P52 Week #24- Sunlight

The sunlight hitting the

LDS Houston Texas Temple

is always beautiful.

A Holiday in Holladay, Utah: Easter 2012 Part 2

These are the last of the Temple Square pictures!!

This is the Assembly Hall for the overflow of the Tabernacle.

I just love the Star of David in several of the windows.  We don't know why the pioneers chose to put them there, because they didn't write it down.  So, I'm just going to enjoy the fact they're there. :)

I've loved the Star of David since I was eight.  My Sunday School teacher at that time was a Jewish convert to the Church (LDS), yet still wore her Star of David.  She explained to us that it is two triangles: one pointing up to God and one pointing down to the individual.  The Star is representative of one's relationship with Heavenly Father.

Don't you just love that?!

Ever since then, I have loved the Star of David.

And the gardens around Temple Square...

Aunt Barbara + Me

Me + Mommy

The Salt Lake City Temple

Me + December (my sister)

Sisters

Beautiful flowers...

P52 Week #15: Sacrifice/ Easter in Utah 2012 Part 1

This year we were able to make it to Utah for Easter!! So exciting! We fly stand-by, so I may be super spoiled, but it can be difficult to see my family in Utah for holidays.

Anyhoo, my family lives in Holladay, a suburb of Salt Lake City, so we were able to go to Temple Square! I LOVE Temple Square.  It is just so peaceful and refreshing and beautiful and full of testaments of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, our Savior.  It testifies of the sacrifice of Christ.  It testifies of the LDS pioneers', my ancestors, sacrifices.  All of these sacrifices were made for you.  They were made for me.

Here are some photos from Temple Square...

I sure hope the prophet, President Monson, wasn't looking out his window at us crazy folk...

Cousin Colette, Cousin Danielle, Sister December, Cousin Andrew, Me!

The pioneers worked for 40 years to create this beautiful temple dedicated to the work of the Lord.

 

Here are some snip-its of the testimony of the three witnesses of The Book of Mormon.

In one of the visitor centers, there are several paintings of Christ during His ministry displayed.

And the spiral walkway from the paintings leads to the grand finale, The Cristus statue.

I know through the Atonement, I can be healed of all my afflictions: sin, grief, pain, sickness.

I only need to rely on the Lord.  I must go to Him to seek repentance and relief.

Through His mercy and grace, I can be saved.

Although His sacrifice was for everyone,

 I must do my part to follow His commandments and endure to the end.

Jesus the Christ loves me and I love my elder brother. :)

P52 Week #10: Be Still

Last Saturday, my Relief Society walked to the Houston Texas LDS Temple. 

(Relief Society is a society for women in the LDS church. 

 For more information click here.)

 

For nearly two hours, we walked together along wooded paths, holding devotionals and participating in activities.  We helped and encouraged

each other along the way.

It was a truly inspiring and spiritual experience.  The main theme

was that we need to stay on the path of righteous and endure to the end 

in order to reach that eternal destination. 

"Let the Lord be your light.

Let Him prepare the way before you to your promised land...

Trust Him. Keep your eyes riveted on your goal across the field and walk

in the straight and narrow path of the Son- the Son of God."

-Sharon Larsen

Walking along...

"Our covenants will strengthen us to resist temptation.

Keeping our covenants will steady us on the path of virtue.

As we keep the covenants we make at baptism,

we will remain in the center of the path."

-Elaine S. Dalton

We made it!!

"Be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the

blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours."

-Doctrine & Covenants 78:18

In front of the beautiful Spring flowers on the temple grounds.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

-Proverbs 3:3-6

And the beautiful temple with its beautiful reflection...

The temple is a place of learning, worship, and peace.  Reverence and holiness is found there.  Whenever I go to the temple, I rest in its stillness.

And it is so beautiful.

The world can't hurt me there.  The rush, the evil, the hurt, the worry.

So reminiscent of the hymn: Peace,peace, be still.

The Spirit fills me and makes me feel whole.

There are 136 temples scattered around the world.

And there is one an hour from my apartment.  I am so grateful for this blessing.

(For more information about temples, click here and here.)

Isn't it beautiful?

Just Keep Running, Just Keep Running

all nice and sweaty after a run... Carissa wants you to notice her running belt!!!!

Last Saturday I ran 8.5 miles in 85 minutes!! This is a HUGE accomplishment for me.  I had never done that before!

But this great feat did not happen without adversity pressuring me to stop, to give up.  There is no way I could have made it without my running buddy, Carissa.

Although the temperature was in the 50s, we still got out to run.

Though our faces and ears were frozen the first 25 minutes, we kept running.

I got tired, but we chugged that Cytomax and water and kept running.

From minutes 40-65, my right foot totally went numb.  I seriously could only feel my ankle, but able to still run.  Carissa encouraged (more like told) me to keep running.

At every hill, I met it with determination and defeated that sucker all the way to the top.

The last 20 minutes were so slow and exhausting, but I finished my run.

There is no where I could have fought through that run without Carissa.  She was a great cheerleader and friend.  These trials, some expected and others unexpected, that manifested during my run could have easily beat me.  I could have quit. So. Easily.  

This experience reminds me of our lives.  In our races of life, we will meet adversity.  Who will we turn to? Will you turn to the Savior to bear your burdens? Will you pray to your Heavenly Father to ask for help and guidance?

But most importantly, will you finish the run?
Or will you give up?  

Now some scripture candy.  Sorry, the best scriptures I found are either from the Book of Mormon or the Doctrine and Covenants.

For as Alma tells his son Helaman: "for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day." (Alma 36:3)

D & C 50:5 "But blessed are they who are faithful and endure, whether in life or in death, for they shall inherit eternal life."

D&C 58:2-4 "For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments... he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.
        "Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shallcome hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after tribulation.
        "For after much tribulation come the blessings.  Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand."

D&C 121:7-8 "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes."



Our trials will not last for forever, but our blessings can be eternal.  We may not understand the "why" of the trial at that small moment, but Heavenly Father has His divine purpose.  We have come to this life to learn and grow within ourselves and strengthen our testimonies.
The Savior suffered for our sins and afflictions, so He can help us.  Lean on Him and trust Him.  I promise He won't let you down.  Envelope yourself in that comfort.

And remember, "Just keep running" or erhhh... "Swimming" haha

P52 Week #7: True Love

Dear lovely people of the world,
        
           Just because you didn't have a special someone to spend Valentine's day, doesn't mean you aren't loved.  There are two beings who love you very much.  Heavenly Father and Jesus the Christ truly love and care for you.  So this week, look for their tender mercies and be happy. :)

                Love,
                 Savannah

P.S. Sorry all my school work kept me from giving you an awesome photo this week. :(

The House that Builds You...

Today in Relief Society, we discussed the wise and foolish men and their houses.  All I can say is: Location, Location, Location. haha.

Well Matthew chapter 7:24-27 says:
"Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto the wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
"And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon on that house; and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock.
"And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
"And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it"

Just ponder the importance of laying a foundation for how ourselves.  When we need the support of the gospel, what is there to help us bear the stormy trials of life.  We need to lay a firm foundation for our houses.  A foundation of nice solid concrete beats sand and dirt any day.  And the upkeep! Just as our real houses are in constant need of repairs, how testimonies need the occasional patches to cover the worn holes.
And the cleaning! Always remember to clean your windows. :) It is easier to regularly clean your windows, for they increasingly get covered covered in dirt and grime.  Christ is your neighbor.  Use His atonement to clean your windows, for the dirtier they become, the harder it is to see Him. 

"The House that Built Me" by Miranda Lambert 

Mama cut out pictures of houses for years
From Better Homes and Gardens magazine
Plans were drawn and concrete poured
Nail by nail and board by board
Daddy gave life to mama’s dream

 As we build and steady our foundations and houses piece by piece, layer by layer, we fortify our beautiful testimony.  It occurs in steps, for nothing so grand and strong can exist all at once.

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself

If I could just come in I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me

Our foundational testimonies can only give us strength if we continually fortify them.  We cannot abandon them to destruction.  No worldly thing can fully replace it and fill that void.

You leave home and you move on and you do the best you can
I got lost in this old world and forgot who I am

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself

If I could walk around I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me

I just related a Miranda Lambert song to gospel doctrine... yes, I did!  If only I could correlate "Powder and Lead"...hmmm...

Peace Out!!

Fishers of Men and Accepting Others

For my birthday (waaaaay back in October), my dad used his persuasive salesman super powers over me, and he convinced me into off shore fishing for my bday.  Yep. Me. His daughter that doesn't care for  fishing.  Red Fish fishing. In the ocean.


Anyhoo, so we set off at some ungodly hour a-headed to ole Galveston, Texas.  The only good thing about being already on the water by like 7 or whatever the time was seeing the sunset on the ocean...



please ignore my dad...



First, we started closer to shore, within the Houston Channel.  We could still see shore and there were lights and huge ships all around us.  This is where we caught what we were fishing for: Redfish.

The process was long and hard. (And gross. I didn't touch it.)  Anyhoo, it took forever to reel in.  In fact, the boat next to us (its guide was the son-in-law of our guide) full of obnoxious guys kept cat-calling and making fun of me.  They called over that I was struggling pulling in a little Rainbow Trout. HA! I showed them! It was, indeed, a perfect Redfish. 



reeling the sucker in



now ain't she a beauty?

 But this was the only one we caught...

We waited and waited, but nothing bit.  So we headed out to the jetties! 

Jetties are long, huge, ginormo rock structures that protect the ship channel (Houston is a port) from the killer ocean waves.  The South jetty is 2-3 miles while the North jetty is 4-5.  They are similar to the small jetties along Galveston beach that prevent erosion except on steriods.

  

Well, part of fishing is knowing where to look for the little guys.  Fish love to hang around structures, so we knew where to find.  We were actively engaged in seeking them.  Out by the jetties, we caught three small sharks and a sting ray.  We brought them into the boat to take out the hook. And for the sake of this super extended metaphor, let's pretend we kept the sharks. :)

upper left: shark; lower left: jellyfish; upper right: a very spastic, blurry stingray; lower left: a bonnet shark

We are taught in the New Testament (Matt 4:19) to be "fishers of men." Well, it's easy to say there are hundreds of thousands, no millions of fresh and salt water creatures out that to be "caught."  An extremely small percentage could be a "fish" that's exactly like you, but still not really.  Just as all of those creatures are extremely different, we as God's children, are all different.  As we are all different, we must be willing to invite people of all kinds into our "boat."  Just look at mormon.org to see all the different people just within our one faith.  Think of all the the people in this world still waiting for us to "catch 'em all!" (sorry, couldn't resist. I am from that generation after all. though I totally made fun of those people. oops.)  We must make that effort. 

When we went fishing, we wanted Redfish.  For October is the perfect time to catch in Galveston, because they are schooling there.  (they're all on scholarship. Bah! I just crack myself up...) So, we were expecting to catch 3 or 4.  We were out on the water from about 6:30 to 11:30am and caught one Redfish. One. 

We caught the one and only where we expected to, but we had to head out to a different location searching for more.  In our hunt, we had to search for fish who would bite.  We had to change to become more inviting.  Just like we all need to work to become better examples and spokespersons for our faith.  Of course, we are not perfect, but we are still to adhere to our standards. 

Furthermore, we actively participating in the hunt.  Very rarely do investigators approach us.  We must actively seek out in our missionary work.  Also, we must be accepting and tolerant of the differences of those around us.  Every person, every child of God, deserves the chance to accept the Gospel.  It is an amzing process to see a peson alter their lifestyle to fully live the Gospel.

But as missionaries, we mmust be willing to sacrifice and step out of our comfort zones.  Being actively engaged again comes to mind.  Defend our faith, develop your testimony, reach out to others.  Not everyone will accept the Gospel, but we can still set good examples and plant that seed of truth in their hearts.  Allow them to learn a truth and change their lives for the better.  We caught a little sting ray.  They are completely harmless unless they feel threatened.  And they feel threatened while sporting a hook lip ring. haha. Anyhoo, their barb thingies are very poisonous.  Before our guide even attempted to unhook the sucker, he cut the barb off.  (Now don't worry, it grows back.  It just won't killing any fishmen for a while.)  So the beast came into our boat and left for the better as a beast that is nicer and not so hurtful.  As we invite our fellow children into our lives, into the Gospel, they mat not all "stay in the boat," but we can still change their lives with little seeds of truth.  That "sting ray" is now a better "sea creature" for following that invitation into the Gospel.

As we work to spread the Gospel, we must be fully engaged and aware, as well as sincere.  As we accept all sorts of people into our faith, we must truly learn to love and care for them.  The church is based on the smallest family unit, then expands to include larger family units, such as wards and branches.  How are to fully function as wards and branches, if we do not exercise charity and compassion?

As we include others into our fellowship, and truly care for them, we strengthen each other.  First, accept who they are, learn to love, and then see them for who they truly without judgement.

I would like to end with an awesome quote by the big boss:

President Thomas S. Monson shared thoughts about how expressions of charity strengthen the ties of sisterhood in Relief Society:

“I consider charity—or ‘the pure love of Christ’—to be the opposite of criticism and judging. In speaking of charity, I do not at this moment have in mind the relief of the suffering through the giving of our substance. That, of course, is necessary and proper. Tonight, however, I have in mind the charity that manifests itself when we are tolerant of others and lenient toward their actions, the kind of charity that forgives, the kind of charity that is patient.

“I have in mind the charity that impels us to be sympathetic, compassionate, and merciful, not only in times of sickness and affliction and distress but also in times of weakness or error on the part of others.

“There is a serious need for the charity that gives attention to those who are unnoticed, hope to those who are discouraged, aid to those who are afflicted. True charity is love in action. The need for charity is everywhere.

“Needed is the charity which refuses to find satisfaction in hearing or in repeating the reports of misfortunes that come to others, unless by so doing, the unfortunate one may be benefited. …

“Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down. It is resisting the impulse to become offended easily. It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings. It is accepting people as they truly are. It is looking beyond physical appearances to attributes that will not dim through time. It is resisting the impulse to categorize others.

“Charity, that pure love of Christ, is manifest when a group of young women from a singles ward travels hundreds of miles to attend the funeral services for the mother of one of their Relief Society sisters. Charity is shown when devoted visiting teachers return month after month, year after year to the same uninterested, somewhat critical sister. It is evident when an elderly widow is remembered and taken to ward functions and to Relief Society activities. It is felt when the sister sitting alone in Relief Society receives the invitation, ‘Come—sit by us.’

“In a hundred small ways, all of you wear the mantle of charity. Life is perfect for none of us. Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life. May we recognize that each one is doing her best to deal with the challenges which come her way, and may we strive to do our best to help out.

“Charity has been defined as ‘the highest, noblest, strongest kind of love,’ the ‘pure love of Christ … ; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with [her].’

“‘Charity never faileth.’ May this long-enduring Relief Society motto, this timeless truth, guide you in everything you do. May it permeate your very souls and find expression in all your thoughts and actions.”²⁵

Peace out.

General Conference October 2011

Well, let me just say...

I loved Conference!!!!!

I always enjoy listening to the words of our modern-day prophets, seers, and revelators, but this year was special in it's own way.  I guess at the old age of 19 years, I am finally mature and smart enough to pray before Conference to ask for the Spirit's guidance in my own personal revelation and understanding of the talks.  Never before have my reactions to the beautiful talks spoken at Conference been so emotional.  I didn't have a certain question or concern in mind beforehand.  The Lord simply knew what I needed to hear before I even knew.  Several talks and portions of talks seemed to be directed at me.  Little insignificant Miss Savannah in the second row of the institute building in the tiny college town in the one little area somehow a part of this massive world.

Why would my needs matter? There are so many others bearing heavier burdens and trials.

Because

According to President Uctdorf,

I AM significant.  I DO matter.  My simple little life

has the potential to touch and influence literally

thousands of lives.

I can enjoy this journey of life while striving for

my goals.  I may have weaknesses, but I can turn them into

my strengths.

According to Julie B. Beck, Relief Society President,

I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father.

I am a part of a world wide sisterhood, the largest of its kind.

According to Silvia Allred, 1st Counselor of Relief Society,

all sisters can be a pillar of strength in the Lord's kingdom.

According to Ian S. Arden of the Seventy,

When you have children and how many children you have

is only

 between you, your spouse, and the Lord.

Rock that triangle of eternal marriage!

According to L. Tom Perry of the Twelve Apostles,

we all must be bold in our declarations of our testimonies

of Christ, our faith, and your active membership.

According to President Henry B. Eyring, 1st Cousnelor,

our sacred charge is to:

1. Be Charitable: exhibit the pure love of Christ
2. Stand as a Witness: your testimony will give you strength and power
3. Endure: we can do all things through Christ and God's love

According to Kazuhiko Yamashita of the Seventy,

we can prepare to serve missions by:

1. Having a desire to the Gospel
2. Developing your testimony
3. Love others

When President Thomas S. Monson spoke about how commandments are not merely suggestions, I couldn't help but think of the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie.  You know, the rules of piracy are more like guidelines?

ahahaha, such a fantastic movie...

The "Pirate Code" involves trickery? only applies to pirates, a select few?? are only guidelines???

Thank goodness the Lord's commandments and blessings are nothing of the sort.  The Lord would never trick us. (That's Satan's job.) He loves us and wants us to succeed.  The commandments of God are for everyone, and everyone has the potential to earn blessings.  The commandments are commandments. Not suggestions for an unattainable lifestyle. Not guidelines for one to loosely follow on a whim. Commandments.

Seems fair, ya?

Yes! You mean that if I learn His commandments and follow them, I earn blessings? I have the chance to earn eternal life by doing so?

Right on!

Also, I absolutely LOVED Sister Elaine S. Dalton's talk.  By directly teaching fathers how to raise daughters, she indirectly taught what women should look for in a husband.  These are some of her points:

1. Be an example of a honorable husband. Be the man that you would want her to date and marry.
2. Be an example of one who keeps all of his covenants, especially marriage covenants.
3. Be a frequent temple goer.  Take her with you.
4. Preside with love and righteousness.
5. Protect your family and home from evil
6. Be a guardian of her virtue
7. Let her know your standards
8. Be a worthy priesthood
9. Share your testimony frequently with her
10. Spend time together.

These are all special attributes and actions that I hope and pray I will find in my future husband.  I definitely want all these blessings (yes, a father who does all these things is considered a blessing) for my children. How nice would it be if we all had a father like this?

Love this movie...

In this movie, Quest for Camelot, Kaylee's father may be deceased but she still sees him as a source for strength. I LOVE this movie.  It's one of my favorites from childhood. :)

Click here to watch and enjoy Conference yourself. :)