Ninety and Nine

Ninety and Nine
By Michael McLean

I am one of the ninety and nine

I'm not perfect, but basically I'm doing fine

I have not lost my way, I have not gone astray

I'm just one of the ninety and nine

I am here in the heart of the fold

I'm not mindless, but I try to do as I'm told

I'm not tempted to run and become the lost one

I am here in the heart of the fold

So why is my Shepherd coming this way toward me

He's holding His arms out

And He's calling my name, Yes He's calling my name

But how, how can this be?

I'm just one of the ninety and nine

I have stumbled and fallen

but I've kept in line

I'm not one he must seek; I'm not all that unique

I'm just one of the ninety and nine

So why is my Shepherd treating me like a lost lamb

He's searching to find me

And He's holding holding me now; Yes, He's holding me now

And teaching me who I am

So why am I feeling like I'm the only one here

It's like I'm His favorite

And He takes me aside, And He sweetly confides

These remarkable words in my ear

You are one of the ninety and nine

Have you any idea how brightly you shine?

You are safe in this fold and it's time you were told

That I know where you've been so I know where you'll be

Because all your life you've been following me

You are more than just one of the sands of the sea

Or just one of the ninety and nine

You are mine!

I am one of the ninety and nine.

My Best Friend

Recently in my life I feel like I'm losing my friends and that people don't value my friendship; it's been a struggle to keep moving forward and not focusing on these doubts. One doubt in particular is that I don't have a "best friend". Yes, I call a lot of people my "best friends" but everyone I call "best friends" has one friend that they tell everything to and you can tell that their friendship will never die. & I don't feel like I don't have that one best friend who knows everything which makes me feel very lonely and sad, to be honest. I do have a best friend, who has never left my side and who listens to everything I say even in my times of silence.

Jesus Christ, my Savior, Redeemer, and so much more. Through these times of doubts and troubles with my friends and the value of my friendship; I realize that parting with friends is something I will have to deal with even when its hard but I'll never have to be apart from Him. He is given me so much hope, guidance, peace, and comfort that I don't know where I'd be without Him. His selfless act known as the Atonement means that I can return to live with Him, my best friend, and that He believes in me.

His love for each of us is greater than we will ever know. I know I have barely scratched the surface of understanding how much He loves me and yet I'm filled with so much gratitude and love. Jesus knew that we'd all struggle when we were away from home and He didn't want to send us here alone without a way back. He sent with us His great friend and a member of the God Head, the Holy Ghost, to guide us and comfort us and then He sent Himself down to die for each of us reassuring that each of us will return back home.

He is our brother, our friend, and our Savior; only someone who loves us indefinitely would give their life so that others may live once again with God. He knows us and encourages us to be our best no matter what. He knows that we will make mistakes and that will get discouraged but He is there to pick us up and help us fly again. We also need to remember that we learn from our mistakes and that it's okay to make them because that means we are learning with Christ and our Heavenly Father want.

It was through the Holy Ghost that the thought came to me, "He is your best friend" and I can't deny that the message hasn't had an affect on me. Since then when the doubts appear; they gets pushed out by the echo of the thought sent from the Holy Ghost. He really is my best friend who I can count on for everything and I know He's always there to listen.

A Scary Experience...

 Over the weekend, a group of friends and I got together for a party where we played pool, Just Dance 3, and capture the flag. It was fun! A bunch of teenagers eating junk food, watching Tangled, and playing at park at nine o'clock -- we were acting more like little kids; but who ever said high schoolers were mature?!  Well, a few of  us got in to mood for some adventures, safe but exciting adventures. We piled into two cars and made our way to a town a little out of the way; I will not say the name of the town for I know people who live there.

  So were driving along through the streets of the neighborhood looking for any specs of fun that could be done without awaking others in the process. As we drove up a street there was a house with an unusual symbol hanging in the window, only a few of us knew what it meant but as the title of the group that associate with that symbol came up chills ran down my spine and I felt very unsafe in the car. We drove away from that street and parked by the a park and walked around a bit. I was with two of my good friends, both girls as the two guys in front of us ran off ahead.

As we began to walk around, the three girls, we passed the street of the scary house and instantly the spirit was gone from me. I won't say I'm perfect so I'm always with the spirit but for a few months now I've become more sensitive with the Spirit and feeling it in my life. But this, this scared me to tears. The Spirit left and I haven't felt so much loneliness and fear ever. It was like the my safety shield was gone and I was so afraid. I can't express into words how afraid I truly was; knowing that my life could be in danger and having no comfort from the Holy Ghost.
 
It was a sign we needed to leave, we shouldn't be there and so we left but not before we had all learned a lesson. I will never forget what this scary experience had taught me; that I have a privilege to be accompanied with the Spirit and I shouldn't take that for granted. He warns us in soft whispers, gentle urges, and when we won't listen, He'll leave and sometimes that His biggest warning.

I'm so grateful for the Holy Ghost and of this gospel that saves me everyday. I have no idea where my life would be without knowing Christ and this gospel. I know that Christ did suffer and die for me so that I may return with Him to our Father. And I know that I may not be perfect and that I make mistakes but that doesn't mean my God doesn't love me. My gratitude towards my Savior and my God is endless and indescribable and with Them I know I can reach my goals and my potential. I know that we do have living prophets who speak for God and care for each of us. Prayer and Scripture reading aren't just a suggestions; they do help your every day and bring you closer to God. I'm thankful for my family and my true friends; they are great examples for me and great people who I love dearly. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Songs of Truth

A few girls including myself are participating in the "New Beginnings" choir which my stake is in charge of this year. New Beginnings is a meeting where the girls who will be joining the Young Women Program this year come to see what Young Women is really about. Well, we'll be singing a few songs that evening and the messages of those songs are truly touching.

"Beauty is character is the ultimate achievement." ~ Obert C. Tanner

Beauty Is...
                Beauty is found in the girl who believes in the power of her divinity. The light in her eyes shows her goodness inside. She is honest and kind at all times. When you care more about living the way Christ did; that's when you'll know what beauty is. Just like a temple that shines, cared for on the outside. The beauty within the doors is the thing that matters a million times more. So magnify the holiness within you. Let purity dwell inside.

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light until all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." ~ Matthew 5: 14-16

Light on a Hill...
                       You are just one light in the darkness traveling by faith. But just one light is hope to the ones who've lost their way. You are a light on a hill, it cannot be hidden cannot be still. Sharing His light 'til the whole world is filled. You are a light on a hill. In a world that's lost and lonely, heaven works through you. Bringing hope to those who are searching for the truth.

"It is up to you to decide that you will "arise and shine forth." I believe that as you awake and arise, your light will be a standard to the nations, but I also believe your standards will be a light to the nations. You are set part. You distinguished yourselves in the premortal existence. Your lineage carries with it a covenant and promises...By the way you live the gosepl, you reflect His light. Your example will have a powerful effect for good on the earth. 'Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations' is a call to each of you. It is a call to move to higher ground. It is a call to leadership -- to lead out in decency, purity, modesty, and holiness. It is a call to share this light with others. It is time to "arise and shine forth." ~Elaine Dalton

Arise and Shine Forth...
                                   Born as daughters of a royal birth, noble spirits of eternal worth. Each to Him is known, each He calls His own. We'll strive to fill the role of our creation, rise to be a standard for the nations. We will find the light and hold it for the world to see. Live to be the daughter we were meant to be. We are precious in His sight, sent to be the childer of light. Arise, arise and riase the torch. Arise, arise, arise and shine forth.

Quotes of Encouragement

"God didn't give us what we can handle. God helps us handle what we are given."

"We are not human being having a spiritual experience..We are spiritual beings having a human experience." 

"We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day."

"It's so important to make someone happy. Start with yourself."

"Everything is going to be alright. Maybe not today but eventually."

"There's no testimony without the test."

"You were given this life because you were strong enough to live it." 

Someone Else's Eyes

"It look me a long time not to judge myself through someone else's eyes." -Sally Field.

The hardest things it seems these days is not judging someone else harshly but judging ourselves harshly. I know in my life I have challenges everyday not to criticize everything I do and let negative thoughts control my life. I'm not perfect; I'm anything but. But I'm trying to be better and as long as I know I'm trying to be better; I know somebody I will get to where I want to be. You are not alone when it comes to judging yourself harshly or when negative doubts fill your mind. You are never alone. The Lord is always there willing to catch you when you fall, encourage you forever, and comfort you when your heart breaks. He sees the great Being you are becoming.

"Believe In

    Yourself."



Look Up

"A challenge for all of us is not to look sideways to see how others are viewing our lives but to look up to see how Heavenly Father sees us." -- Elder Carl B. Cook

Elder Cook talks about his beginning struggles of the MTC with learning the language for his mission is Germany; he mentions how he would compare his progress with his companion and the other elder's in his district. And then he tells of the prayer and answer that has effected him to this day.

"I slipped into that tiny room and knelt down on a mop. I began to plead with Heavenly Father for some relief. The Lord answered that prayer. I felt this thought come into my mind: “I never called you to master the German language. I just called you to serve with all of your heart, mind, and strength.” "

I believe that we can take his answer and apply it in our lives; the Lord did not send us to this life to come back the same. He sent us so that we can turn to Him with all our heart and strength so that we can come back stronger, a better person. Elder Cook also talks about how from that point on he did not look at others or at himself; he looked up to know what He thought of his efforts. And I believe we can all do that; I know in my personal life I strive to look up for comfort from my temptations or doubts instead of others around me. I'm not perfect and I know I still have a long way to go before I get to where He wants me to be; but I'm trying to constantly look up because I know He can help me whenever for He is always there.

Elder Cook list some principles that can help each of us "look up":

Tap into Spiritual Power - We can tap into the spiritual power but daily prayer and personal & constant scripture reading. When we are ask "What can I do for Thee today?" He will bless us with a prompting of his plans.  We will be able act upon the impressions He gives us and to do difficulties things for the right reasons, depsite what's required.

Stay True to the Direction You Recieve - We can "look up" by staying true to the direction we recieve by our Heavenly Father by personal revaltions. Sometimes others can try to persuade us to swirve off the direction we've been given, even by good intentions. We need to stay true to what we've been told.

Don't Be Afraid to Act -  Sometimes we see a plan set before us from start to finish getting caught up with all the details, we become afraid to act. Make good choices by the best of your judgement and then keep moving forward. Don't be afraid of making decisions for the fear of making mistakes. Don't be afraid of trying new things; in doing so you can find joy in the journey.

Stand by Your Post - All of us are in the  need of help. Some solutions we ask for come quickly while some come later we hoped or different than we had hoped. And occasionally, the solutions don't come at all. In such cases, Elder Cook advices that we stand by our post until the Lord sends some help -- that doesn't mean we stand still and wait. Don't be afraid to act, keep moving forward with good intentions. Keep praying and reading the scriptures and obeying all the commandments. "Don’t abandon your post. In His time the Lord will allow all things to work out for your good."

 "As Mormon explains in Helaman 3:27, “The Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name.” I have felt and experienced His mercy and love. I know His mercy will come to all of us as we believe and call upon His name."

My dear one

My dear one, 

No man can ever claim you unless he claims you from Me.  

I reserve a man for you who has My heart and loves Me more than he will love you. Soon you will know him, I have the perfect time  

You are My princess, My daughter. Let no prince claim you unless he asks you from My hand for I am your Father, the King of Kings.  

You, My princess, are worth loving and deserve a prince.

<3 God 

 

I'm a Young Woman & I Believe!

"I am one young woman but there are thousands of us, young women,

 all around the world. Trying our best to live up to our potential."

We have such an impact on this world and to the people we are in contact with on a daily bases. Our light touches everything we associate with; the spirit shines bright in our heart and is shown in our actions. We are daughter of a great and marvelous Heavenly Father who loves us and sees the beauty and magnificent goddess within. He loves us so much that He sent his only begotten Son to save us and let us become our potential.

I know with all my heart that Lord hear my prayers and answers them; I know that He's always there for me no matter what I'm doing or where I am. I know that He cares for me and each of one you; He wants you to come back and live with Him and He wants you to know that you are not alone. There are thousands of young women all over the world living the same standards and being an guardian of virtue for all to see. I also know that with God, nothing is impossible. He can heal the most damaged wings and let you soar like an eagle. He knows the goddess that lives inside of you, He knows your heart -- don't turn away from him; He'll guide you to happiness and joy. I'm so thankful for this gospel and the great feeling it brings me. I'm so grateful for my loving Father in Heaven and my Savior who watch over me every day and encourage me to be the best that I can be. & I'm thankful for my family and church leaders that help me along this path of life and who pick me up when I fall. My gratitude towards the temple is huge because without it my family wouldn't be together forever and I can't imagine a "forever" without my family with me. I love this gospel and the lessons it constantly teaches me; I'm so grateful for it and I can't imagine my life without it. I know that the Savior did come to Earth and died for me and each of you because He loves us. & I know that without Him I couldn't become the great queen I'm destined to be. I love my Heavenly Father and my family and my gratitude towards them is endless. And I say these things in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Why not me?

We often think to ourselves in our times of trials, "Why me? What did I do to deserve this?" But we should look at our trials and think to ourselves "Why not me?"

Difficulties, trials, and temptations are not there to punish us; they are there to help us grow and become better. Without trails and temptations we would never be the potential that we are to become. Such like a person wanting to become a doctor, scientist, or a teacher; one day they won't wake up and know everything to be a doctor, scientist or teacher. They have to learn and increase their knowledge on the field they want to have a career in.

Now apply this to ourselves; if we do not grow and become better we can never reach our potential. We must go through tough times in this life -- it was part of the agreement we made to come down to Earth. We knew we'd be tried, we'd feel alone, and life would be hard but we also knew it would all be worth it. Even though none of us can remember what Pre-mortal Life was like, we must remember there had to be a great reason why we'd come to earth and why Christ, our Savior would come down to save us all.

We should look at challenges not as punishment but as opprunities from the Lord to show Him and others our testimony and faith. Strive to change all "Why me?"'s to "Why not me?"'s for we all could use some extra blessing and some more boost to become more like our Savior and Heavenly Parents.

Conference Quote!

"Only repentance can heal what hurts, but repentance can heal what hurts no matter what it is." -- Boyd K. Packer

"When we serve our neighbor, we help those who are in need. In the process we may find soultions to our own difficulties." -- Jose L. Alonso 

2012 ABC's by Thomas S. Monson

The first presidency delivered a message starting the new year, it is a great one. It takes about making this year the year that we undergo a personal and diligent quest for a life filled with success, blessings, and goodness. That doesn't mean there won't be times of trials and moments of weakness -- The Prophet talks about a way we can go through the challenges.

Thomas S. Monson talks about the ABC's of creating the "Abundant Life".

A -- Have a positive attitude. So much of life depends on our attitude, the way we choose to see things and react to things can make the difference. To be the best we can be and be happy with our situations however they may seem can be us peace and happiness from the Lord.  We have no idea what affect having a positive attitude can do to our lives or other people's life.

"We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude." - Thomas S. Monson

B -- Believe in Yourself. Believe in yourself, in others, and in the eternal plan and principles. Believing in yourself can show you glimpses of the Lord sees and has planned for you to become. Don't let others set your limitations, your potential is endless. Don't limit yourself for you can't see what you are meant to become. Believe in yourself and strive to live so you can reach your possibilities.

"You can achieve what you believe you can. Trust and believe and have faith." - Thomas S. Monson

C -- To Face Challenges with Courage. Courage doesn't come straight from willing to die manfully but to live decently in the a world of chaos.  David and Goliath, David didn't have the mind-set that he would take down the giant and become a hero. He had courage to stand for his beliefs and his people and He won. So in our times of difficulties were the road may seem too hard and unbeatable but remember David won and so can you.

"Courage is required to make an initial thrust toward one’s coveted goal, but even greater courage is called for when one stumbles and must make a second effort to achieve." -Thomas S. Monson

I know reading message at the beginning of a new year is a great motivation kick to live this year like a true believer strive to live the ABC's. I would love to say I have a great ending to this topic but I don't but I know someone who summed it up perfectly.

"Have the determination to make the effort, the single-mindedness to work toward a worthy goal, and the courage not only to face the challenges that inevitably come but also to make a second effort, should such be required. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, “I’ll try again tomorrow.”May we remember these ABCs as we begin our journey into the new year, cultivating a positive attitude, a belief that we can achieve our goals and resolutions, and the courage to face whatever challenges may come our way. Then the abundant life will be ours."  - Thomas S. Monson.