Sunday Thoughts: Sunday On The River

Sunday is my favorite day.

It is calm.

Quiet.

Peaceful.

&.

Spiritual.

Sunday's energize me. It is my weekly recharge. 

Sunday is a Holy day.

Sunday is a day I renew my Covenants with the Lord.

Sunday is a day of Service.

Sunday is a Family day.

Sunday is a day of Rest.

I often think about the stress and  anxiety I might feel if I didn't have Sunday to just...

STOP.

LISTEN.

&.

HEAR.

But I do.

And I am so. so. so. grateful for that.

These pictures were taken impromptu on our last Sunday Walk. Something about the water and the waves and my sweet family make these pictures depict how I feel about The Sabbath Day perfectly.

Babies still cry.

Kids still fight.

Dinner still has to be made.

Clothes still need to be ironed.

And yet I find more peace on this day, than any other day.

And I know it is because I attend church.

I take the Sacrament.

I think about the Savior.

And I learn about his gospel.

I love Sundays.

And spending Sunday with the one closest to your heart is magical. meaningful. magnificent.

I love him.

Squeaking by...and The Continuous Conversion by Brad Wilcox

Sunday morning I pulled out my beautiful violin. Every time I open my case I am brought back to Christmas Day. I had no idea what was in that big box, and when I opened it, I wept with joy. I have always dreamed of learning to play the violin. And Scott knew it.

My Violin has now been in my possession for almost 3 months.

I tightened my bow, applied fresh rosin to it, and put my chin rest on my violin. I stared down the fingerboard making sure that I was going to hit an open A and then I started down with my bow stroke. It rang out beautifully until I willfully placed my first finger down, shooting for a B and missing terribly.

SQUEAK!

I quickly corrected my finger placing searching for the correct intonation. On and on I repeated these steps, hitting the note in one instant and then missing the mark in the next.

I practiced Twinkle Twinkle, I Am Like A Star Shining Brightly, and London Bridges. I played for about 15 minutes until I felt that Scott, who was trying to sleep about 5 feet away from where I was practicing, would ultimately get frustrated with my efforts and tell me to be quiet.

"So babe, what did you think of that?", I asked sarcastically, partially expecting abuse and  annoyance for interrupting his precious sleep.

"Erin, I could listen to you play all day", he said in a beautiful, sincere and genuine response.

I've been thinking of this continually this week. How could Scott, a seasoned Master of the violin, appreciated my small offering of a few pure notes and a thousand missed ones?

In the book The Continuous Conversion by BradWilcox he says,

Am I willing to gradually be perfected, or am I impatiently just wanting to be instantly made perfect?
To instantly play perfectly?
To just pick up my violin and play like the Master?

In the book, Wilcox uses an analogy that I loved.

"Many people, as they feel themselves falling short of perfection, are tempted to quit trying. But are there only two options?"

He continues, "When a person is learning to play the piano, are the only two options performing at Carnegie Hall or quitting?

NO!" he writes, "Growth and Development take time. Learning takes practice. Discipleship is a journey, and true conversion is a CONTINUOUS PROCESS."

So why is it that Scott, who plays the violin Perfectly; the perfect tone, the perfect vibrato...could appreciate and enjoy my squeaks?

Could it possibly be because he has been there?
Could it be because through years and years of practicing he has already paid the price?

Don't you think that one who has paid the price and put in the effort could enjoy the missed notes of a novice more than someone who never played the violin could appreciate the squeaky notes of an imperfect player.

And doesn't the Savior, our Master, appreciate our true, most sincere efforts to continually practice for perfection?
To strive to "learn heaven" and not "earn it."

Perfection takes time. It takes a Continuous Conversion.

And guess what?

The savior appreciates our continued efforts because:
He has been there.
He has already paid the Price.

And just like Scott said that he could listen to me play the violin all day, the Savior invites us too to make our best offering.

And through the atonement of Jesus Christ our tune can be perfected, our efforts magnified and we may all hear those precious words, "Well done thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things , I will make thee ruler over many things, enter thou into the joy of the Lord." (Matt 25: 21)

This book was wonderful and I strongly recommend it.
To purchase go to Deseret Bookstore

30 Day and 90 Day Book Of Mormon Reading Schedules

The Book Of Mormon Forum Challenge is going on today over at BeingLDS:

Ever since I first challenged myself to read The Book Of Mormon in 30 Days I have had a deeper love for the scriptures and a stronger desire to love, serve and keep the commandments. When I Finished my 30 Day challenge I had a complete change of heart. I felt a deeper resolve to live the gospel than I had ever had before. I have had many people download my 30 Day Reading Schedule and I love it when they let me know that they have accepted the challenge. I have decided to include a 90 Day Reading Schedule here as well, so that everybody can find a reading plan that fits their schedule. 

Last night I had an experience with Kate. She had acted out in a behavior that really upset me. My first thought was that we needed to punish her. Really punish her. I even told Scott to go and give her a big spank. Luckily, Scott was more in line with Gospel teachings and insisted we wait and think about it. I was very disappointed in her, so much so that I was crying and really, really sad. I thought about how Enos father must have felt when he didn't think that Enos was grasping the principles of the gospel or trying to keep the commandments. I thought about how Alma must have felt when his son was running around trying to destroy the church and lead people astray. Both of these fathers must have mourned their son's mistakes and prayed mightily for them to feel the Saviors love, to make good choices, and to begin keeping the commandments.

As Scott and I knelt beside Kate's bed we looked into her 7 year old eyes. Suddenly I was much less concerned with her actual behavior, and much more concerned with helping her know and feel her Heavenly Father's love. Reminding her that she is a Daughter of God and that she has more value and worth than she will ever know. I went from almost ruining this sweet experience by spanking her in a moment of anger and rage, to feeling a love for her deeper than I have ever felt before. I sat and held her as she cried because of the sorrow she felt for the wrong she had done. And when I turned out the lights and tucked her into bed she told me she loved me and just how sorry she was. 

And I know that she is wonderful. 

What if I had missed out on that?

I am so grateful for The Book Of Mormon in my life. I'm grateful for prophets that feel like mentors and friends, for scriptures that sink deep into my soul, and for a husband that was able to help me stop for a moment and just think.

Here are two different reading schedules. I really hope you will let me know if you decide to use them. I love hearing about other peoples experiences with finishing The Book Of Mormon, whether it is for the first time or the 100th.

Just read it.

You can click on the picture, save it and print it or download a the jpeg {Here} 30 Day Reading Schedule

You can click on the picture, save it and print it or download the jpeg {Here} 90 Day Reading Schedule

The 30 day chart is available in a different color >>>> HERE.

And if you have a Book Of Mormon Experience that you would like to share...LINK UP!!! Jocelyn is having another great link-up Party over at BeingLDS. She has invited everyone to participate in her Book Of Mormon Forum.

Pioneer Day & What I'm Reading!

Happy Pioneer Day!

I can hardly stand waiting for Pioneer Day. July is the best month ever. Not only do we get to celebrate Our Country's Independence, but we get to celebrate the entry of Brigham Young and the first group of Mormon pioneers into the Great Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. 

Oh, how I love the Pioneers. I love their faith, their strength, their testimonies, their legacy and their stories.

My all time favorite Novel I've ready about the Pioneers is The Fire & The Covenant by Gerald N. Lund.

If you haven't read this book you MUST!!! It was SO AMAZING. Absolutely a fabulous book.

And I am currently about 100 pages away from finishing The Winds And The Waves by Dean Hughes. I am so excited to be reading this book on Pioneer Day. I was hoping to be able to finish it today, but I'm thinking that I am going to be too busy taking the kids to our Ward's Pioneer Day Celebration. I even bought a bike yesterday and I'm hoping to ride with the kids to the party.

I am enjoying this book so much, and the good news is that it is the first book in the new series called Come To Zion. The bad news is that the 2nd book doesn't come out until next summer. I hate waiting!!! Do you like reading Novel's about church history as much as I do? Seriously I can't get enough! 

I also read a great article on Dean Hughes today and you can find it {here}. The article discuses Dean Hughes research that does for writing the books, a little about the books and more about Dean. Really interesting. 

Kate and I snuggled up on the couch on Sunday night and watched 17 Miracles again together. I cry my eyes out every time I watch it, it never gets old. I feel such a gratitude for the sacrifices made by the pioneers who came before me! I am humbled so much by their faith, service and humility. I am lucky that my children have two of their own pioneers, their grandpa's, to look up to. Both of their grandpa's were converts to the church and are incredible examples of faithful, righteous priesthood holders. Love you Dad and Blake!

There is also a current DESERET BOOK COUPON CODE which is good for 30% off, so treat yourself to one of these books. 

Use code: SUMMER

Now go buy yourself something good to read!!!

Happy Easter Friends & Family

Happy, happy Easter to all of you dear people out there. What a special day it is today! I hope you all have time today to reflect on the miraculous Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Hallelujah!

April 2012 General Conference--No Ordinary Blessing by Dieter F. Uchtdorf: (How to prepare for General Conference)

***Make sure to become a follower of this blog so that you can check back for Deseret Book Giveaway's, Visiting Teaching Handouts, and Free LDS Artwork! 

I am really excited to share this message with you. It is a great reminder of three important points we can remember and apply as we prepare and participate in General Conference.

This First Presidency Message was first published in the Ensign in September 2011.

You can view it {Here}

General Conference—No Ordinary Blessing

A fine member of the Church was talking with a neighbor who was not of our faith. When the topic of discussion turned to general conference, the neighbor asked, “You say you have prophets and apostles? And twice a year in a worldwide conference they reveal the word of God?”

“Absolutely,” the member replied with confidence.

The neighbor thought about that for a moment. He seemed genuinely interested and then asked, “What did they say in the last general conference?”

At this point the good member of the Church went from feeling excited about sharing the gospel to feeling embarrassed. Try as he might, he couldn’t think of the details of a single talk.

His friend found this troubling and said, “You mean to tell me that God speaks to man in our day and you can’t remember what He said?”

The brother felt humbled by this exchange. He vowed that he would do better to remember the words spoken by the Lord’s servants in general conference.

We all know how hard it is to remember every message of general conference, and I’m confident that we need not be embarrassed if we don’t remember everything. Nevertheless, there are messages in each general conference given as a gift and a blessing from heaven specifically for our personal life situations.

In preparation for general conference, let me suggest three basic concepts that may help us to better receive, remember, and apply the words spoken by the Lord’s servants.

1. Members of the Church are entitled to personal revelation as they listen to and study the inspired words spoken at general conference.

As you prepare for general conference, I invite you to ponder questions you need to have answered. For example, you might yearn for direction and guidance by the Lord regarding challenges you are facing.

Answers to your specific prayers may come directly from a particular talk or from a specific phrase. At other times answers may come in a seemingly unrelated word, phrase, or song. A heart filled with gratitudefor the blessings of life and an earnest desire to hear and follow the words of counsel will prepare the way for personal revelation.

2. Don’t discount a message merely because it sounds familiar.

Prophets have always taught by repetition; it is a law of learning. You will hear repetition in themes and doctrines in general conference. Let me reassure you: this is not due to a lack of creativity or imagination. We continue to hear messages on similar issues because the Lord is teaching and impressing upon our minds and hearts certain foundational principles of great eternal importance that must be understood and acted upon before we can move on to other things. A wise builder first lays the foundation before erecting the walls and the roof.

3. The words spoken at general conference should be a compass that points the way for us during the coming months.

If we listen to and follow the promptings of the Spirit, they will serve as a Liahona, guiding us through the unknown, challenging valleys and mountains that are ahead (see 1 Nephi 16).

Since the world began, God has raised up prophets who speak the will of heaven to the people of their times. It is our responsibility to listen and then apply the messages the Lord provides for us.

Our merciful and loving Heavenly Father has not forsaken and will not forsake His children. Today, as well as in times past, He has appointed apostles and prophets. He continues to reveal His word to them.

What a marvelous privilege it is to hear God’s messages for each of us during general conference! Let us prepare well for this great blessing of divine guidance delivered by His chosen servants.

For this is no ordinary blessing.

Sunday Thoughts: Sifting Souls

I rolled over in bed to make eye contact with Scott...

"Are you ready for this?", I said.

I had already pushed snooze every 5 five minutes for the last hour and a half. We were both clinging to the edges of our bed as Sawyer's head rested near Scott's chest and his feet were pushing on my thigh. I closed my eye's and reopened them to watch Scott rise. Somehow it always feels easier to get up when I am following behind Scott.

Thank the heaven's for Sunday Mornings.

~~~~

*Image found {Here}

My family gains so much from attending church on Sunday mornings. Some mornings run smoothly, and some are chaotic, but NEVER do I ever regret getting my family into that chapel. There is such a peace and comfort that I receive at church that fuels me for the coming week. Taking the sacrament and renewing my covenants each week helps to keep me focused on what really matters in life.

For the past few weeks I've been trying to prepare for next Sunday when Scott and I will be speaking to the Stake Single Adults at their monthly fireside.

I've decided to title my talk Sifting Souls. I was inspired by Kim over at Oh, Sweet Joy. Her post entitled Sift My Soul really moved me and got me thinking.

Who is Jesus Christ?

He is a Soul Sifter.

He reaches into us, moves around all that we are, and helps rid us of our impurities. It isn't always comfortable and sometimes we get jarred around quite a bit.

I've been thinking a lot about how he Sifts our Soul's. For me most recently it has been through injury, illness and infirmity. For some it is through loss. It can be through the Holy Ghost, the scriptures, a sermon at church, financial struggles, unemployment, or loneliness. The list can go on forever. The one thing that is certain is that we all need to be sifted. 


And I think that the Lord uses all of these opportunities to search our souls and to heal us.

On Christmas Eve, Ryan and Kelly Pack were traveling to their home in American Fork, UT, when a SUV crossed the median and hit their car head on. Their life was changed instantly. They sustained very critical injuries and on Christmas Day their sweet 18 month old son passed away.

I don't know this family, but I can grieve with them. I know that this will be a time of a great sifting in their lives. They will have to rely on their faith and on their Savior to survive.

I wanted to share with you a sweet video that was made of Colum's funeral. I warn you that it is very hard to watch and contains quite sensitive footage, but I assure you it is beautiful. I wonder if the Lord won't sift our souls as we watch it.


Colum Jacob Pack Funeral 6/29/2010 - 12/25/2011 from Kenny Bozich on Vimeo.

Please if you have any thoughts or feelings regarding this post will you please share them with me as I am preparing to speak on this subject next Sunday. I would really appreciate it.

And if you would like to donate to the Pack Family you can do so {HERE}.

Sunday Thoughts: Unto Us A Child Is Born

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the governmnet shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."   Isaiah 9:6

Our family loves to reenact the Savior's birth on that first Christmas night. For us it brings a soft reverence, a deeper appreciation, and a more real understanding of the significance of what we celebrate as Christmas.  

Even I, stop and try to imagine what it might have been like to have been there on the night that the Savior of Men came to earth. He, who is greater than all, born in the humble and lowly surroundings of farm animals and a cold stable.

What would it have been like to have been there when God gave the world His greatest Gift?

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish  but have everlasting life."   John 3:16

Thinking about and pondering on God's greatest gift, helps me become less interested in making wish lists for myself and my family...

and more concerned about recognizing the significance of what giving TRUE gifts really means.

Gifts that don't come in packages wrapped up in bows. Gifts that don't come with a receipt in case it doesn't fit. Gifts that don't take the meaning out of the season. The Christmas Season.

Christmas is a magical time of year. Lights, stockings, Santa and reindeer all make the season seem more magical. But the true magic of Christmas comes as a gift to us all. The gift of a Savior, grasping us from the clutches of evil, redeeming us to the heavens above, and saving us from ourselves.

So deck your halls, trim your tree's and if you must, shop till you drop.

But please, stop this season, before it is too late...

And reflect on what God's gift to the world means to you...means for you.

And may the giving be a little sweeter this year. The presents a little more meaningful.

May the spirit of Christ be found in your homes, in your conversations, in your music, and in your hearts.

Merry Christmas to you all. 

May Love, Peace, Good Works, Joy & Happiness abound.

Sunday Thoughts: Motherhood and My Christmas Angel

What I have gained from Motherhood:

Stronger Faith In Jesus Christ

The pursuit of a family and bearing children can be a hard journey and I have gained a stronger faith in my Savior because of it. My daily needs and weaknesses as a mother keep me continually returning to my knees to ask for help. I have never been let down.

Greater Love

I think that I grew another heart when I became a mother. I often wonder how I can feel {really feel} so full of love, compassion, empathy and patience for my children. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son." He loved us that much. Knowing how much I love my children,  and that He loved us that much that he would send his son. What an Amazing Gift. 

Selflessness

I am still amazed at the awareness and perspective I have gained from having children to look after. It has made it so much easier to remember what is truly important when my needs and my wants are not in the forefront of my mind. Being able to serve my family has made it easier for me to be able to serve those around me and care less about material possessions and more about the worth of souls.

Understanding of The Atonement

The process of bringing children into this world  is painful and hard. It is a struggle which has brought me deeper understanding of the LOVE that our Savior has for us. He not only suffered for our sins, but for our pains, sorrows, sicknesses, sadness, and losses. He truly understands our heartaches. Through my own pain and tears I have learned just how much he loves me. He was willing to suffer all, in order to save us; In order to save me.

To Know God

People are continually telling me that Kate is a "little" me. And she is. She resembles me so much. Seeing my reflection in her has brought me a deeper understanding of the divinity within myself. For we are all Sons and Daughters of a King. We all have divine qualities, attributes, and gifts. And we all have the ability to be a reflection of a Loving Father In Heaven and his perfect Son, Jesus Christ.

My Sweet Christmas Angel

Being a Mother is a Gift, a True Joy, and I am so, so ,so blessed.
I hope that all of you know and understand how grateful I am to be a mother.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And here is an Instagram Replay of the week:

Left to Right...

Flu shots. Not fun.

Elf on the shelf. Our new elf is named Scout.

Our home.

Dylan the Cow at the Manger. Don't laugh at the ears I made. Coming up with a cow costume was hard for me. I was blank.

Getting ready for a date with my good friend Shawri. It was awesome getting out of the house. Thanks Scott.

My Red Boots that I pull out at Christmas time. I bought them and DI. I don't care if you think they are ugly. They make me feel Christmas-ee. And a little like a cowgirl. PLUS, I live in Idaho.

Elf on the Shelf. Bless my heart. This is being adored by our children and loathed by me. I never remember to move the Elf and then I wake up in a panic!!!

I cooked our Turkey exactly a week after Thanksgiving. Give a mom a break. At least it got cooked.

Other BIG NEWS: I finally have a MICROWAVE!!!

I told the kids on the way home from church that they could pick ANYTHING for lunch.

They went with melted cheese roll-ups. How easy is that? 

Oh how I love the Microwave. Bless it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you haven't entered my giveaway for the book

Love Life

And See Good Days

Then it isn't too late. I will be picking a winner tomorrow, so click

{RIGHT HERE!!!!}

Also, if you feel like linking up a Christmas Thought , Tradition, Craft or a Sunday thought...

DO IT!!!!!

Sunday Thoughts: Finding Christ In Christmas!!!

I have been thinking a lot about what it is to truly Celebrate Christmas.

I know that sometimes it is hard for me to concentrate on what really matters.

Sometimes I am too focused on buying gifts, wrapping them, or attending parties.

This year I want to make an effort to find CHRIST in Christmas.

I have asked several women from

different Christian Faiths

to help me help others

find Christ in Christmas.

So far we have some amazing guest bloggers participating.

Ashley @ The Shine Project

Montserrat @ Chocolate On My Cranium

Jocelyn @ We Talk Of Christ

Laura @ Along For The Ride

Ashley @ Between West And Main

Sara @ August Fields

Nicole @ The Neesby Lookbook

Casey @ Casey Wiegand

Emily @ Ruffling Feathers

If you feel that you would like to participate please email me at

someoneinmindblog{at}gmail{dot}com

I'm looking for participants that would be willing to share ways that they find Christ in Christmas.

It could be through scripture, stories, traditions, pictures, art, music or more.

I can't wait to hear from you!!!

Sunday Thoughts: Out Of The Mouth Of Babe's

Sauce fell asleep in the Big chair. He is so sweet.

Today at church there were several moments that had me rolling with laughter.

The first was this cute little girl whose mom was bearing her testimony. The little girl was about 3 years old and she kept shouting from her seat, "Mom, you are doing a really great job. Mom, you are doing really good. Mom, you are doing so good." It was so cute and so funny.

The second was when Kate stood up and shared her testimony. She was pretty nervous being up in front of the entire congregation so she was whispering, but I was standing right next to her when She said, "I know Jesus loves us if we are in heaven. I know he loves us if we are on the earth. And I know he loves us if we are dead." It sounded so funny and it totally cracked me up.

The third thing was during the closing prayer in primary. Cute Kayden gives the closing prayer about every other week and he is so little and so thoughtful. I am always laughing at the things that he says. Today he said, "Bless us to Repent! Bless us to be good and to sin A LITTLE less." He totally stressed the part 'a little' and I was dying. It was so funny.

Attending Church is just good for the Soul. I love the kiddo's. 

Did you hear anything funny at church today?

Sunday Thoughts: Patience {Lack of}

Yesterday I sat down with Dylan to help him learn to tie his shoes. Yes, he is almost 8 and still hadn't quite captured the skill. At first I was very calm and reassuring, and with in a matter of minutes I found myself getting so frustrated with him. I was saying things like:

• Dylan it is so easy
• Are you even paying attention
• Look, right here. RIGHT HERE!!!
• OH, come on.
• AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

I'm pretty sure it was a very unpleasant experience for him. I made him do it over and over and over again.

It took him about 15 minutes and then he got it. Afterward, I found myself asking him, "Dylan, your mom has no patience. Am I mean?" He was so excited that he could tie his own shoes that he just kept saying, "Mom, I can tie my shoes, you aren't mean."

I find myself losing my temper a lot. I feel like I could  not love and adore my kids more than I do, but I still have such a hard time with not raising my voice and using a kind tone. I tend to boil over really silly and unimportant things.

I grew up with a Dad that never, ever in my whole life, EVER lost his temper with me. EVER. Did I mention EVER, EVER, EVER? I know. It is pretty rare. He is a very amazing man. A very patient man. And he was raised by a father that NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER lost his temper with him. 

I was so blessed to be raised by such a kind, loving, patient man.

So, I'm pretty sure that I need to figure this temper thing out. And quick. Being a Mother is a sure test of patience. If I can't learn it now, I never will.

I think that when I am really thinking about it, and really making an effort, it is so much easier to stay calm and rational. My kids are so wonderful. They are smart, healthy, kind, tender and sensitive. I love them so much. They are helpful, and capable and I expect a lot out of them.


I've been thinking a lot today about what I can do to not get to the point of losing control and acting like a kid myself.


Do you have any suggestions? I would love for you to share some of the things that work for you. This is me, humbly asking for your help.

What helps you to be patient with your kids?

What works in your home to help keep harmony?

Do you ever feel like you are mean?

Do you ever lose your temper?

Did you have a parent that never lost their temper, Ever, Never, Ever?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And here are a few pictures of the kids before our church party.

And one picture of a tired boy after.

Sunday Thoughts: Stephens Vision, Acts 7

Today our primary lesson was on Acts chapter 7. I'm not really sure why the story of Stephen didn't ring a bell. I know that I have read it several times before, and yet I could not remember it. It was like reading it for the first time.

As Stephen is being stoned to death he looks up and being full of the Holy Ghost he sees Jesus Christ standing on the right hand of God.

 55 But he, being full of the ^aHoly Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the ^bglory of ^cGod, and ^dJesus ^estanding on the^fright hand of God,

 56 And said, Behold, I ^asee the heavens ^bopened, and the ^cSon of man standing on the right ^dhand of ^eGod. 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their ^aclothes at a ^byoung man’s feet, whose name was Saul. 59 And they ^astoned ^bStephen, ^ccalling upon ^dGod, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my ^espirit.

 60 And he kneeled down, and ^acried with a loud voice, ^bLord, lay not this sin to their ^ccharge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Stephen sees God the Father and his son Jesus Christ standing next to each other.

 I know that many Christians have been taught their whole lives to believe that God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost are all the same, as in the Holy Trinity.

One major fundamental difference in the Doctrine taught by the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is that we believe that God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ and The Holy Ghost are all separate personages; yet one in purpose.

I think that this chapter in the New Testament perfectly illustrates that they ARE separate beings.

Joseph Smith also had a vision. You can read about his vision {HERE}.

 I saw a pillar of ^clight exactly over my head, above the brightness of the ^dsun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.

When the light rested upon me I^bsaw two ^cPersonages, whose brightness and ^dglory defy all description, ^estanding above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My^fBeloved ^gSon. Hear Him!

The prophet Joseph Smith also saw both God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Here I have shared two witnesses of God and Jesus standing side by side; Distinctly different beings.

The Prophet Joseph smith also brought forth and translated The Book Of Mormon which you can read {HERE}. 

I feel so blessed and grateful that I have this knowledge. I am so grateful for my testimony of  a loving Heavenly Father, his Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.

I feel that by understanding their true nature, I am able to know them more fully and exercise faith in them more strongly.

~~~~~~~~~~

I also wanted to include a video of Scott {my super cute and awesome husband...oh, and talented too} playing his violin at a fireside last night. The camera was discretely sat on my lap so ignore the blurriness.


Scott Peterson on the Violin from Erin Peteson on Vimeo.

Hope you enjoyed it. I have a love for violin music. It cuts me to the core!!!