Sister Duenas' Spiritual Thoughts (February 2013)

02/01/2014 - Many times when we got through tough times we wonder why God abandoned us at these moments. We need to have faith that He hasn't abandoned us and make sure we don't abandon Him. He is always there for us, we just need to turn to Him and ask for help. He WILL give it.

02/04/2014 - 

As you remember to do the small and simple things and master them, you will be able to do great things through the infinite strength of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

02/05/2014 - 

Through the Atonement we all may become cleansed from sin. Jesus Christ paid this heavy price for us that we might live with him and our Heavenly Father again. Because of Jesus Christ we can have hope for our future as we follow in his footsteps and use this great gift he has lovingly, unconditionally given us.  #WhatIsAtonement

"No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may look today, because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we may hope and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”" -- President Dieter F Uchtdorf, "The Infinte Power of Hope"

02/06/2014 - 

"Don't let the low standards and expectations of the world and others cause you to aim beneath your nobility and ability—dream big! What I know and have learned is that anything worth doing is not easy and that we can do anything that is not easy if we believe." -- Elaine S Dalton

If we are the children of God (and we are :)) then what can you accomplish having inherited such great potential?

02/07/2014  - 

Yesterday, I was able to go to the temple and enjoy all of it's blessings. I love going to the temple. Just the sight of it brings joy and peace to me in this increasingly chaotic world. When I go to the temple I am able to realign myself with what is truly important in life. Family; love the Lord with all my heart, soul and mind; love my neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39) and always standing in holy places, no matter the circumstances. 

To learn more of why we have temples and why they are so important I invite you to watch this short video.

02/07/2014 -
Faith is truly an action word! When we have faith in the Lord we are capable of accomplishing anything. Heavenly Father has given us so much to be grateful for and I have faith that He will always give us the help we need if we but have the faith to ask and then act on the answer He gives us.

What more can we do to exercise our faith, to show our love for all that God and His Son has provided for us?

02/11/2014 - 

Job 14:7  "For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease."

There are times in every person's life that we reach a snag or bump that we can't get through n matter how hard we try to push past it. It is at these times that Heavenly Father steps in. He knows that in order for us to progress we have to be cut down so that we may grow back even stronger.

02/07/2014 - As I look around at the world today I can see that it is straying away from the family. The home is where we get a lot of our support in life. When a home is founded on the values and teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ the family can experience the peace and joy that follows.
Strengthening Families

02/12/2014 -
Mosiah 2:17 "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."
Great video  - I'm a Mormon, a leader of a Non-Profit, and a Texan Video link

02/14/2014 - 

"Oh! What a co-mingling of thought filled my mind for the moment, again she is here . . . undaunted, firm and unwavering, unchangeable, affectionate Emma." --A journal extract from Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. writing about his wonderful wife Emma, the choice of his heart. They knew each others strengths and weaknesses and worked together to live the gospel of Jesus Christ and pass them on to their children.

02/14/2014 - 

We should remember that saying ‘I love you’ is only a beginning. We need to say it, we need to mean it, and most importantly we need consistently to show it.”—Elder David A. Bednar

02/18/2014 - A short sweet message from Elder Holland about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon and the Bible go hand in hand. When we ask others to read this wonderful book of ancient scripture it isn't to replace the teachings of the Bible, it is to grow your knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ. Having the Book of Mormon in my life has brought me joy and strengthened my testimony of Jesus Christ and his Atonement.
Elder Holland message
I invite all to read the Book of Mormon. To ponder and study it. And then to ask God if the book is true.

02/19/2014 - 

"The most powerful teaching of children is by the example of their parents." -- Dallin H Oaks
I am who I am today because of the numerous wonderful family examples around me who follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ  

What more can YOU do to come Unto Christ? 

02/20/2014 - 

By the way you love and honor my mom, I will learn that I never have to settle for less. 

How do you raise a daughter? Love My Mother.

02/21/2014 - 

For every marvelous example of God's power being used in the scriptures there had to first be a marvelous act of faith. When we have faith and do what Heavenly Father asks of us, sometimes having to sacrifice something we love, we will gain something infinitely better in return.

02/25/2014 - The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. As I have studied it and acted on it's teachings i have never been lead wrong. I don't believe it is true because my family says it is. i know that it is true because i have prayed, studied and asked God if the book is true. My answer was YES it is true.
I invite all to read the Book of Mormon for themselves and ask God if it is true.
Here are some testimonies of others who have gained their own testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.   Watch it :)