The "Liahona" and Church Magazines

I love these magazines! They have served and blessed me well over the years.

Ever since I was a little girl, I have enjoyed the Church magazines. It was exciting when the "The Children’s Friend" magazine arrived in the mail each month.

I have memories of these magazines being organized by years in magazine boxes on our family's bookshelf in the basement. If an assignment was given to speak in church, the pre-internet way, that I recall, was to go to the December issue of the "Ensign" and look up your assigned topic in the back index. (Can you see why having many boxes with years’ worth of magazines was a help and an advantage? 😊) 

A few weeks ago, while reading the heading for Alma 37, I had to pause at the connection I was seeing. It hadn't occurred to me before, because it was only in 2021 when the "Ensign" was changed to the "Liahona" magazine. (https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/church-magazines-2021). 

The Liahona, mentioned in the Book of Mormon, was a brass ball, a type of compass. It gave spiritual instruction to Lehi and his followers when they were righteous. Today, the “Liahona” magazine, published and printed in many different languages, serves as a guide and has spiritual instructions, inspiration, and more. Yes, even words of Christ that are leading me and guiding me back to Him and my Father in Heaven.

Taking a closer look at the covers of the recent issues, I was happy to discover the purpose of each magazine is clearly stated on each magazine.

"Liahona" - Pointing Us All to Jesus Christ

"For the Strength of Youth" - Finding Joy in Christ

"Friend" - Following Jesus Together

These magazines have inspired me and helped to build my faith and testimony of Jesus Christ over the years. The content has helped me in many of my church assignments, and has been a great guide and a resources of truth as I strive to live my life better.

I have memories of making some of the recipes or crafts outlined in the "Friend" magazine. Along with the word puzzles and other "Fun Stuff." As I became a teenager, I remember spending many Sunday afternoons lying on the couch reading stories from the "New Era".  As a young mom it was relaxing reading from the "Ensign" while feeding my babies. I have spent much time cutting out and laminating some of the pictures, articles or activities to be used for Family Home Evening lessons, Primary Sharing Times, or activities for our quiet bag for Church. It even was exciting when my own daughter and her cousin were published in one of the issues.

Each magazine has content that leads us to Jesus Christ. Certainly, a modern-day guide for people today, filled with words and testimonies of Christ, words from today’s prophet sand apostles, and much more. What a blessing!

Did you know you can now subscribe to one or to all of these printed magazines at no cost?  Of course they are all digitally accessible on the Gospel Library app too, including the "Ensign" magazine all the way back to 1971!!!  But you may also subscribe to get the printed magazines delivered to your home at no cost (www.churchofjesuschrist.org/liahona). How awesome is that? I think it's awesome! I love having these printed resources in my home. 

Magazines of the Church are a “valuable resource for learning about the gospel of Jesus Christ and feeling a sense of belonging in His Church,” the First Presidency said in a letter to all Latter-day Saints. “Our desire is that members everywhere will subscribe and welcome this faith-sustaining influence into their hearts and homes.”

As a side note... Emily and her cousin, Talin, were featured in the May 2004 issue of The Friend magazine. FUN! 

Finally, as I get ready to publish this post, my youngest daughter, Eliza is serving a mission. She was transferred to Brussels Belguim a few days ago. I recall seeing an article in the "Friend" magazine a few months ago (June 2024) that gave me a little more information about her new location. Exciting! 

Yes, these magazines have and continue to bless my life in so many ways!! 

The Apostle John; Nephi, from the Book of Mormon; and Château d'Angers in France

One of the many fascinating things Eliza has been able to share while being on her mission in France is this tapestry of the apostle John's revelation. It is in a castle and museum of the first area she served - Château d'Angers. Eliza shared that the tapestry was commissioned by one of the old kings, is well over 300 feet long, and depicts the entirety of the Book of Revelation. Isn't this massively impressive? Someday, I hope to go to France and see this for myself. I have since learned the tapestry is called the Apocalypse Tapestry.

From the Book of Revelation (last book in the Bible), the apostle John has a vision of Jesus Christ, the end of times, and more. His vision - wow!

Do you know who else had a vision and learned from an angel? 

Nephi, from the Book of Mormon. Nephi is shown the interpretation of the Tree of Life, also a vision of Jesus Christ, and so much more – including seeing the apostle John! 

In my previous readings of the Book of Mormon, I don't recall noticing him seeing John. But I easily saw the connection this time! Nephi's vision is about 600+ years BEFORE Jesus Christ AND before John even comes on the scene. Amazing! (See 1 Nephi 14:25 and 27)

I think the bridging of the Bible to the Book of Mormon is remarkable. As are both visions shown to God's chosen servants - Nephi and John. These men, who lived so long ago, as well as so many other prophets and apostles record important truths. Yes, even God's word. Their writings are for us today as well as in the final days to come. Helpful, inspiried words. Things God wants us to know. 

This was all a cool discovery for me! I am grateful for the spirit teaching me and opening my mind to understand and see these connections. Personal revelation at work! Eliza’s share is wonderful, too.

I’m adding my witness that the Holy Ghost is the teacher and testifier of truth. The Book of Mormon IS God's word, and it is the real deal, Joseph Smith could not make this stuff up. The Bible and the Book of Mormon work hand in hand to teach and testify about Jesus Christ. He is also real. Someday, He will return. Oh, how glorious that will be. Come, Jesus come.

The Museum of Clean

Have you been here? To the Museum of Clean?  

It's a unique museum dedicated to clean. 

​The museum ​is impressive, ​with a massive collection of brooms, vacuums, window washing tools, and so much more​. The museum can be reflective​ and memorable. Which was my experience as I saw items I remember having in my own home growing up.

 

  

 

Don Aslett, pro-cleaner, the real Mr. Clean, has an incredible museum of all things clean in Pocatello, Idaho. Lance and I visited the museum February 2020, just before the COVID shut down.

The museum advertises "leave inspired", and I did. 

One of the things that really impressed me about the Museum of Clean was not only the value of keeping things clean around us and the many tools available to do so, but I left feeling a renewed importance of keeping my spirit and soul clean. 

A few months following my Museum of Clean experience, and when​ you and I and the rest of the world were more vigilant in keeping our hands clean, sanitizing countertops and work spaces (remember that? Covid-19?), the thought of "clean" connected better in my mind. Such words as "clean, cleanse, unclean, filthy, sanctify, spotless, wash..." seemed to jump out to me while reading the scriptures and ​studying General Conference talks. So much so that I felt nudged to begin marking these words with a light blue box around them. (​The light blue color best represent​s clean, clear water; purity.) 

The result has been revelatory! It's been amazing for me to notice and better understand how important "clean" is to God. Such as in ​last week's Come, Follow Me reading from 2 Nephi 9. ​Like words even showed up in this week's Book of Mormon reading too. I'm noticing these words are everywhere and words are powerful. 

Because of God’s great plan and the Atonement of Jesus Christ - Jesus Christ's mercy and amazing grace - we can be cleansed by the process of repentance. We humbly get to come unto Jesus Christ and give Him our uncleanness and filth, if we choose. He will help us as we desire to make ourselves clean and will purify us. His gift of repentance is amazing! Jesus is a master cleaner and purifier! "I cherish the gift of repentance and seek to improve each day." 🩷💕  (please see note below with additional quote)

The ultimate mission and vision of the Museum of Clean is to sell the idea and value of clean, to put clean into the minds of all who visit. Indeed it did for me. 

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Pro tip, if you go to the museum on a Monday, it is NOT open. A few of my family members will completely understand.   😜

Speaking of clean, check out @sarah_cleans, my niece's new IG account, for cleaning tips. 

#museumofclean
#donaslett
#cleanhandspureheart
​#repentance

🩷💕 I found this quote after the fact. It spoke to my heart. Because it connects so well with what is in my mind and heart, the rejoicing I feel because of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ - their plan and mercy. While rejoicing, I also want to record this so I remember.

"The gift of repentance is an expression of God’s kindness toward His children, and it is a demonstration of His incomparable power to help us overcome the sins we commit. It is also an evidence of the patience and long-suffering our loving Father has for our mortal weakness and frailties. President Russell M. Nelson, our beloved prophet, referred to this gift as “the key to happiness and peace of mind.”

My dear friends, I testify to you that as we genuinely repent of our sins, we allow the atoning sacrifice of Christ to become wholly effective in our life. We will become free from the bondage of sin, find joy in our earthly journey, and become eligible to receive eternal salvation, which was prepared from the foundation of the world for all who believe in Jesus Christ and come unto Him."  "Jesus Christ: The Caregiver of Our Soul", by Elder Ulisses Soares,

I feel the "clean" in Elder Soares words and it sounds refreshing and good. Years ago, I experienced this clean feeling walking out of a bishop's office. This "happiness and peace of mind" I experienced and it felt amazing! As I use the gift of repentance daily and seek to improve, it is a good feeling. What a gift! 

Sunday Gratitude Journal

    “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.” (John 1:10)  In a recent study I had of "Jesus Christ, Creator"  from the scripture Topical Guide - this verse made me sad. It was written long ago, biblical times, but this scripture indeed has application today. 

As the world continues to fight a pandemic and more and more are becoming ill with the virus, many think Christ is not in the world. Perhaps they are unaware of Him. Many may feel He is not helping in this situation, I would say He is. I see His hand guiding and directing my life. I see Him working in the lives of many of my loved ones and friends. I hear Him giving me guidance and whispering words of comfort and peace. Jesus Christ is “in the world”, evidence of Him is all around. Christ’s creations are beautiful - look around today and notice all that He has made. We can find joy and gratitude for His beautiful creations. Nature is healing. (This reminds me of this recent message from Music and the Spoken Word specifically about that -https://musicandthespokenword.com/spokenwordmessages/just-what-the-doctor-ordered-sunday-november-15-2020/). 

“And the world knew him not”. That part of the verse causes me sadness. Jesus Chirst, the Savior of the world, and yet “the world knew him not”. Let me introduce you to my friend, my big brother, my Savior and champion, Jesus Christ. I love Him! I depend on Him! He is my rock and my salvation. Want to know Him too or know Him better?  If you are intentional about it, let me tell you some ways that have helped me and might help you:

1. Pray to your Father in Heaven and ask that His son, Jesus Christ may bless you and give you His power today with the worries, concerns, anger, and challenges you are facing. In praying, ask that you may feel of His love and peace in your life today. Then notice, just notice, His hand in your life. I am grateful for prayer, and that I can pray anytime and anywhere. 

2. Read Christ’s words in the scriptures. He is there. Open up almost anywhere and begin to read, He will show up. He shows up especially in The Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ.  A few years ago I marked any reference made of Jeus Christ and he was there on almost every page, multiple times. Amazing! Sometimes after I have prayed or written down my concerns and then opened up my scriptures, I can hear a message just for me from Him. The more I am in the scriptures, the more grateful I am for them. 

3. Look at pictures of Jesus Christ, feel the peace and see the light that can come to your heart. A few new favorite artists that I particularly enjoy are: Eva Koleva  Timothy "The Lord is My Light", and Kate Lee. 

(You may want to check out this recent news article, which tells more of Eva and her magnificent art.) I am grateful for talented artists that fill my soul with beauty and light. 

4. Read and ponder upon the words of The Living Christ. A testimony of Him by living prophets and apostles. I am grateful for the testimony and witness of truth from others. 

5. See Him lovingly portrayed in these Bible videos  or in this new series, The Chosen. If you’ve seen The Chosen, don’t you love it? The Chosen has helped me see Jesus in a new way and has connected me closer to Him. I am grateful for talented people that can act and direct and create such uplifting media. 

6. Listen to a prophet of God who knows Jesus. Isn’t it amazing that there is a living prophet of God upon the earth today who speaks of Christ and speaks to Christ?  A few days ago, our prophet had a special message for us. A message of hope and healing. A prescription to make us better. Which is to express our gratitude. I don’t think our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ need our thanks and grateful hearts as much as we need it. As we recognize the blessings and notice where the blessings are coming from, it is healing to our souls and it helps us to “know Him”. A prophet of God speaks words of peace, comfort, and shares what the Lord would have us do in our lives right now to make us feel better. I am grateful for President Nelson. 

7. Hear the many songs and read the lyrics of songs and hymns which express praise to Jesus Christ. Again, many talented artists that help me feel Christ's love, His peace, and know Him better. For which I am grateful for. I am also blessed by Spotify to create playlists and hear such songs quickly and easily.

8. See and read even more about Jesus Christ at this Come Unto Christ webpage. I am profoundly grateful for my Savior. 

 

We all want this pandemic, the coronavirus to end. Perhaps what will help end the pandemic, to return to “normal living”, for us to again “prosper in the land” - is for us to know Him. Jesus Christ has all power, “all things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:3.) This verse causes me to have respect, awe, and gratitude for all the things He has created for me and you. Without Him not anything was/is made. We need His guidance, His light and the inspiration He desires to give. I would think scientists and doctors have felt that guidance as they have sought a cure and developed a vaccine. Perhaps some professionals don’t recognize the guidance, but I am certain it has been there because thousands upon thousands of us have prayed and asked for His help to find a cure. And because “without him not anything is made”. I think for the cure to come quicker and for less of us getting the coronavirus, there needs to be more who see Jesus Christ in the world, more believers and followers of Him, and a lot less in the world “who know him not”. 

I stated above how I am grateful for prayer and that I sometimes hear the Lord’s voice as I read the scriptures. This past week I had such an experience where the following verses spoke to my soul and I was able to personalize it for me and for you. It is a prayer of the brother of Jared found in the book of Ether 3:2-5  from The Book of Mormon. 

2 O Lord, thou hast said that we must be encompassed about by the [coronavirus]. Now behold, O Lord, and do not be angry with thy [people] because of [our] weakness[es] before thee; for we know that thou art holy and dwellest in the heavens, and that we are unworthy before thee; because of the fall our natures have become evil continually; nevertheless, O Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that we must call upon thee, that from thee we may receive according to our desires.

3 Behold, O Lord, thou hast smitten us because of our iniquity, and hast driven us forth, and for these many [months] we have been in [unnormal living conditions]; nevertheless, thou hast been merciful unto us. O Lord, look upon [us] in pity, and turn away thine anger from this thy people, and suffer not that [we] shall [continue to] go forth [among this pandemic lifestyle] across this raging deep in darkness; but behold [the good intentions and efforts of so many of thy children trying and desiring to make things better.]

4 And [we] know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore touch [our hearts and minds], O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare [us] that [we] may shine forth in [these troubling and sometimes dark times]; and [that Thou shalt continue to] shine forth unto us in [our lives], that we may have [Thy] light while we [endeavor to endure COVID19].

5 Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men. (Ether 3:2-5)

    I am hopeful that through gratitude more of us will see Christ in the world, be grateful for this beautiful world and all the other creations and blessings in our life He has made, and that the whole wide world will know Him or know Him better.

Seek the Lord Early and Receiving Personal Revelation

The following words and tune have been going through my mind for weeks. Do the words to this song sound familiar to you?  

I’ll seek the Lord early while in my youth,

And he will help me to know the truth.

I’ll search the scriptures and find him there,

Then go to our Father in fervent prayer.

I’ll seek the Lord early, and I’ll obey

His living prophets in all they say.

I’ll keep his commandments; his love will abound.

I will seek the Lord early, and he will be found.

It is a children’s song, "Seek the Lord Early", with words and music by Joann Bushman Doxey. 

I have learned a few things as these words have been playing in my mind and while humming the tune. 

The prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, recently invited the world to hear the voice of the Lord in a video asking us how we #HearHim? The words of the song can be a recipe for doing just that, which is one of the things I have learned. (Except I like to pray first and then see what Jesus has to tell me when I read his words in the scriptures and words from his living prophets.)

Another learning that has been impressed upon my mind is the timing, or the when. I don’t feel the words to this song only imply for us to develop a habit of seeking the Lord at a young age, “while in my youth”. In fact, consider the timing of the moments the past few days or weeks when we have felt frustrated and scared, when we have questions, felt hopeless or overwhelmed, perhaps our faith is being tested, being tempted with sin, wondering what to do with a missionary child coming home early or temporary, or perhaps someone might be challenging our truth.What can we do? Seek the Lord early. Go to him first. Earlier, rather than later. With our problems, our heartaches, concerns, it is wise for us to seek the Lord early. Turning to Google first is not always our best resource,especially with matters of our soul.  But seeking the Lord will. I know it! 

How do I know it? Because I've tried it again, and again.

A few years ago, a friend taught me how to receive personal revelation with power journaling. She shared her formula for seeking the Lord. A desire to #HearHim . While it took me some time to get into a good practice of doing it on purpose, below is how it looks for me.

I love to write down my thoughts! It helps me to feel less frustrated to do some PoWeR journaling each day! I have learned that if I do this first thing in the morning, when I can have my own quiet time and before I check in with the world, I am in a much better place. This PoWeR not only blesses me, but the whole family. You know the saying, “If mom ain’t happy, ain’t no one happy!” It’s simple – Pray, Write, and Read. 

Pray - Pouring out my heart to God with a meaningful and purposeful prayer. Thanking Heavenly Father for specific blessings, asking Him for blessings I need, asking and inviting His spirit to be with me. Then I put my Bic multi-colored pen and power journal to work. In green I write a power statement, a declaration of truth or fighting statement. A few days ago my declaration was “I am trusting in the God and rock of my salvation; wherefore I become conqueror of the enemy” (thanks Jacob 7:25). Switching to blue ink...

Write - I write a letter to God in blue ink. I tell Him whatever is on my mind, what I am feeling, my concerns. I write down my feelings – good or bad, worried or sad. I ask for His guidance and that I really want to hear Him. 

Read - The next step is to read His words and listen for what He has to tell me. Sometimes I choose to read the Come Follow Me assignment for the week, lesson prep I need to do, a general conference talk, or at times I have just randomly opened my scriptures. In black ink, I write in my power journal things I might be learning or noticing. I might copy down from the scriptures/words of prophets. 

Red ink is incredible because in red I record the things I am learning from the spirit or inspiration I am receiving to do something. I am creating evidence that I am hearing Him! Thumbing through my notebook I love to see the red. When I start to get into a mood battle or need to reset my mind, it helps to go back and look at my truth statement and see the evidence, because I know what the enemy is up too - trying to get me to forget my truth and see everyone else as the enemy. Oh, I still have plenty of less-then-pretty moments, but this sure helps me keep my sanity. Additionally, this practice feels me with peace and love from my Heavenly Father and empowers me with strength and courage to move on in my day in a happier, more grounded place. I am better able to hear the Lord throughout the day and receive revelation for me and my family. 

The past few weeks specifically, because of the Covid-19 issue, I have had many opportunities to seek the Lord and ask for his comfort and direction. If you are reading this, I bet you have too. Searching answers to questions such as: how am I to make Sundays work at home without going to Church and partaking of the Sacrament? How should our family adjust to home schooling and working from home? Starting the day with an earthquake and aftershocks was unnerving, help guide and give me and our family comfort. How shall I minister to my family and friends who are also self distancing? My missionary is coming home in a few days, will you guide and help us all with that change in our plan? So much change is happening, help me maintain peace and feel Thy love and comfort.

As I seek the Lord early in my challenges and difficulties, He will be found comforting and guiding me. I know it! I am better able to watch and notice the tender mercies. A grateful heart for my blessings finds me turning to the Lord again with prayers of gratitude. I hope He finds me expressing that quickly and early as well. 

______________________________________________

I'd like to reference this 2018 talk from President Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for our Lives". One of the quotes from his message continually comes to my mind and drives me to seek the Lord and to #HearHim. He said, "But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

How Did This All Come to Be?

I will never do a blog!  That’s what I said years ago.  I didn't have the time, see the need, and I certainly didn't want to share my personal life with the world.  Besides, at that time my life didn't seem so joyful. 

However, the last year or so I've been thinking that I may want to do a blog as a way to record or keep a journal.  At least it would be a place to put and preserve some of the many pictures I take and tell the story behind the photo.  Because, I certainly don’t scrapbook!  [As a side note, I've decided, or rather have learned about myself, that I take pictures that seem significant and memorable to me, but probably meaningless to others without the story to go along with it.  When it is time to take the photos from my phone or unload the camera memory card, I often don’t know what type of category or file to put the photos in.  I don’t want to delete the picture, but where do I put it?  Perhaps a blog may be part of the answer.]

The past month or so the impression to begin a blog has become increasingly stronger.  I suppose there is not one main reason that the time is right, but many. 

1.  My in laws are planning to leave soon for a six-month temple mission and I've thought a blog would be a nice and easy way for them to keep up with what is happening with my family.

2.  I do have a desire and feel a need to write down, preserve and share meaningful events and experiences with my family.  Realizing, that while they may not be fully interested now, at least it would be somewhere and could be read in the future.  This is a way to preserve the Lance and LuAnn family history! 

3.  I don’t  feel I am very eloquent with my speaking, and sharing my feelings or thoughts vocally with others.  So this may be a fun and easier way to express and record the thoughts in my head and the feelings of my heart. Perhaps something I write will be a blessing to someone else, an answer to a prayer, or a word of encouragement to keep going. 

4.  My church leaders continue to encourage its members to share our lives.  To share with the world the day-to-day, normal, everyday happenings as well as our beliefs and feelings through on-line media.  I desire to be obedient and do my part and feel now is the time.  There have been things that have been thrown in my path, such as articles and quotes that I've read that have cheered me on in my decision.  So many thoughts and ideas have spoken to my heart and have seemed reasonable and clear in my mind.   I know that God wants me to do this, the impressions have been strong at times and the spirit has helped confirm my decision.  I cannot deny the power of personal revelation, I know I've been shown how to do this and why. 

For example, a few weeks ago as I was reading the scriptures, a particular passage stuck out so very strongly to me.  I had to read it again.  The words of Jacob, written so long ago, were expressing how I was feeling about beginning a blog.  So reading it a third time, I decided to personalize the scripture to fit me and my particular desire at the time and this is what I came up with:

"Now...I...know that the things which [I] write upon [this blog] must remain;
                ...but [I] can write a few words upon [this blog], which will give [my] children, and also [my] beloved [husband, family, and friends], a small degree of knowledge concerning [me]...
                Now in this thing [I] do rejoice; and [I] labor diligently to [write] these words upon [this blog], hoping that [my] beloved [husband, family, and friends] and [my] children will receive them with thankful hearts, and look upon them that they may learn with joy and not with sorrow, neither with contempt, concerning their [mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend.]
                For, for this intent have [I] written these things, that they may know that [I know] of Christ, and [I have] a hope of his glory..."  (Jacob 4:1-4, The Book of Mormon)

This was the final witness I needed to confirm my decision that beginning a blog is the right thing for me and now is the time. 

Perhaps in time I'll discover other reasons why doing this blog is important.  But for now, I'm excited and a bit nervous to create and start.  My life seems busy enough and I don't want this consuming my life or take away too much from my family.  But here I go.  I'd be lying if I said I didn't have worries and some concerns, but I'm going to move forward with faith and the good thoughts and impressions I've had.