The Value Of Keeping A Journal~

As the year of 2015 ended and the New Year of 2016 came in; I realized how grateful I am that I have kept a journal for almost 40 years. I have written about many different events in my life, family times, sacred moments, and day to day activities. I have also written about the events in our World, the United States and our Church.

 Looking back on writing in a journal, I have realized that it was very therapeutic for me. During difficult times I would record my struggles and then in a month or two I would see that I had grown through those trials. Writing about the things that I am grateful for permeate my journal entries. This has helped me have a positive attitude towards life. I have had so many sweet spiritual experiences that I have recorded that I am grateful for. My children through the years have called and asked for dates of various events that they know that I have recorded. I have also shared with my grandchildren a few of my recorded observations about life on my blog entitled: Grandpa and Grandma's Twitterings.

I have had the special opportunity to write my Parent's histories and my Aunts. I felt so blessed to have the time to do this great work. I learned so much about my parents and my aunt that I would not have known if I hadn't undertaken those projects. 

 I plan at some point to do my own history and that of my husbands. I want our lives to be shared because we have had such rich blessings through the years and special life changing moments. The minutes of our lives as recorded in journals will be the basis for our histories. 

My testimony of The Gospel of Jesus Christ is weaved throughout my journals. I know that I have a purpose on this earth. I know where I came from, why I am here and where I am going. You will find in my journals those answers to life questions and my testimony of Jesus Christ, The Book of Mormon,The Restoration of the Gospel. The Prophet Joseph Smith and Living Prophets for our day.

 This past year when working in Family History on familysearch.org;  I have discovered the histories of several of my ancestors. Some of those histories were taken from my ancestors journals. I now know them more intimately  and I appreciate their lives and the sacrifices that they made for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My testimony has grown from getting to know those ancestors of mine. Their stories give me courage to go on when times are difficult. I can truly say that if my Grandmother Peterson Ogden can do it I can do it. 

I feel that we should share our life stories with our families. I can testify that it does help pull the generations together in a unique way. 

In doing journals you can do it in so many different ways. I have tried various ones. The traditional journal is the one that I am doing right now. This is a handwritten one. However, I have had years when I have typed them, put them on the computer, used an on-line format and had a blog journal. Since starting our mission both my husband and I decided to go back to a hand written journal. We have had many wonderful experiences in the 2 plus months we have been serving that I am already on my third journal. 

I love the thoughts expressed in this following message by Lloyd D. Newell the narrator for The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Music and The Spoken Word. 

"Some call it journaling. Others call it expressive writing or creating a personal mission statement. Whatever it’s called, something happens when we take time to seriously ponder our life and then write about who we are, what direction we want our life to take—what our goals and aspirations are for the future. Studies have shown that writing about our personal experiences can improve our mood and even our physical health. 

But perhaps one of the greatest benefits of writing about our lives is expressed in this statement attributed to author Bernard de Voto: “The best reason for putting anything down on paper is that one may then change it.” Writing our personal story not only helps us understand that story better, it can also impel us to make the story better. After all, as any good English teacher will tell you, the most important part of the writing process is rewriting.
For example, married couples who wrote about a conflict in their marriage were able to better identify what they could do to make positive changes and strengthen their relationship. Similarly, struggling college students who were invited to write an essay or make a video to explain the rigors of college life to future students ended up with better grades the next semester than those who did not take part in documenting their experiences. Examples like these have led researchers to conclude that “by writing and then editing our own stories, we can change our perceptions of ourselves and identify obstacles that stand in the way of better health.”
Nobody’s book of life is quite ready for publication yet. We’re all rough drafts for now. The process of writing and revising our life story, one that is authentic and real, gives us a chance to reframe the past even as we look forward to a brighter future. 

I would challenge everyone to keep a journal; it will bless your lives in so many different ways! Let the year of 2016 be full of your life experiences through journal keeping.  

Wishing Blessings For All - Happy New Year 2016~

As this lovely Christmas Season comes to an end for 2015 and we ring in the New Year of 2016; I thought I would share a great message by President Dieter F. Uchtodorf of the 1st Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints entitled; "Finish With Your Torch Still Lit".

 In ancient Greece, runners competed in a relay race called a lampadedromia.¹ In the race, runners held a torch in their hand and passed it on to the next runner until the final member of the team crossed the finish line.

The prize wasn’t awarded to the team that ran fastest—it was awarded to the first team to reach the finish line with its torch still lit.

There is a profound lesson here, one taught by prophets ancient and modern: while it is important to start the race, it is even more important that we finish with our torch still lit.

Solomon Started Strong

The great King Solomon is an example of someone who started strong. When he was young, he “loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father” (1 Kings 3:3). God was pleased with him and said, “Ask what I shall give thee” (1 Kings 3:5).

Instead of asking for riches or a long life, Solomon asked for “an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad” (1 Kings 3:9).

This pleased the Lord so much that He blessed Solomon not only with wisdom but also with wealth beyond measure and a long life.

Though Solomon was indeed very wise and did many great things, he did not finish strong. Sadly, later in his life, “Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord” (1 Kings 11:6).

Finishing Our Own Race

How many times have we started something and not finished? Diets? Exercise programs? Commitments to read the scriptures daily? Decisions to be better disciples of Jesus Christ?

How often do we make resolutions in January and pursue them with red-hot determination for a few days, a few weeks, or even a few months only to find that by October, the flame of our commitment is little more than cold ash?

One day I ran across a funny picture of a dog lying next to a piece of paper he had shredded. It read, “Certificate of Dog-Obedience Training.”

We are like that sometimes.

We have good intentions; we start strong; we want to be our best self. But in the end we leave our resolutions shredded, discarded, and forgotten.

It’s human nature to stumble, fail, and sometimes want to drop out of the race. But as disciples of Jesus Christ, we have committed not only to begin the race but also to finish it—and finish it with our torch still burning brightly. The Savior promised His disciples, “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13).

Let me paraphrase what the Savior has promised in our day: If we keep His commandments and finish with our torch still lit, we will have eternal life, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God (see D&C 14:7; see also2 Nephi 31:20).

The Light That Never Dies

Sometimes after stumbling, failing, or even giving up, we get discouraged and believe our light has gone out and our race is lost. But I testify that the Light of Christ cannot be extinguished. It shines in the darkest night and will relight our hearts if only we incline our hearts to Him (see 1 Kings 8:58).

No matter how often or how far we fall, the Light of Christ ever burns brightly. And even in the deepest night, if we but step toward Him, His light will consume the shadows and reignite our souls.

This race of discipleship is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. And it makes little difference how fast we go. In fact, the only way we can lose the race is by finally giving in or giving up.

As long as we continue to rise up and move toward our Savior, we win the race with our torches burning brightly.

For the torch is not about us or about what we do.

It is about the Savior of the world.

And that is a Light that can never be dimmed. It is a Light that swallows the darkness, heals our wounds, and blazes even in the midst of the deepest sorrow and unfathomable darkness.

It is a Light that surpasses understanding.

May each of us finish the path we have begun. And with the help of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, we will finish joyfully and with our torches still lit.

Where are you on your race of life? Are your torches burning brightly? The Light of Christ is “a Light that swallows the darkness, heals our wounds, and blazes even in the midst of the deepest sorrow and unfathomable darkness.” (Ensign, Oct. 2015, pg.4-5).

From my own life experiences I know that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the light. I know that He has healed my wounds and provided the light to find my own way in my moments of darkness. I invite you to Come Follow Him. 

Merry Christmas To Each Of You From Us~

With Our New Mission Assignment, I have not had a moment to get cards sent out. So this is our Christmas message for this year. We really feel blessed to have so many awesome friends and family. We are grateful for the many ways you have touched our hearts through the year. We consider ourselves deeply blessed by you all. Here is a snapshot of this moment in time. 

Roger retired in September and through a special spiritual experience; we decided to put in papers for a Full time Member Leadership Support Mission in our Area. We received our mission call on Conference weekend. We are assigned to the Utah Salt Lake South Mission. We entered the MTC on Oct. 26^th and were there for a week. We had a great experience and came home ready to start the work. 

Here is a photo of our Mission, District and the Elders that we work with. 

We are enjoying our time with them all. 

With Children, Grandchildren, and Great Grandchildren spread far and wide, we’re resigned to a long distance celebration of Christmas this year.  Rather than a narrative detailing this memorable and event-filled year, just know that all is well as we place ourselves in the care and keeping of our Savior.  We express a sincere Seasons Greeting with Christmas wishes of joy for each of you. More than ever before, we recognize sweet blessings and feel the need to express gratitude to our Savior for His hand in our lives, and for countless tender mercies.

His Life and Atonement are central to our gratitude for they are the greatest of all gifts received. Believe that He lives and gives light to the world. That light illuminates the path to eternal life with Him, if we’ll receive Him it in our hearts and follow in his steps.

Thank you for who you are and for the Christ-like examples you set for each of us.

Sending our Christmas greeting and our love and hugs!

 Roger and LeAnn Williams Family

I want to share this very precious song with you all; enjoy!

Discover Why! A Savior Is Born~

I love my Savior Jesus Christ with all of my heart. I love this time of year when we have the special priviledge of celebrating His divine Birth. The Christmas season is so full of memories and moments to cherish. This year my husband and I have the sweet opportunity of being missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This means that we get to bare our testimony of the Savior everyday to those we meet and those we visit. Last week was filled with amazing visits to various families and individuals. We were able to share our thoughts on the Savior and show them the new Church videos found here. #ASaviorIsBorn. Take a moment and Discover Why - We Need A Savior~



Because I love this season, I wanted to share a couple of fun videos. 
Here is my sweet daughter and granddaughter and another young girl singing~ 



This is a lovely new piece by Shawna Edwards entitled: "The Star Still Shines"~




May your days be filled with loving thoughts about the Savior's birth and may you enjoy the precious moments of this Christmas Season. Hugs for all!

Come And See ~ A Savior Is Born

I love this beautiful time of year for many reasons. To me the most important of all is that we celebrate the birthday of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. How I love I Him and how I wish to emulate Him. Our Prophet President Thomas S. Monson gave this following thought: "Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow. As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. It is His example which, if followed stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others. There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ."
It's a wonderful time of year - "And this shall be a sign unto you. Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. (Luke 2:12). 

Come and See Jesus!

Take a moment and visit this wonderful site that has many thoughts about our dearly beloved Savior. 

#A Savior Is Born~

A Savior Is Born ~

More than 2,000 years, ago God sent Jesus Christ to be our Savior. Jesus Christ was born to save us from our sins, born so we can be born again and return to live with God someday. Let us rejoice greatly this Christmas season for unto all of us.  #A Savior Is Born. 

Discover Why We Need A Savior. 

Last night we had a Family Home Evening together with several other families. It included dinner. The Elders we work with on our mission gave a message. This video and testimonies of the Savior was the message. It was a sweet evening. As testimonies were bore; the spirit of love was felt. We loved all the various ages of individuals there and especially enjoyed the children. 
I am so grateful that we are now celebrating the Birth of Our Beloved Savior, Jesus Christ. I love my Redeemer with all of my heart. I can't imagine life with out the testimony that I have of Him. Our Savior loves us all, each and everyone of us. He loves us individually. He knows us. He understands our cares and concern. He will reach down and walk with us when we are in need. All we need is to reach up for Him. He is our Advocate with our Father in Heaven, who loves us too. May we worship our Savior, Jesus Christ's Birth during this Christmas month. Come and learn more about why we need a Savior. I will be blogging more beautiful truths about Him who we worship during this beautiful season. 

Discover Our Savior

christmas.mormon.org

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Gratitude Is The Key To Happiness~

I have always tried to have a grateful heart. I  believe that gratitude is one of the keys to happiness. I feel deeply thankful for many blessings. I have been really blessed with a wonderful husband and a plentiful posterity; they all bring me great joy. I am so happy that I can be serving with my husband on a full time mission for our church; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We have already had some very sweet visits with a few of our brothers and sisters in the gospel and those that are not of our faith. 
I am grateful for this beautiful earth that our loving Heavenly Father prepared for us. Our Savior Jesus Christ through His atonement has paved the way for us to return back into Their presence someday. I love my Savior very much and am so grateful for Him. 
I do have many choice friends and family that I love and am thankful for the place they have in my heart. 
I am deeply grateful for all of those that are my blogging and face book friends. You have inspired me, lightened my load, lifted me on hard days and brightened my life with your stories and photos. Thank you! Thank you! You are a blessing in my life. 

"The Lord has promised, "He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious".( D&C 78:19). Gratitude is an uplifting, exalting attitude. You can probably say from experience that you are happier when you have gratitude in your heart. You cannot be bitter, resentful, or mean-spirited when you are grateful. 
Be thankful for the wonderful blessings that are yours. Be graterful for the tremendous opportunities you have. Be thankful for our parents. Let them know of your gratitude. Thank your friends and your teachers. Express appreciation to everyone who does you a favor or assists you in any way. 
Thank your Heavenly Father for His goodness to you. You can express your gratitude to God by acknowledging His hand in all things, thanking Him for all that He gives you, keeping His commandments, and serving others. Thank Him for His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Express thanks for the Savior's great example, for His teachings, for His outreaching hand to lift and help, for His infinite Atonement. 
Thank the Lord for His restored Church. Thank Him for all that it offers you. Thank Him for friends and family. Let a spirit of thanksgiving guide and bless your days and nights. Work at being graterful. You will find that it yields wonderful results." (True To The Faith - A Gospel Reference) Yes, gratitude is a key to happiness.