Daily Ponderings: The People of the Church

Mosiah 26:36

And those that would not confess their sins and repent of their iniquity, the same were not numbered among the people of the church, and their names were blotted out.

I should lean upon my church brethren

This I Know: Family

Time spent with family makes memories. Memories are the joy of life.

TFHW: Where I Need to Be

7-30-23
Gave Kitten a blessing
Picked Joshua up at the airport
Went to family reunion

Daily Ponderings: Forgive One Another

Mosiah 26:31

And ye shall also forgive one another your trespasses; for verily I say unto you, he that forgiveth not his neighbor’s trespasses when he says that he repents, the same hath brought himself under condemnation.

I should let go of anger and not speak harshly

Patience

From Neal A. Maxwell's November 1979 BYU Devotional "Patience":

"Patience is a willingness, in a sense, to watch the unfolding purposes of God with a sense of wonder and awe, rather than pacing up and down within the cell of our circumstance."

This I Know: Hard Things

He can strenthen me to do hard things, if I ask. He will also help me dismiss the adversary who insists that I spend time being resentful about doing hard things.

TFHW: Funeral

7-29-23
Attended Gary's funeral
Went to the temple for sealings
Mowed the lawn for Joshua's birthday

Daily Ponderings: They Shall Know I Am Their God

Mosiah 26:26

And then shall they know that I am the Lord their God, that I am their Redeemer; but they would not be redeemed.

He will show me that He loves me.

This I Know: Ask

God loves me and will help me if I ask.

TFHW: Candles

7-28-23
Emailed Tom for his birthday
Prepared for funeral

Daily Ponderings: Him Will I Also Receive

Mosiah 26:21

And he that will hear my voice shall be my sheep; and him shall ye receive into the church, and him will I also receive.

He will closely support me if I ask

This I Know: Book of Mormon

Don't know why it works so well for inspiring empowering thoughts. But I know that it does.

TFHW: Yum!

7-27-23
Took kids out for Kopps

Daily Ponderings: Because of Their Exceeding Faith

Mosiah 26:16

And blessed are they because of their exceeding faith in the words alone which thou hast spoken unto them.

I should believe in the things that will empower me most to do kind things for myself and others.

This I Know: The Spirit

The Spirit can help me prepare for and accomplish hard things.

TFHW: More Comms

7-26-23
Got up early with Kitten for her temple day
Emailed Mark Emailed Shandra Emailed Roy

Daily Ponderings: He Went and Inquired of the Lord What He Should Do

Mosiah 26:13

And now the spirit of Alma was again troubled; and he went and inquired of the Lord what he should do concerning this matter, for he feared that he should do wrong in the sight of God.

When in doubt, I should pray

Daily Ponderings: Thou Mayest Judge

Mosiah 26:11

And he said unto the king: Behold, here are many whom we have brought before thee, who are accused of their brethren; yea, and they have been taken in divers iniquities. And they do not repent of their iniquities; therefore we have brought them before thee, that thou mayest judge them according to their crimes.

I can rely on the gift of discernment He has given me.

This I Know: Scriptures

When a passage of scripture strikes me powerfully, notating that helps me capture the feeling, internalize it, and grow from it.

TFHW: Playtime

7-25-23
Got up early with Kitten
Played Rummikub with kids
Went on family walk around the block
Emailed Mark

Daily Ponderings: In the Church

Mosiah 26:6

For it came to pass that they did deceive many with their flattering words, who were in the church, and did cause them to commit many sins; therefore it became expedient that those who committed sin, that were in the church, should be admonished by the church.

I should live who I am

This I Know: Intervention

When I try to be kind to people, the Holy Ghost can magnify the blessing being offered.

TFHW: Just a Note

7-24-23
Emailed Tom
Emailed Patty
Emailed Mark
Emailed Siblings
Took Ryan and Kaiya out to Kopps

Daily Ponderings: They Were Blessed

Mosiah 25:24

And they were called the people of God. And the Lord did pour out his Spirit upon them, and they were blessed, and prospered in the land.

I should notice the good things in my life

This I Know: Peace

He will fill me with His peace if I ask.

What Confident People Believe

CONFIDENCE CORE BELIEFS

Outcomes can't be controlled. What matters is my effort, persistence, preparation, and goals.

Success is an ongoing process. Hardships and setbacks are a necessary part of the journey

Success is inevitable if I stick with it and adapt.

Failure is temporary. It is a source of feedback and a learning opportunity

Anxiety, fear, and doubt are healthy signs that I am making progress

I don't take rejection or failure personally

When I stand up tall, people notice me

When I make eye contact it shows I care

I definitely have something to offer in every situation

When I make a mistake, it will be a learning opportunity...I believe mistakes will happen but savor the opportunity to overcome mistakes. I view them with a hint of wonder, not a cause for stress but a whole new way to excel.

New situations make me think of new ideas

Setbacks are motivators...I tend to pay even more attention because that's the one thing I need to overcome. It's a challenge and an opportunity.

TFHW: And Now a Word...

7-23-23
Walked with Kitten
Texted TFHC

Daily Ponderings: Every Priest Preaching the Word

Mosiah 25:21

Therefore they did assemble themselves together in different bodies, being called churches; every church having their priests and their teachers, and every priest preaching the word according as it was delivered to him by the mouth of Alma.

I should say things that are true to those willing to listen

This I Know: Invite to Testify

Inviting people to tell me their story strengthens their testimony more than hearing mine.

TFHW: Me & Her

7-22-23
Did Endowments at the temple
Had hard conversation about being a temple worker
Attended stake baptism event
Attended Nikelle's sales pitch

Daily Ponderings: He Did Exhort the People of Limhi

Mosiah 25:16

And he did exhort the people of Limhi and his brethren, all those that had been delivered out of bondage, that they should remember that it was the Lord that did deliver them.

Enthusiasm is contagious. I should share mine. More so when I'm not feeling it. This will help me feel it.

This I Know: Baptism

Attending a baptism brings the Spirit. Just ask Nate

TFHW: Chocolaty!

7-21-23
Emailed Patty
Got custard at Kopps

Daily Ponderings: They Thought Upon the Lamanites

Mosiah 25:11

And again, when they thought upon the Lamanites, who were their brethren, of their sinful and polluted state, they were filled with pain and anguish for the welfare of their souls.

I find more peace when I think outside myself, because those thoughts invite me to use His power. Being kind to others is more control over external events. It expands my sphere of influence.

This I Know: Knowledge Request

If there's something I don't know how to do, I can ask Him for help.

TFHW: A Little Something for the Missus

7-21-23
Went shopping with Kitten at Goodwill
Agreed to ask Brandon about Thursday afternoons off for half days

Daily Ponderings: He Also Read

Mosiah 25:6

And he also read the account of Alma and his brethren, and all their afflictions, from the time they left the land of Zarahemla until the time they returned again.

I can receive inspiration that I need through my readings

This I Know: Spirit

When I am peaceful, people feel the Spirit.

TFHW: His Holy House

7-19-23
Asked off early from work
Went to the temple for Baptisms
Emailed Mary Lou about Family Search group

Daily Ponderings: Been in the Wilderness Twelve Days

Mosiah 24:25

And after they had been in the wilderness twelve days they arrived in the land of Zarahemla; and king Mosiah did also receive them with joy.

I can do hard things. He will help me.

This I Know: Peace

In times of trouble and fear, He will give me peace through prayer.

TFHW: We Three

7-18-23
Walked with family
Read Mysterious Benedict Society

Daily Ponderings: He Led Their Way in the Wilderness

Mosiah 24:20

And Alma and his people departed into the wilderness; and when they had traveled all day they pitched their tents in a valley, and they called the valley Alma, because he led their way in the wilderness.

I should show thanks to those who lead me through the wilderness

This I Know: Optimism

The outcome is the same, but optimism improves the process.

TFHW: Grass Is Greener

7-17-23
Mowed lawn

Daily Ponderings: The Lord Did Strengthen Them

Mosiah 24:18

And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.

If I ask for it, He will give me His strength, and His peace.

This I Know: Testimony Talks

Heartfelt testimonies bring the Spirit, and get me practice to bear it when I don't even mean to

TFHW: Rescue Your Family

7-16-23
Studied with Kitten
Talked to Gabe Olson about taking his grandfather's name to the temple

Daily Ponderings: He That Believed the Words of Abinadi

Mosiah 24:9

For Amulon knew Alma, that he had been one of the king’s priests, and that it was he that believed the words of Abinadi and was driven out before the king, and therefore he was wroth with him; for he was subject to king Laman, yet he exercised authority over them, and put tasks upon them, and put task-masters over them.

I can believe the things the Spirit tells me.

Useful Razors

From George Mack. These bear repeating:

Luck Razor - If stuck with 2 equal options, pick the one that feels like it will produce the most luck later down the line, e.g. go for drinks with a stranger rather than watch Netflix

Narcissism Razor - If worried about people's opinions, remember they are too busy worrying about other people's opinions of them. 99% of the time you're an extra in someone else's movie

This I Know: Scriptures

Reading the scriptures can trigger powerful and useful insights

TFHW: Temple Time

7-15-23
Did an endowment and sealings with Kitten
Listened to pitch from Nikelle
Picked up Joshua from Youth Conference

Daily Ponderings: They Should Be Appointed Teachers

Mosiah 24:1

And it came to pass that Amulon did gain favor in the eyes of the king of the Lamanites; therefore, the king of the Lamanites granted unto him and his brethren that they should be appointed teachers over his people, yea, even over the people who were in the land of Shemlon, and in the land of Shilom, and in the land of Amulon.

I should share the knowledge I have with those who would benefit from it.

This I Know: Temple

Doing work in the temple with my wife brings us closer.

TFHW: ...And Again

7-14-23
Woke up early to see Kitten off to the temple

Daily Ponderings: Be a King and a Ruler

Mosiah 23:29

And the king of the Lamanites had granted unto Amulon that he should be a king and a ruler over his people, who were in the land of Helam; nevertheless he should have no power to do anything contrary to the will of the king of the Lamanites.

I rule as a King over my own life. He can help medo things I don't know how to do, or don't feel like doing in the moment. I always have the power to ask for His help

Power

From a study of Dale G. Renlund's April 2023 "Accessing God's Power Through Covenants":

All power is God's power. All power is priesthood power. Power to do what? Power to change.

Change what? Change my mind. Change my focus from short term thinking to long term thinking. From can't to can.

From "I can't do this" to "Yes, you can, and I will help you".

This I Know: Not Alone

Things often seem difficult or impossible when I face them alone. I know they become easier when I invite His help.

TFHW: ...And Early to Rise

7-13-23
Woke up early to take Joshua to begin Nauvoo Trip
Helped Kitten with YSA Institute lesson

Daily Ponderings: Should Not Be Frightened

Mosiah 23:27

But Alma went forth and stood among them, and exhorted them that they should not be frightened, but that they should remember the Lord their God and he would deliver them.

He will help me feel peaceful, happy, or joyous whenever I ask for His help to do so.

This I Know: Recollection

The Holy Ghost can bring things to my remembrance

TFHW: Early to Bed...

7-12-23
Went to bed early to prepare for Joshua's Nauvoo trip

Daily Ponderings: Walking in His Ways

Mosiah 23:14

And also trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God, walking in his ways and keeping his commandments.

I should focus on keeping His peace with me and walking in His ways

TFHW: Good Evening

7-11-23
Held FHE
Sent Mark the story of Allen Olson

This I Know: Uninviting Fear

I have to decline the adversary's invitation to take counsel of my fears.

Daily Ponderings: They Could No Longer Follow Their Tracks

Mosiah 22:16

And after they had pursued them two days, they could no longer follow their tracks; therefore they were lost in the wilderness.

Persistently evading the adversary will lead to peace and freedom.

This I Know: My Choice

I can choose not to listen to the adversary, and His peace will fill that space if I invite it

TFHW: Shoppin'

7-10-23
Bought Joshua granola bars

Daily Ponderings: Bent Their Course Toward the Land of Zarahemla

Mosiah 22:11

And it came to pass that the people of king Limhi did depart by night into the wilderness with their flocks and their herds, and they went round about the land of Shilom in the wilderness, and bent their course towards the land of Zarahemla, being led by Ammon and his brethren.

As long as I'm headed in the right direction, I'm doing well and am entitled to feel His peace.

Who to Be

Be myself. Be my best self. Be my Christ self

This I Know: Guidance

The Holy Ghost can guide me whenever I ask.

TFHW: A Good Yarn

7-9-23
Talked about TFHW in EQ Took Joshua to Smore Sunday at the Drakes

Daily Ponderings: Drive Them Into the Wilderness by Night

Mosiah 22:6

Behold the back pass, through the back wall, on the back side of the city. The Lamanites, or the guards of the Lamanites, by night are drunken; therefore let us send a proclamation among all this people that they gather together their flocks and herds, that they may drive them into the wilderness by night.

The adversary has weeknesses. With the peace, power, adn wisdom He gives me, I can exploit them and conquer him.

This I Know: Searching

When I search scriptures or conference talks, I can come away with insights that improve my life.

TFHW: Being the Driver

7-8-23
Drove Family to Bay Beach
Texted TFHC about youth temple trip

Daily Ponderings: Deliver Themselves out of the Hands of the Lamanites

Mosiah 21:36

And now all the study of Ammon and his people, and king Limhi and his people, was to deliver themselves out of the hands of the Lamanites and from bondage.

I can deliver myself out of the hands of the adversary by asking Him to fill me with His peace.

This I Know: He Can Be Defeated

When the adversary attacks, I have a defense

TFHW: Being the Leader

7-7-23
Went to the temple for baptisms

Daily Ponderings: To Search for the Land of Zarahemla

Mosiah 21:25

Now king Limhi had sent, previous to the coming of Ammon, a small number of men to search for the land of Zarahemla; but they could not find it, and they were lost in the wilderness.

I should search for His peace inside me and ask for His help to find it.

This I Know: Questions

When I ask questions, I get answers

TFHW: Meet the Apostle

7-6-23
Attended Kitten's YSA Institute class

Daily Ponderings: They Did Humble Themselves

Mosiah 21:13

And they did humble themselves even to the dust, subjecting themselves to the yoke of bondage, submitting themselves to be smitten, and to be driven to and fro, and burdened, according to the desires of their enemies.

I can learn from anyone

This I Know: Temple and Family History Work

People get happy when they feel connected to ancestors and living family

TFHW: Spread the Word

7-5-23
Took Joshua to Howell's so Kitten could go to the temple
Helped Whitney Woolf teach on Temple & Family History Work

Daily Ponderings: Went Again the Third Time, and Suffered in Like Manner

Mosiah 21:12

Yea, they went again even the third time, and suffered in the like manner; and those that were not slain returned again to the city of Nephi.

Wallowing in sadness or anger will never bring the happiness that is what I really want.

Daily Ponderings: Returned with Their King in Peace to Their Own Land

Mosiah 20:26

And when the Lamanites saw the people of Limhi, that they were without arms, they had compassion on them and were pacified towards them, and returned with their king in peace to their own land.

Whenever I feel prepared to do battle, I can choose to allow Him to fill me with His peace by asking for His help.

This I Know: Righteous Action

I know He will help me when I'm attempting to take righteous action.

TFHW: Happy Independence Day!

7-4-23
Woke up at 4am to go birding at Horicon
Took Joshua slip n' sliding at Pierce's
Held FHE
Watched "1776"

Daily Ponderings: Tell the King of These Things

Mosiah 20:19

And now, behold, and tell the king of these things, that he may tell his people that they may be pacified towards us; for behold they are already preparing to come against us; and behold also there are but few of us.

I should pray and tell Him what's on my mind so that He can send me His peace

This I Know: Placement

He will place me in the places I need to be, but I need to be open to taking advantage of the opportunities He places before me. He can give me the peace to do this if I ask.

TFHW: From the Best Books

7-3-23
Companion study with Kitten
Shopped for trellis and groceries

Daily Ponderings: I Will Search, They Shall Perish

Mosiah 20:16

And now Limhi had heard nothing concerning this matter; therefore he said: I will search among my people and whosoever has done this thing shall perish. Therefore he caused a search to be made among his people.

With His help, I should search out and destroy the things which stand between me and peace.

Daily Ponderings: Began to Slay Them

Mosiah 20:9

And it came to pass that when the Lamanites had come up, that the people of Limhi began to fall upon them from their waiting places, and began to slay them.

With His help, I can slay the things that come between me and peace

This I Know: Peace Restored

In the most turbulent times, He can restore me to peace if I let Him.

Teach about Jesus Christ No Matter What You Are Teaching

There are many things to teach about in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, but the main purpose of all our teaching is to help all people come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.

The Holy Ghost can help you learn to recognize truths about the Savior and His redeeming power in each gospel principle, commandment, and prophetic teaching.

Here are three ideas to help keep your teaching focused on Christ.

1) Emphasize the example of Jesus Christ.

2) Teach about the titles, roles, and attributes of Jesus Christ.

3) Look for symbols that testify of Jesus Christ.

...Every commandment He gives us reveals something about His mind and will and heart—find joy in discovering this together!

TFHW: New Program

7-2-23
Agreed to study scriptures with Kitten
Discussed temple work with Kitten

Daily Ponderings: Have Continual Peace in His Kingdom

Mosiah 19:29

And now king Limhi did have continual peace in his kingdom for the space of two years, that the Lamanites did not molest them nor seek to destroy them.

If I ask Him, I can have continual peace.

This I Know: Quivery

Those quivery, uncertain feelings don't come from my Father. They are from the adversary, and they can be dismissed if I ask for help

TFHW: Until I Drop

7-1-23
Did initiatory at the Temple
Shopped for Trunk or Treat
Shopped for new suit for Joshua
Emailed Tom
Filled out Visa form for Michael

Daily Ponderings: Return to the Land of Nephi

Mosiah 19:19

Now they had sworn in their hearts that they would return to the land of Nephi, and if their wives and their children were slain, and also those that had tarried with them, that they would seek revenge, and also perish with them.

No matter where I wander off to, I can come back to the land of His peace.

This I Know: Cheer

Cheer is a choice. Sometimes a hard one. I can make it. He can help me. He can give me power to dismiss the adversary, who wants me to believe that if I'm just sad or angry long enough, eventually I'll be happy.

I never have to be sad or angry.

TFHW: Operation Missing Grandma

6-30-23
Emailed siblings
Pam Craig had no luck finding Grandma Wright's birth certificate or birth announcement.