We hope today's Good Word inspires you to draw strength from God instead of relying on your own. Send us your favorite scripture, and we'll turn it into a graphic like today's. 

When I was young, I heard much talk about the gifts given to men from God and desired to receive a gift also. While visiting in Pennsylvania, my brother had many in-depth scriptural conversations with Grandpap, who had been an elder in our church for many years.

After one of these discussions, my brother requested that Grandpap bestow or confer a gift on him like men of old did in the Old Testament. While praying, Grandpap was led to ask for two certain gifts for my brother. When my brother came home and told me about it, I was so happy for him and desired for Grandpap to do the same for me.

Today's Blogger's Choice spotlight is from Brother Andrew DiNardo. He chose his article "Gideon Moment," originally published on September 12, 2013.

He says, "Now almost two years later, I'm 1,300 miles from family and where I lived my whole life but thriving where God has placed me. Being so far away from family and my perfect little nephew isn't easy BUT knowing that God has placed me here and watching Him move in my life makes it easier. These experiences still ring true in my life."

We recently had an evangelist ordination in our branch, and one of the definitions I heard is that an evangelist is someone who brings the Gospel where it is not.

And I like that definition because, in my mind, I immediately started thinking of those in Africa or in Nepal or the poverty I saw for myself in Guatemala City.

It was stressed, however, that this definition doesn't just apply to places that aren't Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It applies at home, too.

But what we didn't mention is that when we say, "An evangelist is someone who brings the Gospel where it is not," the "where" does not just mean a place or a group of people. It can mean a single person — literally anywhere.

For today's Best of Miracle Monday, we're republishing "I Never Heard a Sweeter Song" from May 7, 2012 submitted by Sister Mandy Griffith.

When our first son, Wesley, was born, he was four weeks premature. As new parents, we naturally had many concerns, but the day after his birth, when his condition was stabilized, we had family come to visit.

As everyone gathered around to see the baby, the gift of tongues came forth, and the interpretation was, "My gift to you, thus saith the Lord." We were so blessed to receive that expression of God's love; it truly comforted us, and we felt reassured that all would be well with our son.

We hope that today's Good Word motivates you to draw on God's strength so that you can be an overcomer. Don't let past sins, future worries, or the temptations, failures, and disappointments of the present hold you back from your relationship with God. He has the power to help you overcome!

Send us your favorite scripture, and we'll make it our next Good Word Friday.

This is part two of a two-part article. See yesterday's post for part one.

Yesterday, I confessed that I'm often more of a Prayer Worrier than I am a Prayer Warrior. Today, I'm going to share a few other examples of different prayer "personalities."

As you think about them, I hope they encourage you to explore your own tendencies regarding prayer in an effort to draw closer to the perfect pattern: "pray without ceasing" (#lifegoal) and daily communication with God.

Note: "Pray-er" (noun) Person who prays.

I've begun to realize that my prayers have a tendency to be driven by my worries. "Dear Lord, please help me so I don't _____," and "Dear God, I worry ____ in my life won't work out."

I know I'm supposed to be a prayer warrior, but sometimes I find that I'm more of a "prayer worrier."

My life is full of what-if scenarios and the anticipation of what might go wrong next. I expect rough patches. I stress and try to plan in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. I struggle to release control, and I worry if God will answer me the way I think it should be handled.

Today's Blogger's Choice highlight is from Brother Jerry Valenti. He chose his article "Spinach Pie," originally published on December 4, 2012.

He says, "I chose this article because I think it's a good illustration of how we need to make sure the primary ingredient of The Church (God) is not left out of our worship services. As a side benefit, nobody makes spinach when I visit their homes now."

Some years ago, I was in Detroit, Michigan on business, and the group I was with decided to go out to dinner in an area of Detroit known as Greektown. I was somewhat concerned as I'm not someone who typically likes to experiment with different cuisines, and as I started looking over the menu, my worst fears were realized as I desperately searched for something I thought I could eat. I finally settled on an entrée known as spinach pie.

For today's "Best of Miracle Monday," we're republishing "Before They Call, I Will Answer" from April 16, 2012 submitted by Brother Frank Natoli.

As a newly ordained elder in The Church of Jesus Christ, I was instructed to always carry a small bottle of blessed oil with me, in case someone contacted me and asked to be anointed (James 5:14-16).

One morning, I awoke, got ready for work, ate my breakfast, and got in my car to go to work. Before I walked out the door, I touched the outside of pants to feel for my little bottle of oil, but it wasn't there. I had forgotten it, so I went back to my room, placed it in my pants pocket and left for work.

Today's Good Word reminds us of the sweet blessing of unity. Is there unity in your home? Your spiritual family? Is there anyone you need to restore unity with today?

Send us your favorite scripture, and we'll turn it into a beautiful image like today's.

Today's Blogger's Choice highlight is from Sister Alena Ricci. She chose her article "Live Fearlessly," originally published on July 16, 2014.

She says, "I chose it because with my upcoming departure for an extended trip in Chile, the idea of living fearlessly and taking that jump into the waterfall yelling 'Geronimo!' is a very critical feeling for me. I have spent a lot of time worrying about everything, from other people's opinions to variables that I can't even control, and this one reminds me to let it go and just live fearlessly."

Note: This is part two of a two-part article. See yesterday's post for part one.

Yesterday, we talked about being more than a conqueror. Today, let's discuss how we become that way. How do I get my name written in the Lamb's Book of Life?

As a church, we believe that obedience to the Gospel is necessary to obtain salvation by taking the following actions:

• Believe and have faith that Jesus Christ is the risen Savior of the world
• Repent of your sins with a desire to sin no more
• Be baptized by immersion in water for a remission of sins
• Receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands
• Live righteously, remain faithful, and endure to the end of your life

Ever wonder what you have in common in with Genghis Khan, Alexander the Great and Attila the Hun?

Probably not a lot, but there may be one exception — they were conquerors and so are you!

Webster's dictionary defines a conqueror as someone who acquires gain by force, but it goes on to say that it's also someone who acquires gain by overcoming obstacles.

Today, we're kicking off the "Best of Miracle Monday" series. We're digging back in our archives for special experiences that we shared in the blog's early days so that those of you who weren't with us back then can experience them. Today, we're republishing "The Lost Lens Miracle" from April 2, 2012 submitted by Sister Melanie Suska.

One winter day in school, when I was around 10 years old, the bell rang at the end of the day, and I rushed outside to get to my mom's car.