Moses

I've been thinking a lot about Moses. He was a prophet of God. As prophet, he saw God face to face. What a remarkable spiritual experience! In addition to seeing God, he saw this world and all those who have or will inhabit it. After this amazing experience the Adversary came temping Moses. Initially Moses was able to withstand the temptations because he remembered the vision and the power of God. But after Satan continues to tempt him, "Moses began to fear exceedingly; and as he began to fear, he saw the bitterness of hell" (Moses 1:20). Only when Moses began to listen to the Adversary did he see the bitterness of hell.
Each of us experience miracles. Through these we are able to see the power of God in our own lives. We are strengthened and edified but just as Moses, the Adversary will try to tempt us. He wants us to fall and will do all in his power to make it happen. The Adversary doesn't want us to have eternal happiness. I like what Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said in his talk entitled "Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence." He said, "If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted it and lived for it, it is right now. Don't give up when the pressure mounts. Certainly don't give in to that being who is bent on the destruction of your happiness. Face your doubts. Master your fears. 'Cast not away therefore your confidence.' Stay the course and see the beauty of life unfold for you."

Light

Sadly my calla lily died. Cause of death: lack of light.
We are just like my calla lily. We need light. We need light from the sun. Sunlight provides vitamin D which aids in the absorption of calcium, improves the immune system, and reduces stress.
We also need the light from our Savior Jesus Christ. He said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” Thanks to our Savior, the Light of the World, we do not have to walk in darkness. He can and does shed light upon our lives. He guides and directs us. We are not without hope, thanks to Him.

Priesthood Power

I taught a lesson on the priesthood, or the authority of God given to man to act in His name. My preparation for the lesson was edifying. It caused me to think of my own experiences with the priesthood power. I am incredibly grateful for the priesthood in my life. I have been blessed by its power. Oftentimes I feel a very direct love from my Heavenly Father through the priesthood. In a talk given by Elder Dallin H. Oaks he says, "As a boy and as a man I have seen healings as miraculous as any recorded in the scriptures, and so have many of you." The power of God is real! Miracles can and do happen!
As I was preparing, 1 Corinthians 11:11 kept entering my mind. The verse may seem unrelated to the priesthood authority but I couldn't help but think how much we need each other! Equally as good is Genesis 2:18. I love the scriptures! I love the word of God! There is so much to be gained!

Sweet potatoes

In an effort to be healthier, I have significantly decreased my sugar and salt consumption. In doing so I have been looking for yummy snacks which do not contain processed sugar and are low in sodium. My favorite treat has been sweet potatoes! I have always loved the flavor of pumpkin and sweet potatoes. I love both in pie form, however that doesn't help me in avoiding sugar:) My favorite form of sweet potatoes has become my own sweet potato chips. I sliver the sweet potato, place them on a cookie sheet, lightly spray with vegetable oil (Pam), sprinkle with spices, and bake. It's delicious!

How Firm a Foundation

A few years ago a friend and I were held up at gunpoint. It was terrifying for a few reasons. Our lives were threatened. After the robbery, the thief had the key to our apartment and had watched us exit so it was possible that he would return while we were there. The most terrifying part for my friend was the triggered memories of abuse. It was a challenging time. It was a time to rely on the Lord. We found solace in the hymn "How Firm a Foundation."
I was sitting by a friend at church today who is going through a large trial. We sang "How Firm a Foundation" and once again I was touched by the words and doctrine within this hymn:
"Fear not, I am with thee; oh, 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.

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.

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.

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no never, no never forsake!"

Trials will always be apart of life. There is no need to fear! Heavenly Father gives us strength to overcome. The Adversary is the only one who wants us to become discouraged and give up. We become strengthened through our trials. When we rely on Jesus Christ we gain strength and wisdom and come closer to the ultimate goal, eternal life.

Greenhouse

My calla lily bulb never grew. So, I made a trip to the local nursery for an already growing calla lily. I ended up buying the only calla lily left. My bulb was supposed to be a red calla lily. It would have looked awesome with my red and brown color scheme in my room but alas the calla lily I purchased is white. I'm still super excited! It has a white spotted leaf which will look really awesome when the calla lilies bloom!
This past weekend I was spent some time with my dad. I found out that when he was young, his favorite flower was the calla lily. How cool that, at least for some time, my dad and I shared a favorite flower?!
Anyway, I never thought I was one for gardens. I appreciate beautiful gardens but was never interested in devoting much time to cultivating plants. A few years ago I decided that I wanted a plant. I've always liked the idea of having green draping plants hanging over bookshelves. So, I bought a plant which would make my library complete.
A few years later, I have four plants! My bedroom is going to become a greenhouse!

8/9/10

I realized at work that it is 8/9/10! I love numbers! I'm not a mathematician by any stretch of the imagination but I'm fascinated with number sequences, even numbers, and my favorite number (8). Eight became my favorite number around the age of 6 or 7 when I began looking forward to being baptized. Eight doubled is sixteen which is the date of my birth. Eighty eight was the number of the house I lived in until seven years of age. Eight is the last number of my current address. My license plate begins with the number 8. And it goes on and on. . . I love numbers!