Christ visits America!

Hello to all my friends and family that are reading this. I have been so busy lately that I don't think I can even think straight! lol My kids' school has been doing the musical "Shrek" and I was asked to be the house manager. It's been a lot of fun but very time consuming and I have to say, I don't really like doing homework this late at night! But here I am. Ready to talk about what I learned this week.
In the scriptures that we've been studying we learn about when Christ visits America. Now, this is something very important to us LDS members. There is so much to learn from Him when He visits here. Let me begin by saying Virtue is an important one. When virtue garnishes your thoughts, your self confidence grows (Elder Russel M. Nelson). Newly repented converts of the church find that the restored gospel governs their thoughts and deeds, it shapes their habits and forges their character.
Did you know that when Jesus came to the earth in America, he brought all the little children around Him. Sister Michaelene P. Grassli says that "Children are worthy of our time and efforts. Children were present when Jesus Christ prayed." We too can spend some time with our children. Look at them as Jesus would. They are worthy enough for Him! We too should look to them as being the righteous and worthy soldiers that we should be!
President Gordon B Hinckley made a great quote about those that let pride take over them. "Pride is the great stumbling block of Zion." Pride is evil. I will try my hardest to never let pride get in my way! (I have a long way to go, trust me!)
Brother Mark E. Peterson says that if you forgive others, Heavenly Father will forgive you. However, "if ye forgive not, neither will Heavenly Father forgive ye. Judge not, lest ye be judged. We will reap what we sow." This always reminds me of the golden rule, "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you." Why is that so hard for people to understand? It breaks my heart to see other people hurting other people with words and feelings. When you don't forgive others, it's like drinking a cup of poison and expecting them to die. It is only hurting yourself. Forgive others so that you can be happy.
Robert D. Hales said "Faith without works is dead." If there is no work involved, then you are not moving forward. Isn't that the way you want to go? Not backwards, not behind, but forward! In order to move forward you've got to have faith! Here are some steps that Brother Hales has mentioned in finding faith: 1. Let the prophets words touch your hearts, hear the word of God 2. Let the words sink deep into your heart 3. Hunger in your soul for the knowledge 4. Be obedient to the Lord by following the commandments and the laws of the land and finally, 5. Humbly ask in prayer for the truth to come to you. Ask and ye shall know, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened. Heavenly Father has told us if we ask in earnest prayer that He will give us the knowledge that we need. The knowledge that we are looking for. We just need to ask.
I'd like to finish up by saying that prayers are important to me. I know that my prayers aren't always easy to say, or simple at all. But what He wants from me is to talk to Him. I will try my hardest to be simple, direct and sincere in my prayers. I do know that IF Heavenly Father is offended by any prayers, it is likely because of their absence, and not by the language. (Dallin H. Oaks)

Love to you all!
Nini V.

2,000 Stripling Warriors and Their Mothers that Knew

Hey everyone! I hope everyone is doing well and feeling great! School has been going well for me. It has been tougher on some parts and it's killing me to see 83% on my scores but I am trying my best and that's all that matters, right?

So, again, I'd like to share some things I learned about this past week. We've been studying the book of Alma in the Book of Mormon now and we are towards the end. Or in my opinion, the best part! If you are unfamiliar with the story of the 2,000 Stripling Warriors please look it up!!! It's one of my favorites! I am a bit partial to it because I have a son and pray that he feels the same way as those boys did then. I enjoyed Sister Julie B. Beck's video where she talked about them and their mothers. The Stripling Warriors said that their mothers knew it. She says that mother's need not fear! She believes that we have taught them well, enough to know who God is, who they are, and because of that they will have the greatest power in them! Oh how I do wish that my son knows who he is and that God loves him. I can see my son standing up to battle against those who wish to thwart us. Just the other day I was catching up with a long time friend and telling her all about my son, who is such an angel to us! He is the best kid ever. At 16 years old he is so responsible and loved by all. We are lucky to have him in our family.

I am glad that he is on the right path in his life. While reading this week I read in Alma 48:18 about Alma and the sons of Mosiah, about how they are likened unto Moroni. Such a strong character to be compared to! But then it talks about how Alma and the sons of Mosiah used to be horrible! They were wicked, went about talking bad about the church, pushing people away from it. Yet, they are now being talked up like some of the best. I love this. We all make mistakes. We all fall into transgression. That is what is so great about this book. It is a book of Hope and Forgiveness. We learn about the Atonement and how it can make us clean and pure. Elder Richard G. Scott said, "If you have repented from serious transgression and mistakenly believe that you will be a second class citizen in the kingdom of God, learn that that is not true!" I believe this with all my heart. We can have our own "storehouse of faith" to help us rise above the things in this world that make us unholy.

Virtue - a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards (chastity & purity). I believe virtue is a trait that is rare to find these days. High moral standards are not "old fashioned." President Monson said, "You be the one to stand for right, even if you stand alone." I remember at one time that I was scared to stand alone. That it wasn't "cool" to stand alone. Now as I am getting older I see what a fool I was for thinking that. To stand alone means something now. You have confidence, you know who you are and you know that you are not alone. Even when standing there alone.

One thing I can learn from the most in this book of scriptures is the conversation between Moroni and Pahoran. I believe Elder David A. Bednar said it best. "In sometime, someday someone will say or do something that you will consider offensive. We can not control their behaviour. We DO control how we ACT. Choose not to be offended. Pahoran choose not to take offense against Moroni." Yep... OUCH! If that was not right to the gut I don't know what is! That is me in a nutshell! No, not Pahoran! lol I need to strive to be like Pahoran and not take things so personally and take offense. It's like my husband says, "No, I did not wake up this morning thinking how can I make Nini upset!" Uh...Oh yeah, I guess that makes sense! So, How do we act? How do we respond? Take a step back. Look at the bigger picture. Don't be so quick to assume. Because in the grand scheme of things, IT MATTERETH NOT

With Love,
Nini V.

Second Week of the Second Semester

Hey everyone! I hope your week was a good one! Now we get to enjoy a three day weekend! 

I have finished my second week of the second semester now and I am still loving school! It's been amazing how well this has gone. Having the Lord on your side while going through school is the best way to go. 

I wanted to share a few things that I have learned this week. Every week we get to watch some videos about our book of scriptures we are studying that week. They are called Digging Deeper. I love these videos. It is usually someone from either of the Quorum's or the first presidency. Here are a few of my favorites:

President Ezra Taft Benson says that The Book of Mormon is the Word of God. There are two reasons why he says this. 1.) It tells in plain manner of Christ and bears witness of the fall and Atonement. 2.) It exposes the enemies of Christ. False prophets and false witnesses. 

President Boyd K. Packer says that in Alma the Younger's day, the word of God was more powerful than the sword! He said that when true doctrine is understood, attitudes and behaviors will change.

President Deiter F. Uchtdorf asks us how do we receive a personal testimony? He then gives us some suggestions. We must have the desire to believe. If we desire it, God promises divine power! If we search the scriptures, study them and have questions, He will give us the knowledge through personal testimony. We must do the will of God to gain the testimony we are wanting. If we keep the commandments, do more than casual study, learn and actually DO God's will, He will testify to us personally.

Elder Russel M. Nelson and President Boyd K. Packer both spoke about the Atonement. Oh, the Atonement! How thankful I am of the Atonement! Where would I be without the Atonement of Christ? Where would any of us be? Ok, back to the Elder's words. Elder Nelson says that the Atonement is Infinite! All humans can be saved! Jesus was the only one that could do this. Because he had a mortal mother and an immortal father. President Packer says that the Atonement is the redemption from spiritual death and suffering caused by sin. The Atonement is not only for the end of physical life, it is an ever present power that we can use daily! The gospel plan is the Plan of Happiness. The spiritual pain we feel from guilt can be calmed by the spirit! Like Alma the Younger felt when he was "in the darkest abyss" at his lowest, but now holds the light of God! We all make mistakes and because of this we suffer, we feel guilt but this is when the healing power of the Atonement can help! We must repent and look to the Atonement to lift us up. 

In Alma 31 there are two prayers in this chapter. One of them is given by the Zoramites. It is a recited prayer. There is no feelings in the prayer, no requests to help them become better people. Nothing personal. While Alma's prayer is very personal. He makes it specific and asks for help with the people. He prays for comfort, strength, power, wisdom and success. He asks that he and his brothers have the strength to bear any afflictions that the Zoramites might cause them. Two very different prayers in two very different ways. I think I know how I would like my children to talk to me! 

So, you can see that a lot can be learned in just this small section of Alma in the Book of Mormon. I really enjoyed reading through Alma chapter 34 because of all the insights that Amulek has. He shares with the people ways to pray. I love how detailed he gets when talking to them. He tells them to pray here and there, when and why and for who! Even your enemies! He then says that this is not all! You must Live this way! Do not turn away the poor and the needy but reach out to them and love them as Heavenly Father loves you. I love how this chapter tells us how to live. We can choose to be happy, pray all day, give love to those around us and feel His love for us at anytime and anywhere.

I am thankful for my Heavenly Father and the love that He has for me. I am thankful that I have the knowledge of the gospel and that I can choose to live like Jesus Christ. I know my Heavenly Father loves me. I know that Jesus Christ lives! I know that He died for us so that we can live with Heavenly Father again. I will live to be a disciple of Christ. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am a Mormon. 

Here we go with my second semester of College!

So, I'm back to school again now. This is my second week and I'm already nervous! Let me first start by saying that I've always loved math problems. I've never really struggled with it. I enjoy working with numbers. Ok, ok, so hate me if you want to. But it's fine. I like my numbers! However, taking a college course on math is so different! Online too! Today I looked over my lesson overview from my professor and it was awesome. I felt comforted by what I saw. It made me feel so good that I wanted to share with all of you what it was. I hope this video brings joy to your hearts and peace in your minds! I am a Child of God!

With Love, Nini Van De Venter

Happy Holidays!!!

Hello everyone! I hope everyone has been doing well. It is a great time of the year now and also my favorite! I love the way everyone is towards others. I wish it would be like this the whole year through.
Well, I am almost finished with my first semester of college. Only two more weeks left! It is so weird! I still can't believe I'm going to college. It has been a goal of mine since I graduated!
We are cruising along in the Book of Mormon. We've been reading through Mosiah and some of Alma. These are my favorite stories! I love how the 4 sons of Mosiah and Alma the Younger had a mighty change of heart and wanted to go and teach the people all that they learned!
A few things I learned while watching some of the videos available to us:
The birth of the Savior means the world has a chance to feel His love. Look to the Light! Repentance is a Divine Gift! It gives us freedom, confidence and peace. Try not to be selfish. "God implanted strong appetites in us...for nourishment and love, we need to master the appetite with God's love! True change and healing can only happen through the Atonement of Jesus Christ!" (Russell M. Nelson) Do not be a slave to the appetite. Master your emotions and passions and be free from one-self. Slavery is true liberation.
On of our prophets from the church who has since passed away advised us to cease to do evil and learn to do well. If there are sins that are scarlet, they can be white as snow! Use the Atonement of Jesus Christ and repent. Have a change in heart and be clean in language, in thought and in dress and body. Be a grateful disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ by seeing who YOU are. A beloved Child of God!
This next video was so good I thought I would share it all with you. It has such a great message that I couldn't word it just right so please watch "Reclaimed" by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. These are Mormon Messages that are made to help others know more about "the Mormons" so please feel free to watch others on YouTube!




I am thankful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ so that I can become reclaimed. I can work hard and become a disciple of Christ by repenting of my sins and showing my brother Jesus Christ that I am thankful for his sacrifice. Because of Him I can live my life and know Who I Am! I am a daughter of a Loving Heavenly Father and Mother. Who shows me their love daily. I am a mother, wife and friend to those around me. I am thankful for the family that my Heavenly Father has given me. I am thankful for the gospel that He has shown me, and has testified to me that it is true. Thank you for reading my posts and I hope that my stories, strength and learning will help you to grow and learn as the Pathway Program has done for me.

New Power Point from class

Hey everyone! It's been a few weeks and life has been crazy. I've made another PowerPoint for class so I thought I would share. I've learned a lot these past few weeks. Can I just say how awesome King Benjamin is! And reading into this week’s material, what a difference he made! This book is so awesome. Speaking of, did you read the book like I challenged you to last time? I'd love to hear the comments on what insights you have gained. Please keep it to positive comments only. I will delete any negative. (Thanks!)

Life in the Van De Venter household has still been a roller coaster. It has been up and down for sure with us. We are trying to live life day to day and just make sure that our kids know how much we love them. Searching the scriptures and really studying them has helped me focus on what is more important. I start seeing things with a positive outlook. I know there is a lesson for me to learn through each trial that I face. I will accept any challenge that Heavenly Father throws at me, because I know that He will help me and guide me through it. He is a loving Father and He does not want to see me fail. I will look to Him for anything I might need. Guidance, Love, a Shoulder to cry on. I know He will be there.

With Thanksgiving coming up this week I thought I would share a few things I wrote down in my gratitude journal. It's quite a long list!

Family, Husband, Friends, Food, Clean Air to Breathe (asthmatic), Beds, House, Blankets, Clothes, Snow, Car, School, Internet, Book of Mormon, Sleep, Church Music, Kangen Water, Heavenly Father's Love, Priesthood Blessings, Charity, Sacrament, Work, The Gospel, Anything Purple, IPad, Testimonies, Zumba, Costco, Medicine, Scriptures, Modern Day Prophets, Holy Ghost, Temples, Eternal Marriage, Pencils, Pens, Chocolate, Five Senses, Talents, Doctors, Health, Freedom.

Just to name a few.

I was given a paper to write all the things I'm thankful for. On the top of it is this saying, 

"It is not happy people who are Grateful, it is Grateful people who are happy." 

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving Holiday and a safe shopping weekend! 

With Love,

Nini Van De Venter

PowerPoint Enos - Mosiah 3

Happy Birthday to Me! Oh wait, I'm studying.

We are cruising along with our college courses in Pathway. We are already on Lesson 7! I can't believe how close we have come as a group in our Thursday night gatherings. It's pretty neat. Last week I had one of those trials you wish you never had to go through. Can I just say that teenagers are the hardest? My gathering group had noticed the change in me, asked about it and all week have prayed for me and my family. So inspiring! I can feel their love when I walk through the door.

Speaking of trials and Pathway, I have grown so much through this that I was better prepared for this trial we are going through. I usually go deep into depression and feel sorry for myself. I think about how horrible of a mother I am and all the things I do wrong. But with my college course I am taking, I have been improving myself by working on a Christlike attribute. I chose self worth to work on. It has helped me so much! I haven't once thought down on myself. I know that I am going to get through this with my Heavenly Father's help and support. I love this gospel. We will never be alone!

So, what I've learned this last week has been very informing. Some things that I didn't even put together before.

I learned that if we have hope, we can stay on the right path. We can have hope that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the power of his resurrection we can be raised until life eternal. Did you know that the Book of Mormon says that Christ loves everyone? All nations! Every nation, every person, is invited to come unto Christ. He also gives us a hint about what's to come! "And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I can not speak another, for my work is not yet finished, neither shall it be until the end of man." I'm gonna leave that up to your imagination about what that means! But I've got my ideas.

What is the definition of witness? To sum it up? A testimony. So did you know that Divine Doctrines are confirmed by more than one scriptural witness? The scriptures are revelations to the prophets from God. When reading the Book of Mormon it is intended to help believe the Bible! The Book of Mormon reiterates the law of tithing, the temples, keeping the Sabbath day holy, and the Priesthood.

Now, of course with the good, there is always the bad. Satan is always around. He is very deceiving and entices us in such easy ways. Some of his followers will say there is no God, there's no one to follow. There is no sin, eat, drink and be merry, Some of them will have too much pride in their hearts that they will not follow God. Some will have more love for their pleasures then they will for following God. Then there's those that commit all sexual sins, lie, and steal. The Devil will portray these as fun but they result in spiritual fatality.

When reading all of these teachings in the Book of Mormon, one thing I did remember from before is that if we seek this knowledge by faith, He will give us the spiritual knowledge that we need. We will be taught by the spirit. We will learn by Faith. If we are learning with the guidance of the Holy Ghost, it will be remembered in the heart and not just in the mind.

So as Boyd K. Packer said, "We are in enemy territory" growing up in this era. Stand tall as a daughter/son of God. "Feast upon the words of Christ" (Boyd Baggett) and feel his spirit as the Holy Ghost comforts you and teaches you, for the Savior is never far from us. He is there to guide us and help us. I would like to challenge all those that are reading my blog to read the Book of Mormon and ask in earnest prayer if it is the word of God (ask me for one if you need one to read).

                                          

I know that I am a daughter of God. I know I am loved by Him. I know that through the Atonement of Christ, I can live with Him again. I am thankful for latter day prophets to guide us in our days. I am thankful that I have the Holy Ghost to guide me in the right direction, as long as I am following the commandments. It is my goal to endure to the end so that my family will be by His side for eternity.

Oh yeah, and Happy Birthday to me tomorrow!!!