Dying for Happiness: The Younger Days

In 1991 there was a young couple who were about to have their fifth child. There were some complications and the child decided to be stubborn and want to be different. He would not turn in order to come out of his mom in the proper natural way. The father of the child laid hands on his wife and by the Priesthood of God which he held, gave her a blessing. There were many people who told this man to bless that the child would turn in order to come out properly, however, in the blessing the father was inspired to say that the child would do what was best for him and his mother. On the morning of January 18 a beautiful baby boy was born, by cesarean section. At the time of birth the mother lost a lot of blood due to the bursting of a vein. Doctors said that if it had not been for that stubborn baby boy, the mother's life would have been in great danger, and could have easily died. Due to the power of priesthood that the young father held, the boy and mother were both alright. Today that boy is 20, still stubborn, and by the same Priesthood that his father held on a mission to preach the gospel to all he can.

Yes, that stubborn little boy was me!

As you can tell from that account, I have always had the gospel in my life, and the priesthood has always been close to my heart! I was raised in the church, and taught often by my parents of the truthfulness of the gospel, and the blessings that come from keeping the commandments of God. Growing up, the gospel was always a big part of my life. We took time to be together and teach each other of the importance of the Gospel. Yes we did it at specific times likes family prayer and family home evening, but we also did it every day. In everything we did we taught each other! Living the gospel was a joy for me, I loved the spirit and happiness that I felt and how close I was with my family!

Another way I learned of the gospel was at course at church! I loved primary and particulary loved singing the songs! I learned many valuable lessons from those simple songs. One of my favorite is A Child's Prayer, which teaches that Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

When I turned eight, I was baptized by my father who holds the Priesthood of God. I don't remember much about that day, but I know that I was happy and peaceful! I also received the gift of the Holy Ghost, which was a huge help in my life.

Even from a young age, I knew that God was there, and I knew that the Gospel brought me happiness!

Next Post in the Series: "The Priesthood"

Sister's Sunday: A Women's Sacrifice

I know that all of you have sacrificed something in your life, whether it is sleep, time, money, the list goes on and on. So what does it mean to sacrifice? To sacrifice is to give up something of value for the sake of something of greater worth. Sacrifice is an everyday occurrence in the life of a woman, especially a mother. There are countless things that you mothers sacrifice for your children, to make sure their life is great, and that they are happy and have the things that they need! Sacrifice is a must in life, and especially in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. According to True to the Faith, "If we were not required to make sacrifices we would never be able to develop the faith necessary for eternal salvation."

Last night I learned more about and gained more respect for sacrifices given to bless our lives. As  you may know (from my last post) the Nashville Tribute Band performed here in Madison last night. It was an amazing show, and the Spirit was thick in that room. One of the songs they sang that I love is about Emma Smith. It talks about how strong Emma, the wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith was. I love and respect Emma and the great sacrifices that she gave so that we can be a part of this great church today.








Something that the group did after the show also touched my heart on their great sacrifice. So there were some sister missionaries who had investigators coming to the show. However, they did not get there until after the show had already ended. They had traveled over an hour, and missed it. So the members of the Nashville Tribute Band, even though they had families to get home to and things to do last night to prepare for another show today in McMinnville, played for them. They took another hour or so, to play just for these two investigators and sister missionaries. The spirit was so strong, and I know touched their lives. Such a great sacrifice that I know will make a difference in their lives. I am so grateful for such examples of sacrifice.

I know that all of you give great sacrifices in your lives, and I would encourage you to keep making them! For the blessings are promised and they will come!!!!

Watch with Wonder Wednesday: Nashville Tribute Band

Who doesn't love music? Music brings great power to influence either for good or evil! There are many people that are blessed with the talent to play, sing or write music. Some of these people use their talents for evil, to drag us down to vanity, immorality and self doubt. However, as we know, there is opposition in all things (2 Nephi 2:11,) and their are those that bless us with their music. They build the desire in us to do good, praise God and keep His commandments through their inspired music. The Nashville Tribute band in one of these groups!!! Their music is wholesome, uplifting and spiritual!!

For those of you that live in the Nashville area, we will be blessed to have the opportunity to see them live!!! They will be having the following shows this weekend:

Friday, May 20 · 7:00 pm

Franklin, TN Stake Center

1100 Gray Fox Lane

Franklin, TN

Saturday, May 21 · 6:00pm

Madison, TN Stake Center

107 Twin Hills Drive

Madison, Tennessee

 

Sunday, May 22 · 7:00pm

McMinnville, TN Stake Center

562 Shangri La Lane

McMinnville, Tennessee

Check out more information about the Nashville Tribute Band:

Sister's Sunday: The Key to Happiness!

Since this is a blog about dying for Happiness, maybe it would be good to know what the key to happiness is? So what is it? What is the key to happiness in your life?

Well, for me, one of the keys to happiness in my life is... yup you guessed it, my mother!!! My mom brought me into this great earth, and taught me the ways of living in the world today. She taught me how to serve, how to resist temptation, how to repent, how to live the gospel, how to cook, how to handle life, and most of all how to LOVE! My mother is one of the greatest examples of Christ like love. I mean, she has to be, she raised 5 boys for Pete's sake! She is an example of giving that never ceases! My mom was the Relief Society President in our ward for years, she was always busy helping others and never turned anyone away, and yet still had time to love me and be my mother! Then as she served as the seminary teacher, spending countless hours studying and preparing for her lesson, yet still dropping everything to help me with a problem I was having, or something I needed! She was always there to support every step of the way during my life. One thing that I highly respect of my mother, is that no matter how much she cared, and probably often wanted to make my choices for me, she taught me how to make difficult decision and live on my own, by allowing me to try and fail, as I often did! Then, tenderly loving me and guiding me back to where I needed to be! My mom is everything to me and one of the reasons why I am here on my mission! She is a constant strength to me, when something is hard, and I want to quit, I think of my mother, and then gain the courage and strength to continue!

One thing that I often remember doing with my mother is singing with her while she played the piano. I really miss those days! But in memory, I found this video, that I think is great!



Love ya Mom!!!

Sister's Sunday: Oh Sweet Music!

Who doesn't love music? I am sure you do! I know that I do, and I know that my awesome sister Alyssa does! So here is Alyssa with the Power of Music!!

Elder Dye suggested that I write something about music, and I thought it would be very fitting since I will have performed my senior recital Saturday April 30! I am graduating this semester in music education.

Like so many other things, I think that the Lord created music to bring about his work. I think the reason I ultimately became a music major is that I have had so many faith building experiences through music. I have had experiences where something, maybe a decision, suddenly becomes clear. I understand that there is a plan, and I can feel my Father's love.

In 1830, Emma Smith was directed by the Lord to collect hymns for a hymn book for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Lord knew that music was important. It is so prevalent in the way that we worship. If used right, it can bring the spirit into any meeting. I know that that spirit can testify to those listening that the words being sung, often testimonies of others, are true! One of my favorite hymns is "I Know That My Redeemer Lives". Every time I sing or hear this song, I feel so strongly that my Savior does live! It is so comforting to me. I know that he is always there to wipe away my tears and I can feel his love so strongly.

Music is powerful. It is all around us every day. Many of us wake up to music, drive to work with music on, actually work with music on, etc. It is amazing how much it influences our lives, both in positive and negative ways. What if I always tried to listen to music that would uplift me or bring the spirit? I think that I could be one step closer to becoming like Christ, because the choice to listen to wholesome music will bring the spirit, and with the spirit guiding me I know I can do great things. Elder Busche said in a BYU devotional, "...The greatest achievement that can be reached in our lives is to be under the complete influence of the Holy Ghost. Then he will teach us what is really good and necessary to do." I am so grateful for music, and I am so grateful for this gospel and the peace it brings.