The Peace the Spirit Brings

So I am going to start off my scripture post with a very recent experience. I had an interesting night last night. It was a night filled with vivid and scary dreams, one in particular. In some ways I feel a little silly because this seems like something that might happen to a young child but I really did feel quite scared. I woke up in the middle of my dream because I was startled and terrified and then whenever I would close my eyes the images of my dream would reappear and my dream would continue. I couldn't stop thinking about my fears and I definitely couldn't fall back to sleep.


I finally decided to start singing some of the Hymns and Primary songs. I also recited my testimony in my head to try to get my mind off of my very realistic dream. I was not filled with peace immediately but as I continued to sing and to recognize my testimony I was able to feel a sense of peace and calmness in my heart.


Because of this experience I thought of this scripture, which is one of my favorites, which reads:
Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

I know that the spirit of fear comes from Satan and that through the Spirit of God we are given power and love. If we are obedient and if we invite the Spirit then we can have the Spirit with us always and should have no need to fear.

The Need for Greater Kindness

This is a great talk and goes right along with the most recent becoming topic - charity is kind. I love this line taken from President Hinckley's talk, "Why do any of us have to be so mean and unkind to others? Why can't all of us reach out in friendship to everyone about us?" Maybe these are a few questions that we could think about ourselves. Enjoy the few selected quotes - to read the talk in its entirety click on the title below.

The Need for Greater Kindness
President Gordon B. Hinckley

Priesthood Session April 2006

Next is the manner in which his newfound friend Richard treated him. It was totally opposite from his previous experience. It led to his conversion and baptism in the face of terrible odds.
This kind of miracle can happen and will happen when there is kindness, respect, and love. Why do any of us have to be so mean and unkind to others? Why can't all of us reach out in friendship to everyone about us? Why is there so much bitterness and animosity? It is not a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

There is no end to the good we can do, to the influence we can have with others. Let us not dwell on the critical or the negative. Let us pray for strength; let us pray for capacity and desire to assist others. Let us radiate the light of the gospel at all times and all places, that the Spirit of the Redeemer may radiate from us.

Becoming Charitable - Charity is Kind

So this is both my quote of the day and a continuation on becoming charitable. Charity is so important that it could be a long lasting run of posts.

Moroni 7:45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Elaine L. Jack, “Strengthened in Charity,” Ensign, Nov 1996, 91

Former General Relief Societ President 1990-1997

"Nothing will bring the Spirit of the Lord into your meetings, your homes, and your personal associations more quickly than showing kindness. “Charity … is kind” (1 Cor. 13:4). Kindness should be right at the top of everyone’s list of things to do. Write it down every day: “Be kind.” Kindness comes in many different packages. Be thoughtful to your neighbors. Be patient in a crowd. Be considerate of your children and your husband. Be honest with your sisters. Trust them and they will trust you. Go out and bring them into this grand circle of sisters we call Relief Society. As we increase our kindness, we add charity to our storehouse and we are strengthened."

I love her directions to - "Write it down every day: “Be kind.”" What a great reminder that would be if we truly put "Be kind" at the top of our daily to do list.

And then I love the blessings that we will receive if we are kind - we will have the blessing of the Spirit of the Lord where ever we are, we will have charity added to our storehouse, and we will be stregthened. What great blessings.

Jesus Washing the Apostles’ Feet

I really like this picture and story of our Savior. I think it so perfectly depicts his humility and selflessness. It amazes me that just prior to Him suffering for all of us he was thinking about washing His apostles feet. He is our perfect example.

LDS Gospel Art Kit

After Jesus had eaten the Last Supper with His Apostles, He removed His outer robe and put a towel around His waist. Then He poured water into a basin and, one by one, began to wash and dry the Apostles’ feet. (See John 13:4–5.)

When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter asked the Lord why He was washing his feet. Jesus told Peter that he would not understand then but that he would know later. Peter said, “Thou needest not to wash my feet” (Joseph Smith Translation, John 13:8). “Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me” (John 13:8). Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head” (John 13:9). Jesus told him that He needed only to wash his feet (see John 13:10; Joseph Smith Translation, John 13:10).

Jesus told His Apostles that they were not all clean because He knew one would betray Him (see John 13:10–11).

When Jesus finished washing the Apostles’ feet, He said, “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you” (John 13:14–15).

I am Like a Star

What a wonderful and simple song this is.

We need to let our light shine and be examples to all those around us.

I am like a star shining brightly,

Smiling for the whole world to see.

I can do and say happy things each day,

For I know Heav’nly Father loves me.
Words and music: Patricia Kelsey Graham, b. 1940. © 1981 IRI

Matthew 5:14-16

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a

candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Testimonies

Testimonies of the First Presidency

Testimony of my Grandpa- Ed J. Pinegar

My Simple Testimony

I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true church. I know that it is Christ's church restored to the earth in our day by the Prophet Joseph Smith. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that he saw our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. I have a testimony that God answers our prayers, that He loves us, and that He sent His Son to die for us. I bear testimony that our Savior is our perfect example, that He did perform the atonement for us, and that through Him we all may be able to become prefect . I am so grateful to have the Book of Mormon so that I can continually feast upon the Word of God. I know that this book is true and can give us direction in our lives. I know that our modern-day prophet, Thomas S. Monson, is a true prophet of God who leads and guides us in these days. I am so grateful that I have been able to grow in this knowledge through the guidance and assurance of the Holy Ghost. What a wonderful blessing it is to be a member of the church. My hope and prayer is that all might have the opportunity to gain this knowledge for themselves and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.