Seeking Light Podcast

While studying my scriptures, I received inspiring revelation on Alma 43. The Book of Mormon is for our day. It teaches us how to move forward and remember Heavenly Father is in control and we can stand firm in the faith and not get distracted by Satan's lies and deceitfulness in these last days. Captain Moroni led his people at the young age of 25. He showed us what he and his leaders did to protect, defend and preserve their people. Join me today as I share some of the things the people did to defeat darkness and evil in the year 74 B.C.

“The FUTURE of this world has long been DECLARED; the final outcome between GOOD and evil is already KNOWN. There is absolutely no question as to who WINS because the VICTORY has already been posted on the SCOREBOARD. The only really strange thing is all of this is that we are still down here on the FIELD trying to decide which TEAM’S JERSEY we want to wear!”
― Jeffrey R. Holland

Alma 43: 45 Nevertheless, the Nephites were inspired by a better cause, for they were not fighting for monarchy nor power but they were fighting for their homes and their liberties, their wives and their children, and their all, yea, for their rites of worship and their church.

My oldest brother has been a gift to me my whole life. He has taught me more than I could have learned no other way. I felt a deep feeling of gratitude toward him recently that led to this podcast. Join me today as I share a few gratitude thoughts about my brother.

"Sometimes people come into your life for a moment, a day, or a lifetime. It matters not the time they spent with you but how they impacted your life in that time" Unknown

I have been trying to pay close attention to all the miracles that are happening around me. Recently, a miracle happened for me and I am sharing this experience on this podcast today! Elder Ronald A. Rasband taught, “The Lord performs miracles to remind us of His power, His love for us, His reach from the heavens to our mortal experience, and His desire to teach of that which is of most worth.”

Paige has decided to serve a mission! She received her call in June to Brazil. I have witnessed so many miracles take place as she places her trust in God and shows her faith. Join me today as I share just a few of the many miracles we have witnessed!

"The greatest need in the world today is faith in God and courage to do His will." President David O. McKay

"I am convinced that missionary work is not easy because salvation is not a cheap experience. Salvation never was easy...How could we believe it would be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him?" Elder Jeffery R. Holland

"Our family is the focus of our greatest work and joy in this life; so will it be throughout all eternity."

Russell M. Nelson

Over the summer, we had several experiences with our families that solidified in my mind that of all the things we do or have on this earth our families are the most important WORK.

Join me today as Bailey shares with us about her decision to go on a mission, receiving her call and giving all of her might, mind and strength to the Lord. Bailey returned home in May. Her experiences were priceless. Her letters were inspiring to read and strengthened us weekly. One of her last emails closing thoughts summed up her mission beautifully,

"I wanted to share an experience we had while offering our 1st Temple Tour. Minutes before we began, one of the employee guides walked over with a woman. She was meant to be with the tour that had begun 10 minutes earlier. Due to the layout of the tour, we had to inform her she couldn't join her group, but that she could join the next tour. At this point, she was quite irritated and upset. Her tone wasn't the nicest, and she just wasn't in a happy mood. She said she had ran here and wanted to be with them. Due to some misunderstandings she believed she would have to wait far more time before the next tour, then came to the realization that our next group would be in the next 3 minutes.

We began the tour and midway through, I noticed her crying in the corner. Throughout the tour she had distanced herself and held a tissue near. We concluded the tour and I felt to go speak with her. 

She was so overjoyed. She explained that she had a non-member sister that she has craved to come and understand why she believe the way she does for two decades. Her sister is anticipating to visit this summer and she was so eager to bring her to experience this place. Her sister had gone through so much and was just now starting to open up to religion and Christ. She was just so thankful a space such as the Temple Tour would enable people to see a deeper glimpse of why/how we love and follow Christ. We embraced each other and she continued on.

You and I witness a small sliver of each person's day to day. We simply don't know the context, we don't. Thus, we have no right to withdraw our kindness or understanding. We do not feel the depth nor reality of a person's worries or wounds. 

I often reflect upon the expression/verse in Moroni, "peaceable followers of Christ" and Mosiah 4:

"12 And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true.

13 And ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due."

My nearly 18 months has taught me, the Lord is not superficial, and neither should we be. The root of our actions should be based upon sincere desire for the well-being of others. Looking outward IS the way because it was/is HIS way. In a world that foregos ouward love, let us follow His commission and exemplify Him in thought, intent, word, and deed.

His methods will heal the World. So, offer a smile, hold the door, take someone's cart, text a longtime friend, call a grandparent, write a sibling, share the compliment, place the phone down and listen, look at them as they speak, share an encouraging word, clear the sink, make their bed, prepare them breakfast, share your admiration for their time, water the plants, wave to the neighbor, thank the cashier, ask if they need help, remember their story, ask about their day, clean up the table, gently reply, and more. THIS is life eternal, to know Him and His way.

He lives and works through us. So will you labor alongside?

Kindly,

Sister Newell

Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission

Elias was introduced to me through a friend. As I prepared to talk to him, I wanted to focus on a theme for this podcast. The theme wasn't clear until we began talking about how God has always guided Elias throughout his life. We all come to this earth to a family. God intended it that way. No family is perfect, we all have our struggles and through our brokenness the Savior heals us. Elias's families have been gathered and healed through unanticipated ways. He was born in Haiti and due to family struggles was placed in an orphanage with older siblings. An American couple went to Haiti to adopt Elias and bring him into their fold. After years of traveling due to his father's career, Elias met some challenges that facilitated a change in his family dynamics. As the years past, Elias was introduced to his biological siblings who were also living in the United States. The family circle expanded and grew. With personal growth and guidance from our Heavenly Father, he decided to serve a two year mission in Louisville Kentucky. Join me today as Elias shares his love of his family and the gospel and how God is a healer of broken families.

Do you have a favorite part of the day? Mine is the morning!!
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, "Drawing upon scriptural promises, he noted that morning symbolizes the ultimate triumph of light over darkness: "It is the Light of the World, the Bright and Morning Star, the 'light that is endless, that can never be darkened'." Join me today as I share scriptures that talk about the MORNING.

Alma 37:37

37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

Recently, I have been selling clothing and shoes on eBay. I have 100% positive reviews but the other day someone that I had sold something too asked to return it. Her reasoning did not match up with the item she bought. I felt like she was being deceitful with her return refund. It stayed on my mind all evening and into the morning. Then while walking and listening to the Tabernacle choir, I thought about how we as human beings can sometimes be hyper focused on the small percentage of negativity. Instead of me personally looking at my positive reviews and buyers purchases that went well, I focus on one sale item that did not go desired for the buyer. We are not alone. The mind can lean toward the small minority of comments or experiences we have and drown out all the good. Join me today as I share some thoughts about this topic.

Ben grew up in Oregon raised by a hard working, devoted single mother. He enjoyed camping adventures with her and his siblings as a child during the summer months. His curious mind often looked up at the stars and wondered about the universe and its expanse. Having not grown up with a specific religion, Ben had curiosities that took him to ask questions that most teenage boys don't consider. In this process of wondering, he felt God gathering him closer to HIM. Ben chose a friend group that would nuture these feelings and soon was introduced to our Heavenly Father's plan and love for Ben personally. Join me today as Ben shares his journey of finding God and choosing to serve the Lord by serving a mission.