01 December 2016

Man, this week has been hard! I have found myself feeling lost, frustrated, and sorrowful. Life is a real struggle. There are so many challenges we face on a daily basis, whether it be a final for your class or simply an interaction with another person - for some reason, everything seems difficult. That being said, I want to share a scripture I read last night while I was studying in 3 Nephi. I was studying there because I knew I needed comfort and I wasn't sure where to find it. In chapter 9, verse 22:

22 Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved. 

This scripture was so beautiful I began to cry. Our Savior's love is so dear. We are his little children, and he is like unto our Father. He has given and is giving us all that he has because he wants us to come home and to become like our Heavenly Father, because he knows that will make us truly happy. He has so much joy when we come unto him, because he laid down his life and took it up again for us, and because of him we can all be saved. I want to bear my testimony that the Savior lives; he loves us. He wants us to come home, and he wants us to be happy. He will give us strength and make our weaknesses strong. No matter where you are, he can help you climb higher and be better.

I leave my testimony with you,

Mallorie

13 November 2016

This week was absolutely hectic, but I am so grateful to have had this experience. This weekend I was able to participate in the BYU Ballroom Dancesport Championships, and my partner and I had so much fun! We have worked so hard to get to this point and we did very well for how we've been working and practicing. We even made our class event final and placed first out of all of the couples that participated! What a blessing.

That being said, a lot of hard work went into this week, and I mean a LOT. I have been very stressed out lately and trying to get into a solid schedule has been difficult. I don't feel confident in anything I have been doing. I love everything I am doing, but it all takes so much time and I can't seem to get done what I need to; I keep procrastinating.

 The scripture I chose this week speaks of the truth of the Book of Mormon. I believe that when we focus on the truth of the book, it becomes reality to us. It will become our lifestyle if we only have faith, and I know that it will bless our lives. Mormon bears his testimony and states that he knows the book is true.

3 Nephi 5:18, 24-26

18 And now I know the record which I make to be a just and true record; nevertheless there are many things which, according to our language, we are not able to write.

24 And as surely as the Lord liveth, will he gather in from the four quarters of the earth all the remnant of the seed of Jacob, who are scattered abroad upon all the face of the earth. 

25 And as he hath covenanted with all the house of Jacob, even soshall the covenant wherewith he hath covenanted with the house of Jacob be fulfilled in his own due time, unto the restoring all the house of Jacob unto the knowledge of the covenant that he hath covenanted with them.

26 And then shall they know their Redeemer, who is Jesus Christ, the Son of God; and then shall they be gathered in from the four quarters of the earth unto their own lands, from whence they have been dispersed; yea, as the Lord liveth so shall it be. Amen.

I know the Lord will help us when we keep our covenants. I know he loves me and loves all of his children. I love my Heavenly Father. I know that He is the one who has gotten me through this week. I would not have made it through without Him and I know I must be humble in order to continue to receive revelation. 

I leave my testimony with you,

Mallorie

5 November 2016

This weekend, I had the wonderful opportunity to compete in a local ballroom competition. My dance partner and I have been working very hard and placed 3rd out of 8 couples.

The scripture I want to share tonight has a lot of meaning to many of us. This week I have been so caught up in practice and work that I forget to look around at everyone else and see that they are just as busy and tired as I am. This scripture encourages us all to serve one another and reach out in little ways, which will bring blessings to both parties.

Mosiah 2:17

17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. 

While at my competition this weekend, one of the girls broke down and had a panic attack in the hall. She sat down and was in tears for a few moments. I was leaving the competition and was in a run, but could see how much pain she was in. I took one moment of my time to squeeze her arm and look her in the eye, and express how beautifully she was dancing that day, before I left, and though I don't know her very well, I hope she could feel how much I love her. 

I know when we are in the service of our fellow beings, it will bring peace to our heart and remind us of Christ, even when it is something we don't want to do or don't practically have time for.

I leave my testimony with you, 

Mallorie

27 October 2016

This week has been a hectic one- I have recently been struggling a lot with everything going on. I am very busy with dance practices and classes, and performances and homework. I am worried about keeping up with everything, getting my grades up, and trying to relax and have fun in my extra activities. Often I am so busy that going out on a date or hanging out with my friends is no longer fun, as I am just thinking about what I could be doing with the extra time.

That being said, I asked my Heavenly Father in prayer what I should do to stay close to him as I go throughout my activities and life, and I opened my scriptures to the next reading page and read this:

2 Nephi 32:5

5 For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do. 

THIS SCRIPTURE WAS AN ANSWER TO PRAYER. I want to testify that when we rely on our Heavenly Father and try to come closer to him, we will receive answers to prayers and he will guide us through the loving power of the Holy Ghost. He will tell us all the things we should do. We will receive promptings of what to do, who to talk to, what to say, what not to say, and where to be. He will give us strength through the people he has us serve. We will receive strength when others serve us. And when things are falling apart and seem to be unraveling like string, he picks up the loose ends for us and our Savior will carry our burdens with love. 

I leave my testimony with you,

Mallorie

18 October 2016

So it is a beautiful Tuesday, and already the week is getting rough, like usual. However, scripture study is consistent and just as beautiful as the leaves that kiss my hair when they fall off the trees. 

2 Nephi 29:9 says:

9 And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever. 

I chose this scripture because it gives me strength in times of trial. It reminds me that no matter what each of us goes through individually, he knows and loves us individually, and that is why he sent his Son, who also knows and loves us individually. He is always the same. He comforted his people in ancient times in their times of trial, and he will always do the same for us. 

I leave my testimony with you,

Mallorie

11 October 2016

I am very well aware I posted a scripture very recently, but it is the start of a new week (sort of) so Why Not post another fabulous verse of God's words?

2 Nephi 27:23 (Nephi is just so cool)

23 For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith. 

I decided to share this scripture because at the very very end, it says "according to their faith". This implies that we all use our agency to let God work in our lives; and he will not force his will upon us. This scripture means a lot to me because as I go about life, I find that sometimes I am unconsciously unwilling to accept my Heavenly Father's promptings in life. He is constantly interacting with me and giving me help, and it is always me who forgets to think of him.

As you go throughout your life, think about What your Savior would Do. Who would he sit by? What kinds of questions would he ask? What would he give? I have a testimony that if we try to become like our Savior, we will come closer to him and to our Heavenly Father.

I leave my testimony with you,

Mallorie

8 October 2016

It is OCTOBER. I am so excited. I absolutely love October and anything and everything that comes with it - the air is crisp in the morning and just barely cold, and the leaves are changing colors and falling down. It is so beautiful in Provo, and it reminds me of God's love for his children. 

Along those same lines, my scripture this week is found in 2 Nephi 26:33. I chose this scripture because of the feeling of comfort it gives me in times of hardship. I have been falling behind on reading for my classes of late, and I stress out a lot about staying caught up and getting my grades up. This scripture (along with the beautiful weather!!!) reminds me that God has a plan for me, and that everything will be all right. 

33 For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.

I have found so much peace as I have come unto the Lord in all of my trials. I am able to leave all of my fear and anxiety in his hands and have faith, and everything does work out in the end, even when it seems like your whole life is crashing down around you. I know all of us can feel this same peace and calm when we come unto the Lord with a meek and humble spirit, with a desire to become like him. 

I leave my testimony with you, 

Mallorie

The scripture I chose to highlight this week means a whole lot to me. I stumbled upon this little gem somewhere between the ages of 13 and 14 (also known as the age of insecurity) and I know that it was a tender mercy from my Heavenly Father. I was a typically moody teenager, and was consistently fighting with my parents, siblings and anyone else whom I deemed worthy, including myself. I hated my little self with a cold dispassion, and for some reason didn't really care to find out why. I remember that my bishop shared these verses at a youth event that my parents forced me to go to, and for some reason, I latched onto it. It became my lifeline. 2 Nephi 7:7-8 say:


7 For the Lord God will help me, therefore shall I not be confounded. Therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

8 And the Lord is near, and he justifieth me. Who will contend with me? Let us stand together. Who is mine adversary? Let him come near me, and I will smite him with the strength of my mouth. 

I am so very grateful for these two verses. They have been my favorite scripture since that age, and will be my favorite scripture for a very long time. They remind me, anytime I am climbing emotional or spiritual walls, that when I stand with God, he is already standing by me. He will always be on my side when I choose to follow him. 

I hope that as we go throughout our daily trials we will find the courage to stand by God. He has never left us alone and he never will.

With that, I leave my testimony,

Mallorie

My scripture for tonight is found in Mosiah 1:7. I came across this scripture while I was studying to find that I had highlighted it before, and so took a moment to read it closely:

7 And now, my sons, I would that ye should remember to search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby; and I would that ye should keep the commandments of God, that ye may prosper in the land according to the promises which the Lord made unto our fathers.

In this scripture, he (King Benjamin) is talking about them - the records; the scriptures. This verse meant a lot to me, especially as I had previously highlighted it, because it is often easy to slip into a habit of comatose reading when we should be studying our scriptures. It reminded me that it is important to take something spiritual and nourishing out of the scriptures, and that that is why we read -- it isn't just to read, it is to know. It is to learn. It is for ourselves to feel the spirit and have a break from the otherwise loud things we need to remember in daily life.

I believe we will all feel the blessings of serious scripture study when we diligently seek to feel the spirit as we read, instead of just meet a time or chapter (or even page) goal.

I leave my testimony with you,

Mallorie

Hello!

Scripture of the week is found in 2 Nephi 25:20. It is a long verse, but BEAR WITH IT! It has a most beautiful message-

20 And now, my brethren, I have spoken plainly that ye cannot err. And as the Lord God liveth[I would like to point out that at this period of time in the Hebrew culture, the most solemn thing you could promise on was that God lived. This is a vERy solemn statement] that brought Israel up out of the land of Egypt, and gave unto Moses power that he should heal the nations after they had been bitten by the poisonous serpents, if they would cast their eyes unto the serpent which he did raise up before them, and also gave him power that he should smite the rock and the water should come forth; yea, behold I say unto you, [This is my favorite part!!]that as these things are true, and as the Lord God liveth, [There's that promise again] there is none other name [none other] given under heaven save it be this Jesus Christ, of which I have spoken, whereby man can be saved. 

The reason I choose this scripture is because it pulled me out of a reverie. Two nights ago as I was reading my scriptures (but not studying them) I scanned over the words as I thought about the dance practices I had, the lessons and classes, the homework, what my morning would be - and as I hit the last bit of this verse that talks about how Christ is the only one who can and will save us, I stopped. I stopped reading altogether. I pondered that verse. I prayed about it. 

I know that my Savior loves me. I know he is watching over me as I work each day, as I strive to be like him. I want to make him proud. I am so grateful for everything he has done for me, and for the tender mercies he and my Heavenly Father provide as I toil.

I leave my testimony, 

Mallorie

SO, the week has been fantastic so far; Labor Day weekend was a dream. Of course, I used it to study up on my scripture reading, and I came upon an excellent verse in 2 Nephi 2:13. To give you a little bit of scriptural context:

This scripture was given before Lehi passes away, as some advice for his sons. The scripture heading of Chapter 1 tells us that he exhorts his sons to put on the armor of righteousness. These are some of the words he tells his son Jacob in Chapter 2:

13 And if ye shall say there is no law, ye shall also say there is no sin. If ye shall say there is no sin, ye shall also say there is no righteousness. And if there be no righteousness there be no happiness. And if there be no righteousness nor happiness there be no punishment nor misery. And if these things are not there is no God. And if there is no God we are not, neither the earth; for there could have been no creation of things, neither to act nor to be acted upon; wherefore, all things must have vanished away.

As I have been going about my life – waking up at 6:00, going to class until 5:00, doing homework and then eating dinner, and then dancing late into the evening, I find there are often obstacles in my way. I get frustrated with things being difficult, and being hard to accomplish – tired of all the hard work I have to put in. But I find comfort in this scripture as it so gently reminds me that we cannot exist without opposition; that change and development is necessary. Even our own bodies are consistently working hard and adjusting to problems to keep us healthy and happy. We are created to adapt. We are created to create joy. But these things cannot exist without the adversary trying to pull us down.

From this scripture, I believe all of us can also find comfort in our daily trials, which are necessary for us to become like God.

I leave my testimony with you,

Mallorie

The first week of college as a freshman is, no doubt, one of the most transformative transitions any adult human being has ever experienced. As a member of the incoming freshman class of 2016 at Brigham Young University, I can attest to the upending insanity that ensues in that first week, what with the hours of study, the social activities, walking around campus and (in my case) rigorous dance classes- not to mention the fact that you are now expected to remember your own mealtimes and bedtimes and make yourself adhere to them. Despite Chaos holding my mind in its tight and triumphant grasp, I have found that the first week of college, though stressful, has been manageable, doable, and -almost- enjoyable.

In my daily scripture study I recently came across a verse that struck me particularly hard. I was reading in 2 Nephi 4, which is an account of the death of Lehi and the reactions of his children and his family. I believe it is important to understand the background here- Nephi has an important relationship with his father. He was taught little by little the principles of the gospel and his testimony grew because of the example his father set. Not only that, but because of Nephi's example of testimony, (for example when everyone broke their bows in the middle of nowhere) Lehi also grew in faith. Their relationship was steadily strengthened through and with the Lord - and it is difficult to imagine what Nephi is feeling when his father passes away unless you really think about his story. As Nephi is pondering upon mortality and dealing with grief from his father's passing, he bears a strong testimony about the times the Lord carried him through days he never thought he would see the end of. He writes so poetically about what a struggle it is when you're mortal in verses 18-23, and I have included a few of my less-than-sophisticated thoughts in the brackets-

 18 I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me. 

 [This is, first of all, an intriguing thought. Does NEPHI have STRUGGLES? Up until I was junior in high school, I had never really thought about the fact that Nephi has trials like we do - and he overcame them.]

 19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.

[Sometimes, when Nephi has something to be happy about, he feels like he can't because he has so many marks on his record. His heart groaneth. That is such a strong word. It groans because of his sins. But, Nephi says, he knows in whom he has put his trust.]

 20 My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.

[Nephi knows. He knows that the Lord is taking care of him. To hear his testimony of what the Lord will do for us when we trust him is a testimony from one of the greatest Book of Mormon prophets that we know. Remember, Nephi has trials too.]

 21 He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh.

[This verse gives me chills]

 22 He hath confounded mine enemies, unto the causing of them to quake before me.

 23 Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me knowledge by visions in the night-time.

Pause and think about these verses before you go on.

I think Nephi is a much better poet than I am, but I want to leave these verses here for you to ponder. It has been a crazy week at college. It has been a big transition. There have been times when I wonder why I pay so much money to be here. But these verses, along with many others, have been a blessing in my life - to give me direction, and most importantly, to give me comfort in those times I feel I just need a big hug from my Mom.

I hope you will read these verses too, and ponder deeply upon them. There is a lot of love the scriptures have to offer us, and it gets better the more closely we read.

I leave my testimony with you,

Mallorie