Yesterday, I ran into a friend that I had not seen in a long time. I love these kinds of reunions! We met in our home ward about seven years ago. She became a part of our family. The girls saw her as an aunt figure, someone they could play with and trust. I saw her as a friend and a wonderful role model for our children. Anyway, she moved and then we moved and life carried on.
I think yesterday's reunion was a little like Ammon's with Alma. It was so good to see her.
Anyway, in our conversation, she referred me to a talk given by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.
"Cast Not Away Therefore Thy Confidence." (click here or here).
Here are some things Elder Holland teaches:
"First of all, revelation almost always comes in response to a question, usually an urgent question—not always, but usually. In that sense it does provide information, but it is urgently needed information, special information."
"Lesson number two is closely related. It is that in the process of revelation and making important decisions, fear plays a destructive, sometimes paralyzing role...That is the second lesson of the spirit of revelation. After you have gotten the message, after you have paid the price to feel His love and hear the word of the Lord, go forward. Don’t fear, don’t vacillate, don’t quibble, don’t whine. ... With the spirit of revelation, dismiss your fears and wade in with both feet. In the words of Joseph Smith, “Brethren [and sisters], shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory!"
"The third lesson from the Lord’s spirit of revelation ...is that along with the illuminating revelation that points us toward a righteous purpose or duty, God will also provide the means and power to achieve that purpose. Trust in that eternal truth. If God has told you something is right, if something is indeed true for you, He will provide the way for you to accomplish it. That is true of joining the Church or raising a family, of going on a mission, or any one of a hundred other worthy tasks in life."
So, this morning, I read Elder Holland's talk. I loved it! Reading his words gives me absolute confidence to follow the spirit's direction especially. Particularly after the spirit has given me a deifinite answer. And boy, has anxiety and doubt crept...maybe more like stormed in after answers had come. I do not need to tvivla (This word most accurately describes what I am trying to say. It is Swedish for doubt, but it means more that the word doubt in English.) Hesitate. Vacillate. Rethink. JUST MOVE FORWARD.
I think, because anxiety and depression have been a difficult burden, and yet these two things have played a vital role in my faith and coming to know Christ, Elder Holland's words give me direction and clarity to hold to those feelings of the spirit.
HOLD ON TIGHT!
MOVE FORWARD WITH FAITH!
And then I as I do, I will SEE and FEEL the confidence of the Lord.
DO WHAT THE SPIRIT DIRECTS and
DON'T LOOK BACK or QUESTION the feelings that came.
Because that lays weedy seeds of doubt that quickly overtake my mind and heart.
The beauty of living prophets is that THEIR WORDS ARE TRUE! From God! I can follow them and KNOW that they will ALWAYS lead me to a happy life. NEVER to a place of unhappiness.
Showing posts with label Spirit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spirit. Show all posts
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Baptism...following the counsel of Church Leaders
Amazing day!
I saw/felt/experienced when we follow the words/counsel of our church leaders, we are blessed.
So, we did and more so than we did with our older two. We made a more concerted effort to teach her and prepare her for baptism. In our studies together and with our children, we tried to follow the Spirit about the subject of study. We would suggest to each other several subjects and several times, our studies were directed to answer specific questions she had relating to baptism. How would we had known had we not listened?
So, today, as our third daughter was baptized, I felt a confirmation of the Spirit.
We, our whole family, were emotionally, spiritually, and mentally ready for this event.
I saw/felt/experienced when we follow the words/counsel of our church leaders, we are blessed.
Earlier this year, at Stake Conference, our Stake President counseled us that if we have children that are almost to the age of baptism, to teach baptism, teach of Christ, teach of repentance, baptism, covenants. Teach them about making this covenant.
So, we did and more so than we did with our older two. We made a more concerted effort to teach her and prepare her for baptism. In our studies together and with our children, we tried to follow the Spirit about the subject of study. We would suggest to each other several subjects and several times, our studies were directed to answer specific questions she had relating to baptism. How would we had known had we not listened?
So, today, as our third daughter was baptized, I felt a confirmation of the Spirit.
We, our whole family, were emotionally, spiritually, and mentally ready for this event.
Because we followed the counsel of our stake president, we have been RICHLY blessed.
Just a few of the blessings:
Testimony strengthened.
Faith in Christ increased.
Happy family.
Love at home.
Peace of the Spirit.
Hope to move forward.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Listening to the Spirit
Today, I tried very hard to listen to the Holy Ghost.
I wanted to follow.
And yet, I roller coastered through the day, some moments hearing, recognizing the Spirit's whisper and acting immediately...
And a lot of moments, hearing, not really listening...
and then choosing MY OWN way....
Since I was very young, parents and family and church learders taught me to listen to the Spirit.
They taught that listening - hearing requires me to:
be...
quiet
patient
still
humble
loving
calm
and have...
faith
hope
charity
It requires me to:
drop...
selfishness
pride
ego
anger
doubt
I am 41 and feel like a novice in hearing the Spirit ... in learning to tune the dial.
Perhaps, before I grow very old, I will be well seasoned in the skill of listening.
Maybe one day...I hope...I will be as good a listener a President Thomas S. Monson.
I wanted to follow.
And yet, I roller coastered through the day, some moments hearing, recognizing the Spirit's whisper and acting immediately...
Like when I woke at 6 and thought to read my scriptures early...
and so I did...even though my bed and tired body were screaming at me to go back to sleep.
And then as I read and my 2 year old clamored for attention, the Spirit whispered to listen and hold her even if I didn't study straight through...and so I did.
And a lot of moments, hearing, not really listening...
and then choosing MY OWN way....
Like when I was feeling flustered at my perceived "laundry pile" of demands...perceived or otherwise and...I felt to just keep doing what needed to be done, not to point fault or confront with irritation...and I did otherwise.
Since I was very young, parents and family and church learders taught me to listen to the Spirit.
They taught that listening - hearing requires me to:
be...
quiet
patient
still
humble
loving
calm
and have...
faith
hope
charity
It requires me to:
drop...
selfishness
pride
ego
anger
doubt
I am 41 and feel like a novice in hearing the Spirit ... in learning to tune the dial.
Perhaps, before I grow very old, I will be well seasoned in the skill of listening.
Maybe one day...I hope...I will be as good a listener a President Thomas S. Monson.
Monday, October 4, 2010
FHE and 14 Fundumentals
Tonight, we took Elder Costa's words to action and taught Pres. Benson's Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet.
We cut out each point and gave each family member 1 or 2 strips to draw their idea of what was said. Then, in order of number, we had each family member read and talk about what they had drawn. DH and I added to their ideas from Pres. Benson's talk.
Okay, and so what we felt as a family was, THE SPIRIT!
It was AMAZING!!! By # 11, we stopped and asked the family what feelings they felt? Peace, happiness were the feelings most easily recognized. We asked them if they knew what they were feeling...and yes, two of our children exclaimed, "The Spirit!"
DH shared a short testimony to wrap up FHE and then our 7 year old wanted to share her testimony (and she is shy as a church mouse). It was a testimony of following living prophets. Another daughter shared hers, I shared mine and then my 7 year old shared again. She was so full of the spirit she wanted to keep sharing (reminds me of reading in the Book of Mormon how when the Spirit filled hearts, testimonies could not be kept quiet).
So, what I want to share tonight is that I know for myself that when we follow the words and counsel from the messages of living prophets and the messages at conference, our families are blessed...with increase of testimony.
Here are the 14 points from Pres. Benson:
1. The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything.
2. The living prophet is more vital to us than the standard works.
3. The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet.
4. The prophet will never lead the church astray.
5. The prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or credentials to speak on any subject or act on any matter at any time.
6. The prophet does not have to say “Thus Saith the Lord,” to give us scripture.
7. The prophet tells us what we need to know, not always what we want to know.
8. The prophet is not limited by men’s reasoning.
9. The prophet can receive revelation on any matter, temporal or spiritual.
10. The prophet may advise on civic matters.
11. The two groups who have the greatest difficulty in following the prophet are the proud who are learned and the proud who are rich.
12. The prophet will not necessarily be popular with the world or the worldly.
13. The prophet and his counselors make up the First Presidency—the highest quorum in the Church.
14. The prophet and the presidency—the living prophet and the First Presidency—follow them and be blessed—reject them and suffer.
We cut out each point and gave each family member 1 or 2 strips to draw their idea of what was said. Then, in order of number, we had each family member read and talk about what they had drawn. DH and I added to their ideas from Pres. Benson's talk.
Okay, and so what we felt as a family was, THE SPIRIT!
It was AMAZING!!! By # 11, we stopped and asked the family what feelings they felt? Peace, happiness were the feelings most easily recognized. We asked them if they knew what they were feeling...and yes, two of our children exclaimed, "The Spirit!"
DH shared a short testimony to wrap up FHE and then our 7 year old wanted to share her testimony (and she is shy as a church mouse). It was a testimony of following living prophets. Another daughter shared hers, I shared mine and then my 7 year old shared again. She was so full of the spirit she wanted to keep sharing (reminds me of reading in the Book of Mormon how when the Spirit filled hearts, testimonies could not be kept quiet).
So, what I want to share tonight is that I know for myself that when we follow the words and counsel from the messages of living prophets and the messages at conference, our families are blessed...with increase of testimony.
Here are the 14 points from Pres. Benson:
1. The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything.
2. The living prophet is more vital to us than the standard works.
3. The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet.
4. The prophet will never lead the church astray.
5. The prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or credentials to speak on any subject or act on any matter at any time.
6. The prophet does not have to say “Thus Saith the Lord,” to give us scripture.
7. The prophet tells us what we need to know, not always what we want to know.
8. The prophet is not limited by men’s reasoning.
9. The prophet can receive revelation on any matter, temporal or spiritual.
10. The prophet may advise on civic matters.
11. The two groups who have the greatest difficulty in following the prophet are the proud who are learned and the proud who are rich.
12. The prophet will not necessarily be popular with the world or the worldly.
13. The prophet and his counselors make up the First Presidency—the highest quorum in the Church.
14. The prophet and the presidency—the living prophet and the First Presidency—follow them and be blessed—reject them and suffer.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
White lines on a cross walk
I was walking with one of my children today.
An apology walk (as prompted by the Spirit...because I wanted to drive her).
The kind of walk that where we talked along the way before the apology...and then talked again after the apology to say in so many words, "You're doing okay. I love you."
Well, on the way, we crossed a street with 3 painted cross walk lines.
The two main lines were painted very distinctly. But, there was a third partial line, partially painted and partially worn to the outside of the lines. Looked like an "oops" line.
And the following conversation ensued:
Daughter- Mom, I'm different than other people. I feel like that line right there (pointing to the partially painted partially worn line). And it feels like everyone else is the perfect line (pointing to the white disctinct line).
Me- Really? You know, you may feel like that, but really, we are all like that line you think you are most like.
Daughter- Really?
Me- Yup. It may look like everyone else is "perfect" but none of us is. We all make mistakes.
Daughter- And those nice white lines are like Heavenly Father and Jesus?
Me- Yup!
Daughter- Because they ARE perfect.
And after the apologies happened, and we walked through the crosswalk lines again, the conversation continued.
Daughter- I feel terrible.
Me- Why?
Daughter- Because I always make mistakes.
Me- Honey, we all make mistakes. That's why there is a BIG word that can help us.
Daughter- Repentance?
Me- Yup. That's the word. We're like these crosswalk lines. There are times when we we are painted bright because we repent...but then we make mistakes and the lines look faded. That's why we have Jesus Christ and repentance. Then we can be painted bright again.
Daughter- Really?
Me- Really.
And so, I'm thankful for the Spirit who knew she needed to talk about feeling inadequate, and for Jesus who can heal us and help us remember...we are inadequate...and that's why we have Him and His atonement. And that HE loves us and wants us to come to Him. And hopefully, a little bit of this conversation has been tucked in her heart. And she will Remember Him.
An apology walk (as prompted by the Spirit...because I wanted to drive her).
The kind of walk that where we talked along the way before the apology...and then talked again after the apology to say in so many words, "You're doing okay. I love you."
Well, on the way, we crossed a street with 3 painted cross walk lines.
The two main lines were painted very distinctly. But, there was a third partial line, partially painted and partially worn to the outside of the lines. Looked like an "oops" line.
And the following conversation ensued:
Daughter- Mom, I'm different than other people. I feel like that line right there (pointing to the partially painted partially worn line). And it feels like everyone else is the perfect line (pointing to the white disctinct line).
Me- Really? You know, you may feel like that, but really, we are all like that line you think you are most like.
Daughter- Really?
Me- Yup. It may look like everyone else is "perfect" but none of us is. We all make mistakes.
Daughter- And those nice white lines are like Heavenly Father and Jesus?
Me- Yup!
Daughter- Because they ARE perfect.
And after the apologies happened, and we walked through the crosswalk lines again, the conversation continued.
Daughter- I feel terrible.
Me- Why?
Daughter- Because I always make mistakes.
Me- Honey, we all make mistakes. That's why there is a BIG word that can help us.
Daughter- Repentance?
Me- Yup. That's the word. We're like these crosswalk lines. There are times when we we are painted bright because we repent...but then we make mistakes and the lines look faded. That's why we have Jesus Christ and repentance. Then we can be painted bright again.
Daughter- Really?
Me- Really.
And so, I'm thankful for the Spirit who knew she needed to talk about feeling inadequate, and for Jesus who can heal us and help us remember...we are inadequate...and that's why we have Him and His atonement. And that HE loves us and wants us to come to Him. And hopefully, a little bit of this conversation has been tucked in her heart. And she will Remember Him.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Irritation Management
Ether 12:27- And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.
Last night, DH and I went to the temple. It is always such a good thing to go. It helps me regain perspective, direction, peace and empathy/understanding.
So, what I discovered after a night at the temple is that I need to chill.
Too often, I get mental over little things...things that don't matter. I have blamed these mental moments on being too tired (which I am sure can have an affect on perspective), I have blamed it on "if only they would listen", or "if they'd try understanding my point of view", and I have blamed it on "they just don't understand!"
Anyway, after pondering "peace and contentment" this past month and wanting to know how to hold onto it when it comes. And after a good long time of trying to figure out how to get it back once it comes and goes, and hold onto it, I think I caught a little glimpse of how to achieve it.
Ouch! Good ouch! But ouch all the same.
So here are the thing I've discovered.
If I want to be happy, it is not by controlling others or situations. I find happiness when I respect my and other's agency.
Demanding others does not bring peace! To me or them. Just irritation and contention (I know...these are no brainers...but I am just learning these in my heart and hoping to get them to stick firm into memory).
Before I get in a rut of demands, when I think I am not happy because things are not going my way, I need to step back and say nothing. But silently, pray for eyes to see and ears to hear and a mouth to be quiet. And then act (PATIENCE).
I am discovering that happiness can be mine...not based on decisions of others, but because I choose it over being irritated.
There are things in my heart that I understand but cannot put into words. The Spirit speaks to me so.
Anyway, Heavenly Father is very patient with my learning curve. He knows I can overcome these things I do that set me back. He doesn't give up on me. He continues to teach me and trust that I'll follow Him. Thankful for His perfect plan and for His Son, Jesus Christ and His perfect atonement. One day, with a lot of prayer, and work, and help from Them, I'll have this mastered.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Transition
So, we've been back for almost 2 1/2 weeks now.
Living in transition is really quite an experience.
I realize that leaving Texas and all that we were learning and living...and leaving so suddenly...I really felt like it had torn a hole in my heart.
You know the stages of losing a loved one? Well, in some respects, I have been dealing with similar feelings. Going through similar stages.
Grateful for supportive family around.
And grateful for the Spirit that teaches me that I can have peace and enjoy this moment...even if it not what I hoped for. Life is full of experiences and this is one I get to have now.
Living in transition is really quite an experience.
I realize that leaving Texas and all that we were learning and living...and leaving so suddenly...I really felt like it had torn a hole in my heart.
You know the stages of losing a loved one? Well, in some respects, I have been dealing with similar feelings. Going through similar stages.
Grateful for supportive family around.
And grateful for the Spirit that teaches me that I can have peace and enjoy this moment...even if it not what I hoped for. Life is full of experiences and this is one I get to have now.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Temple Trip
A couple of days ago, a sister in our ward invited me to go to the temple with her.
I missed last month. It was a month of sick. Gratefully my husband was able to go...and well, I counted that for me...even though technically I didn't go;).
I've missed church the past 2-3 weeks with sick kids, and well, frankly, I am missing that boost that comes from attending church and temple.
So, pushing nausea aside, I woke up EARLY...7 am...and showered. I ate breakfast...EARLY hit. Nausea continued...I normally don't end up attending the temple until the middle of the second trimester or even into the 3rd trimester because the nausea is soooo great. But with a prayer in my heart and feeling that me and my family needed this temple trip, I got ready. I called the sister to let her know I would go...and we went.
So, this is what I have to say about going to the temple.
I didn't know how much stress I was carrying until after attending the temple. I felt soooo light. So peaceful. So content. I love the temple.
I recognize Heavenly Father knows my heart. I wanted to go. And he helped me attend a full session without being sick. And, to boot, I got to visit with this sister who drove and what a wonderful person she is!
I missed last month. It was a month of sick. Gratefully my husband was able to go...and well, I counted that for me...even though technically I didn't go;).
I've missed church the past 2-3 weeks with sick kids, and well, frankly, I am missing that boost that comes from attending church and temple.
So, pushing nausea aside, I woke up EARLY...7 am...and showered. I ate breakfast...EARLY hit. Nausea continued...I normally don't end up attending the temple until the middle of the second trimester or even into the 3rd trimester because the nausea is soooo great. But with a prayer in my heart and feeling that me and my family needed this temple trip, I got ready. I called the sister to let her know I would go...and we went.
So, this is what I have to say about going to the temple.
I didn't know how much stress I was carrying until after attending the temple. I felt soooo light. So peaceful. So content. I love the temple.
I recognize Heavenly Father knows my heart. I wanted to go. And he helped me attend a full session without being sick. And, to boot, I got to visit with this sister who drove and what a wonderful person she is!
Monday, March 1, 2010
The past 10 days have been rather full of caring for my six year old.
I think I had talked about her in a previous post.
After a couple of visits to different doctors, we finally got a correct diagnosis.
Kawasaki Disease.
Looking back, I see the Lord's hand through this whole series of events.
A week and a half ago, I took her into a clinic and they treated for strept throat. I knew this was not the correct diagnosis. One side of her neck was so very swollen. It hurt to turn her head. Her fever was climbing. I wondered where I could go to get a diagnosis that made sense. I prayed for help. I knew Heavenly Father would answer. I am her mom and he would lead me. But in this time of distress, I needed peace to hear. My dear husband has been a great comfort through this experience. He gave our daughter many blessing through the week. He reassured me of those truths when I felt unsure of what to do or where to turn for correct treatment.
After a two days treating for strept (hoping that if this were a bacterial infection of sorts, it would take care of this sickness), her fever peaked. I didn't take her actual temperature, but touching her skin felt to burn my hand. She was so very hot. She just wanted to sleep. And in these moments when I would naturally panic, the Spirit whispered what to do and led me and guided me how to take care of her without the panic. I ran a nice warm bath for her and put her in. She shivered and cried having to wake up and bathe. Yet I knew that this would help her. Is I rubbed her little legs and then her back, I could feel the water heat around her little torso. She was such a trooper. After her soak, we took her out, dried her off and dressed her. Her fever had really gone down. I took her temperature (under the arm) and it read 103.4. My husband gave her some medicine to take the fever down and I continued with compresses through the night. Eventually the fever did go down and stayed down till morning.
Morning came and more fevers. Her appetite was so small. She slept most of the days. Her little eyes were very blood shot, her lips puffy, red, and cracked, and the soles of her feet so red.
By Thursday evening when the fevers began again, we decided to take her in for another evaluation. This time a differnt clinic, the doctor on call gave us the heads up of Kawasaki Disease. He instructed if the fever continued 2 more days it was imperative she go to ER at Cook's Children's Hospital.
Friday morning, we looked up Kawasaki and saw a picture of little child that resembeled our little 6 year old. I was so grateful that the Spirit could lead us to the right doctor.
Saturday, the fevers started in the morning. We took her in later that afternoon and by Sunday, the diagnosis was confirmed and they started treatment.
Through this whole experience, I am comforted to know that the Lord has been mindful of us and this situation. For our six year old, she was given strength to do hard things. We talked about our family motto, "In the Strength of the Lord, we can do Hard things." And when she felt scared because of needles or nose suction, we would pray together and then she would do the hard part of holding still and let procedures be done. The nurses who helped encouraged her that the the words of the family motto would help her. And He would help her.
Our family has learned a greater appreciation for each other, for life, for Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father's love for us, of the power of prayer and Priesthood blessings. Our six year old will be home today. I am thankful for the guidance of the Spirit. I know that Heavenly Father watches out for all His children. Because He loves us all so much.
For those who have prayed for our family through this, thank you. We have felt the strength of the prayers and fasting and know it is through all your prayers that answers and help has come.
I think I had talked about her in a previous post.
After a couple of visits to different doctors, we finally got a correct diagnosis.
Kawasaki Disease.
Looking back, I see the Lord's hand through this whole series of events.
A week and a half ago, I took her into a clinic and they treated for strept throat. I knew this was not the correct diagnosis. One side of her neck was so very swollen. It hurt to turn her head. Her fever was climbing. I wondered where I could go to get a diagnosis that made sense. I prayed for help. I knew Heavenly Father would answer. I am her mom and he would lead me. But in this time of distress, I needed peace to hear. My dear husband has been a great comfort through this experience. He gave our daughter many blessing through the week. He reassured me of those truths when I felt unsure of what to do or where to turn for correct treatment.
After a two days treating for strept (hoping that if this were a bacterial infection of sorts, it would take care of this sickness), her fever peaked. I didn't take her actual temperature, but touching her skin felt to burn my hand. She was so very hot. She just wanted to sleep. And in these moments when I would naturally panic, the Spirit whispered what to do and led me and guided me how to take care of her without the panic. I ran a nice warm bath for her and put her in. She shivered and cried having to wake up and bathe. Yet I knew that this would help her. Is I rubbed her little legs and then her back, I could feel the water heat around her little torso. She was such a trooper. After her soak, we took her out, dried her off and dressed her. Her fever had really gone down. I took her temperature (under the arm) and it read 103.4. My husband gave her some medicine to take the fever down and I continued with compresses through the night. Eventually the fever did go down and stayed down till morning.
Morning came and more fevers. Her appetite was so small. She slept most of the days. Her little eyes were very blood shot, her lips puffy, red, and cracked, and the soles of her feet so red.
By Thursday evening when the fevers began again, we decided to take her in for another evaluation. This time a differnt clinic, the doctor on call gave us the heads up of Kawasaki Disease. He instructed if the fever continued 2 more days it was imperative she go to ER at Cook's Children's Hospital.
Friday morning, we looked up Kawasaki and saw a picture of little child that resembeled our little 6 year old. I was so grateful that the Spirit could lead us to the right doctor.
Saturday, the fevers started in the morning. We took her in later that afternoon and by Sunday, the diagnosis was confirmed and they started treatment.
Through this whole experience, I am comforted to know that the Lord has been mindful of us and this situation. For our six year old, she was given strength to do hard things. We talked about our family motto, "In the Strength of the Lord, we can do Hard things." And when she felt scared because of needles or nose suction, we would pray together and then she would do the hard part of holding still and let procedures be done. The nurses who helped encouraged her that the the words of the family motto would help her. And He would help her.
Our family has learned a greater appreciation for each other, for life, for Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father's love for us, of the power of prayer and Priesthood blessings. Our six year old will be home today. I am thankful for the guidance of the Spirit. I know that Heavenly Father watches out for all His children. Because He loves us all so much.
For those who have prayed for our family through this, thank you. We have felt the strength of the prayers and fasting and know it is through all your prayers that answers and help has come.
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