"A Defense and a Refuge" President Packer Oct 2006 conference Sunday afternoon session.

"A few points that I love are "arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations;"

"If we are doing the best we can, we should not become discouraged."

"There would be no end to the kinds of challenges that the early Saints would face. New challenges would be different than, but certainly not less than, that through which they had made their way."
We will always have opposition it is how we endure and work through it that blesses and strengthens us.

"Some live with an unspoken fear of what awaits us and the Church in the world."
I know I have always had a fear that nagged at me, but if we are doing what we are suppose to be doing then we will be alright.

"We can live where we wish, doing the best we can to make a living, whether modest or generous. We are free to do as we wish with our lives, assured of the approval and even the intervention of the Almighty, confident of constant spiritual guidance."
If we do our very best to follow Heavenly Father's commandments we can be sure He will help us get where we are work to go and it will be in alignment with what he wants for us.

"We are not to be afraid, even in a world where the hostilities will never end."
Fear is going to come, but it is not ok to have fear paralyze you so you do not move forward! That is the evil one targeting you. The Lord gives happiness and peace not fear. We must identify the fear then move into action. The fear is never going to go away we have to accept that then shift to move forward.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16; 3 Nephi 12:16).
We are given a power and light to lift others and in so doing we lift ourselves. "No greater joy there is than a man lay down his life for his friend."

"do 'not [be] ashamed of the gospel of [Jesus] Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth" (Romans 1:16)

I have found that I do not have to do anything. I have the right to choose what I do. I have the right to want to do things and not feel guilty if I do not complete them or do not do them. I do have commandments and I can choose to either like to follow them or complain about them. I choose to follow them so that I can have the Spirit of my Father in Heaven with me at all times. I am a beautiful daughter of God and have the gift of agency and I am free to choose who will have an influence in my life and how I will live me life. I JERI STEELE CHOOSE TO DO THIS EVENT!!! It will probably be harder than what I think but constant movement and decisions are all that matter!!! When I make mistakes I know my Lord and Savior has suffered for my sins and I can be forgiven of them and forgive myself as well. I can be kind and gentle with myself and others. I am entitled to His love and the Love of my Father in Heaven. I can feel Them close as I choose the right paths for my family and I to follow. I AM EXCITED!! I love myself and I love my brothers and sisters. I am able to connect with them and I am worth so much more than the precious things of this world. Thank Thee wonderful Father for this abundant life and the gifts event he gifts that come in the form of challenges we are truly blessed. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Blessings of the day

There was mostly a spirit of kindness in our home. We were able to go for a walk. I got to spend sometime playing the keyboard and writing on our story. I got to read some uplifting encouragements from my sisters to another sister. We all had naps!! We have good food. I was able to put away food. I recentered. I received a blessing of healing and I am healed. :) Alan and I are privileged to study Spanish and Nutrition. Alan came home to us and was happy. :) We were able to invited the missionaries (elders) for dinner on Wednesday night.We had a good nights sleep. I feel peace, love, and calmness. I am also pretty sure I am pregnant. :) Oh the blessings of these wonderful days.

I have be blessed to go and participate in healing creative personal growth seminars. I am grateful for the support and love they have for people to gain their life and love back. I can feel the connection to my brothers and sisters in this world now. I know they are wonderful and we came for loving merciful parents who only want the best for us. From the direction of these wonderful parents and  loving brother Christ we have a gospel that  teaches us good from evil and how to recognize the good and be thankful for our blessings even when they come as challenges. From both these organizations we have great support and strength. If we ever feel a lacking we can always turn to the Lord or our Father in Heaven for support and guidance. "Blessed be the name of the Most High God"

Thank Thee Father for these wonderful blessings and days filled with wonder and excitement. I love Thee. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

http://www.lds.org/liahona/2013/08/recognize-remember-and-give-thanks?lang=eng