DARE

Choose a way to show honor and respect to your spouse that is above your normal routine. It may be holding the door for her. It might be putting his clothes away for him. It may be the way you listen and speak in your communication. Show your mate that he or she is highly esteemed in your eyes.

Day 16: Love intercedes

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

—3 John 2

TODAY’S DARE

Begin praying today for your spouse’s heart. Pray for three specific areas where you desire for God to work in your spouse’s life and in your marriage.

Day 17: Love promotes intimacy

He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

—Proverbs 17:9

TODAY’S DARE

Determine to guard your mate’s secrets (unless they are dangerous to them or to you) and to pray for them. Talk with your spouse, and resolve to demonstrate love in spite of these issues. Really listen to them when they share personal thoughts and struggles with you. Make them feel safe.

Day 18: Love seeks to understand

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that gaineth understanding.

—Proverbs 3:13

TODAY’S DARE

Prepare a special dinner at home, just for the two of you. The dinner can be as nice as you prefer.  Focus this time on getting to know your spouse better, perhaps in areas you’ve rarely talked about. Determine to make it an enjoyable evening for you and your mate.

Day 19: Love is impossible

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God and knoweth God.

—1 John 4:7

TODAY’S DARE

Look back over the dares from previous days. Were there some that seemed impossible to you? Have you realized your need for God to change your heart and to give you the ability to love? Ask Him to show you where you stand with Him, and ask for the strength and grace to settle your eternal destination.

Day 20: Love is Jesus Christ

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

—Romans 5:6

TODAY’S DARE

Dare to take God at His Word. Dare to trust Jesus Christ for salvation. Dare to pray, “Heavenly Father, I’m a sinner. But thou hast shown thy love for me by sending the Savior to die for me that I might have an opportunity to be forgiven of my sins, and to be saved from death by His resurrection. Lord, change my heart.”

Day 21: Love is satisfied in God

And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

—Isaiah 58:11

TODAY’S DARE

Be intentional today about making a time to pray and read your scriptures. As you do, immerse yourself in the love and promises God has for you. This will add to your growth as you walk with Him.

Day 22: Love is faithful

I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: And thou shalt know the Lord.

—Hosea 2:20

TODAY’S DARE

Love is a choice, not a feeling. It is an initiated action, not a knee-jerk reaction. Choose today to be committed to love even if your spouse has lost most of their interest in receiving it. Say to them today in words similar to these, “I love you. Period. I choose to love you even if you don’t love me in return.”

Day 23: Love always protects

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

—1 Corinthians 13:7

TODAY’S DARE

Remove anything that is hindering your relationship, any addiction or influence that’s stealing your affections and turning your heart away from your spouse.

Day 24: Love vs. Lust

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.

—1 John 2:17

TODAY’S DARE

End it now. Identify every object of lust in your life and remove it. Single out every lie you’ve swallowed in pursuing forbidden pleasure and reject it. Lust cannot be allowed to live in a back bedroom. It must be killed and destroyed—today—and replaced with the sure promises of God and a heart filled with His perfect love.

Day 25: Love forgives

To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;

—2 Corinthians 2:10

TODAY’S DARE

Whatever you haven’t forgiven in your mate, forgive it today. Let it go. Just as we ask Jesus to “forgive us our debts” each day, we must ask Him to help us “forgive our debtors” each day as well. Unforgiveness has been keeping you and your spouse in prison too long. Say from your heart, “I choose to forgive.”

Day 26: Love is responsible

Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

—Romans 2:1

TODAY’S DARE

Take time to pray through your areas of wrong doing. Ask for God’s forgiveness, and then humble yourself enough to admit them to your spouse. Do it sincerely and truthfully. Ask your spouse for forgiveness as well. No matter how they respond, make sure you cover your responsibility in love. Even if they respond with criticism, accept it by receiving it as counsel.

Day 27: Love encourages

O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.

—Psalm 25:20

TODAY’S DARE

Eliminate the poison of unrealistic expectations in your home. Think of one area where your spouse has told you you’re expecting too much, and tell them you’re sorry for being so hard on them about it. Promise them you’ll seek to understand, and assure them of your unconditional love.

Day 28: Love makes sacrifices

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

—1 John 3:16

TODAY’S DARE

What is one of the greatest needs in your spouse’s life right now? Is there a need you could lift from their shoulders today by a daring act of sacrifice on your part? Whether the need is big or small, purpose to do what you can to meet the need.

Day 29: Love’s motivation

With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

—Ephesians 6:7

TODAY’S DARE

Before you see your spouse again today, pray for them by name and for their needs. Whether it comes easy for you or not, say “I love you,” then express love to them in some tangible way. Go to God in prayer again, thanking Him for giving you the privilege of loving this one special person—unconditionally, the way He loves both of you.

Day 30: Love brings unity

And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

—John 17:11

TODAY’S DARE

Isolate one area of division in your marriage, and look on today as a fresh opportunity to pray about it. Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your own heart that is threatening oneness with your spouse. Pray that He would do the same for them. And if appropriate, discuss this matter openly, seeking God for unity.

Day 31: Love and marriage

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

—Genesis 2:24

TODAY’S DARE

Is there a “leaving” issue you haven’t been brave enough to conquer yet? Confess it to your spouse today, and resolve to make it right. The oneness of your marriage is dependent upon it. Follow this with a commitment to your spouse and to God to make your marriage the top priority over every other human relationship.

Day 32: Love meets sexual needs

Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

—1 Corinthians 7:3

TODAY’S DARE

If at all possible, try to initiate sex with your husband or wife today. Do this in a way that honors what your spouse has told you (or implied to you) about what they need from you sexually. Ask God to make this enjoyable for both of you as well as a path to greater intimacy.

Day 33: Love completes each other

Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?

—Ecclesiastes 4:11

TODAY’S DARE

Recognize that your spouse is integral to your future success. Let them know today that you desire to include them in your upcoming decisions, and that you need their perspective and counsel. If you have ignored their input in the past, admit your oversight and ask them to forgive you.

Day 34: Love celebrates godliness

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

—1 Corinthians 13:6

TODAY’S DARE

Find a specific, recent example when your spouse demonstrated Christian character in a noticeable way. Verbally commend them for this at some point today.

Day 35: Love is accountable

Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

—Proverbs 15:22

TODAY’S DARE

Find a marriage mentor—someone who is a strong Christian and who will be honest and loving with you. If you feel that counseling is needed, then take the first step to set up an appointment. During this process, ask God to direct your decisions and discernment.

Day 36: Love is God’s Word

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

—Psalm 119:105

TODAY’S DARE

Commit to reading the scriptures every day. Find a devotional book or other resource that will give you some guidance. If your spouse is open to it, see if they will commit to daily scripture reading with you. Begin submitting each area of your life to its guidance and start building on the rock.

Day 37: Love agrees in prayer

That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

—Matthew 18:19

TODAY’S DARE

Ask your spouse if you can begin praying together. Talk about the best time to do this, whether it’s in the morning, your lunch hour, or before bedtime. Use this time to commit your concerns, disagreements, and needs before the Lord. Don’t forget to thank Him for His provision and blessing. Even if your spouse refuses to do this, resolve to spend this daily time in prayer yourself.

Day 38: Love fulfills dreams

Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

—Psalm 37:4

TODAY’S DARE

Ask yourself what your mate would want if it was obtainable. Commit this to prayer, and start mapping out a plan for meeting some (if not all) of their desires, to whatever level you possibly can.

Day 39: Love endures

Charity (love) never faileth…

—1 Corinthians 13:8

TODAY’S DARE

Spend time in personal prayer, then write a letter of commitment and resolve to your spouse. Include why you are committing to this marriage forever, and that you have purposed to love them no matter what. Leave it in a place that your mate will find it.

Day 40: Love is a covenant

…for whither thou goest, I will go, and where thou lodgest, I will lodge. their people shall be my people, and thy God, my God.

—Ruth 1:16

TODAY’S DARE

Write out a renewal of your vows and place them in your home. Perhaps, This might be a great time to go to the temple together to do sealings. Make it a living testament to the value of marriage in God’s eyes and the high honor of being one with your mate.