I am currently reading in the book of Mosiah.
A quick summary of where I am...
Abinadi, a prophet sent to call the people and more particularly a wicked king to repentance, has been captured, imprisoned, and now tied up, is presented to the king.
His BOLD declaration of God's call to repentance and promises for the people and the king if they choose to repent or not to repent mulls around and hardens the hearts of the wicked priests.
They try to slay him.
But, because he has not finished delivering God's message to the king, no one can touch him.
So, bound before the king, prophet Abinadi declares redemption through Jesus Christ. Repentance and Salvation.
Okay, so for the purpose of this post...
I was struck by a couple of verses where Abinadi BOLDY tells them the condition of the their hearts...
Mosiah 12:27
"Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise..."
Mosiah 13:7
"Yea, and I perceive that it cuts you to your hearts because I tell you the truth concerning your iniquities..."
Mosiah 13:11
"And now I read unto you the remainder of the acommandments of God, for I perceive that they are not written in your hearts..."
I was struck by the contrast of the condition of the heart of righteous King Benjamin and his people.
Before he turns over his reign to his son, he too preaches repentence and redemption through Christ to his people.
Preparing them for his message he declares:
Mosiah 2:9
"My brethren, all ye that have assembled yourselves together, you that can hear my words which I shall speak unto you this day; for I have not commanded you to come up hither to trifle with the words which I shall speak, but that you should hearken unto me, and open your ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view. "
First they are instructed to use their senses.
And they do...
And, in contrast to the wicked king and his people, we read:
Mosiah 4:2
"And they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men."
Mosiah 5:2
"And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually."
And this change of heart caused for outward actions...and the people covenant to follow Christ.
And again with the heart...
Mosiah 5:7
"And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters."
finally...
Mosiah 5:11,12,13
"11 ... therefore, take heed that ye do not transgress, that the name be not blotted out of your hearts.
12 I say unto you, I would that ye should remember to retain the name written always in your hearts...
13 For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?"
There is something peaceful and enriching about letting Christ sink deep into my heart...
...something beautiful about REMEMBERING to retain HIS name in my heart
...and something POWERUL and SAFE, KNOWING HE is the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIGHT.
I know that He makes the heart soft...
When I REMEMBER Him, and He is sunk into my heart, I am softer and kinder...patient and more understanding...
I am His.
So, tomorrow, I'll try again to rememember...
Knowing that when I forget...which I do too often as life busies around me...
I can trust in His perfect atonement...and repent and try again...
And when I do, I will feel His love just as King Benjamin's people did.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
School and Blessings
With the beginning of school I've heard the anxieties of our children.
They are real. They have taken up a bulk of their thinking the past couple of weeks.
Some of these anxieties are familiar anxieties I had at the beginning of the school year and some are different.
Here are just a few:
Am I going to do well in school? What if I don't? What if I am behind?
Will I make any friends? What if no one wants to play with me?
What if my friends want me to choose wrong things? If I don't do what they want me to, they might not like me.
Are there bullies?
Is my teacher nice? What if she's not?
As a family, we have been praying for several weeks that our children will feel the Lord's love for them. That they would have the courage to make good choices in school. That they would feel confident in their learning.
Knowing that the Lord is ALWAYS aware of us and will bless us IF WE ASK HIM, we have been asking and waiting.
Today, listening to their school experiences and watching them as they did homework, I saw and felt a reassurance of the Lord's love for them. I saw His hand in their lives.
One child came home overjoyed that she found a friend.
Another child was able to concentrate and FINISH her homework. Her focus and determination was AMAZING! By the end of the night, she was reassured that she can learn...VERY WELL! She could feel the happiness that comes from growing
Our other child felt confident in understanding her studies. I could hear her excitement for learning. This same child, after several years of feeling like she has been without true friends, has extended friendship to others.
I see the Lord's hand in these small...yet big things today.
"In the STRENGTH of the LORD, we can do hard things!"
They are real. They have taken up a bulk of their thinking the past couple of weeks.
Some of these anxieties are familiar anxieties I had at the beginning of the school year and some are different.
Here are just a few:
Am I going to do well in school? What if I don't? What if I am behind?
Will I make any friends? What if no one wants to play with me?
What if my friends want me to choose wrong things? If I don't do what they want me to, they might not like me.
Are there bullies?
Is my teacher nice? What if she's not?
As a family, we have been praying for several weeks that our children will feel the Lord's love for them. That they would have the courage to make good choices in school. That they would feel confident in their learning.
Knowing that the Lord is ALWAYS aware of us and will bless us IF WE ASK HIM, we have been asking and waiting.
Today, listening to their school experiences and watching them as they did homework, I saw and felt a reassurance of the Lord's love for them. I saw His hand in their lives.
One child came home overjoyed that she found a friend.
Another child was able to concentrate and FINISH her homework. Her focus and determination was AMAZING! By the end of the night, she was reassured that she can learn...VERY WELL! She could feel the happiness that comes from growing
Our other child felt confident in understanding her studies. I could hear her excitement for learning. This same child, after several years of feeling like she has been without true friends, has extended friendship to others.
I see the Lord's hand in these small...yet big things today.
"In the STRENGTH of the LORD, we can do hard things!"
Monday, August 23, 2010
Music Appreciation
D&C 25:12
"For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing on their heads."
I lead the music for sisters in Relief Society.
Today, the music was BEAUTIFUL!
We have a small group of sisters that attend this meeting. When we sing, the voices are few. But, today, it was enriched with Primary children's voices...and voices of testimony!
As our practice song/hymn for August, the RS president asked us to learn, "I Know that My Savior Loves Me".
So, for the past weeks, we've been learning this song (Click Here to Listen).
Today, before singing together, a sister read about how the song came to be (Click Here).
I invited the older classes in Primary to sing with us...
So, after this sister read, the children sang...
and the sisters joined in...
and the Spirit was sooooo beautiful...
testifying of Jesus Christ and His love for each of us. And our love for Him.
Music is such a powerful tool!
It can Bring us to Christ.
It can Remind us of our Divine Nature and Potential.
It can Testify that God lives and loves us and is very much aware of our needs and cares and lives.
It can Testify of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.
A couple of great short reads about the power of music
click here and click here and click here and finally click here.
Today, I witnessed the power of music. I felt the love that the we sisters and the children have for Jesus Christ and I felt His love for each of us.
It was BEAUTIFUL!
"For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing on their heads."
I lead the music for sisters in Relief Society.
Today, the music was BEAUTIFUL!
We have a small group of sisters that attend this meeting. When we sing, the voices are few. But, today, it was enriched with Primary children's voices...and voices of testimony!
As our practice song/hymn for August, the RS president asked us to learn, "I Know that My Savior Loves Me".
So, for the past weeks, we've been learning this song (Click Here to Listen).
Today, before singing together, a sister read about how the song came to be (Click Here).
I invited the older classes in Primary to sing with us...
So, after this sister read, the children sang...
and the sisters joined in...
and the Spirit was sooooo beautiful...
testifying of Jesus Christ and His love for each of us. And our love for Him.
Music is such a powerful tool!
It can Bring us to Christ.
It can Remind us of our Divine Nature and Potential.
It can Testify that God lives and loves us and is very much aware of our needs and cares and lives.
It can Testify of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.
A couple of great short reads about the power of music
click here and click here and click here and finally click here.
Today, I witnessed the power of music. I felt the love that the we sisters and the children have for Jesus Christ and I felt His love for each of us.
It was BEAUTIFUL!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Book of Mormon Game
Before reading to our children tonight, we played a game that was introduced to us by the Sister Missionaries in our area.
They call it "The Scripture Search Game".
So the object of the game is to see how a randomly picked scripture applies to the subject chosen.
The first subject our 9 year-old daughter chose was baptism.
I opened the book and let the pages fan through my fingers until one of the other children shouted, "STOP!"
I asked, "Left or right"(referring to which side of the page we would read from).
Another daugher answered, "Right".
I asked, "Left or right" again (now picking the column from which we would be reading).
"Right."
Then I had them pick one of the verses (31-34 in this particular column)from that column.
So, think baptism.
And this is the verse that was randomly picked.
Moroni 10: 32
"Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God."
Our 11 year-old described it this way...
When we come to Christ, we have faith in Him. And when we deny ourselves of all ungodliness and love God with all our might mind and strength, we repent. And that leads to Baptism.
She talked about the steps that lead to baptism.
I thought about how having faith in Christ leads us to repentance...wanting a change of heart. Which leads us to making covenants with Him. Because we trust that His grace is sufficient for us and we can nowise deny the power of God.
The second topic was prayer.
And the scripture was 3 Nephi 11:7
"Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him."
So, the answer from our daughters, "The people of Nephi were praying a lot and because they had been praying, they could hear Heavenly Father speak."
Finally, the last topic was missionary work.
We landed on Alma 11:23
Amulek is preaching to the people of Ammonihah.
"Now Amulek said: O thou child of hell, why tempt ye me? Knowest thou that the righteous yieldeth to no such temptations?"
And with this verse, there was a laugh and giggle because Amulek is preaching repentance and faith on Christ.
So, thank you, Sister Missionaries for introducing this game.
Caused for some pondering and really nice gospel discussion.
They call it "The Scripture Search Game".
So the object of the game is to see how a randomly picked scripture applies to the subject chosen.
The first subject our 9 year-old daughter chose was baptism.
I opened the book and let the pages fan through my fingers until one of the other children shouted, "STOP!"
I asked, "Left or right"(referring to which side of the page we would read from).
Another daugher answered, "Right".
I asked, "Left or right" again (now picking the column from which we would be reading).
"Right."
Then I had them pick one of the verses (31-34 in this particular column)from that column.
So, think baptism.
And this is the verse that was randomly picked.
Moroni 10: 32
"Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God."
Our 11 year-old described it this way...
When we come to Christ, we have faith in Him. And when we deny ourselves of all ungodliness and love God with all our might mind and strength, we repent. And that leads to Baptism.
She talked about the steps that lead to baptism.
I thought about how having faith in Christ leads us to repentance...wanting a change of heart. Which leads us to making covenants with Him. Because we trust that His grace is sufficient for us and we can nowise deny the power of God.
The second topic was prayer.
And the scripture was 3 Nephi 11:7
"Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him."
So, the answer from our daughters, "The people of Nephi were praying a lot and because they had been praying, they could hear Heavenly Father speak."
Finally, the last topic was missionary work.
We landed on Alma 11:23
Amulek is preaching to the people of Ammonihah.
"Now Amulek said: O thou child of hell, why tempt ye me? Knowest thou that the righteous yieldeth to no such temptations?"
And with this verse, there was a laugh and giggle because Amulek is preaching repentance and faith on Christ.
So, thank you, Sister Missionaries for introducing this game.
Caused for some pondering and really nice gospel discussion.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Sorry I'm reading
Sorry, I'm reading, so I'm going to take the night off (another one from blogging).
I'm reading with my daughter.
Hope to post tomorrow...
Goodnight!
I'm reading with my daughter.
Hope to post tomorrow...
Goodnight!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Alive in Christ
Yesterday I was feeling very blue.
At some point, I curled up in bed to take a nap hoping to sleep off some
of the sleepy sadness I was feeling.
It felt familiar...depression of not too long ago.
As I lay in bed, I reached up for the scriptures and read where I had left
off the night before.
Mosiah Chapter 3
A beautiful chapter on Jesus Christ's atonement.
When I came to verse 19...which reads:
"For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."
...my spirit felt the need to reach for the Atonement to heal and lift and
pull me from the place I was in.
I had been relying on my dear husband to help pull me out of the blue and
depressed state in which I felt stuck.
And when I read this verse, I knew to Whom I needed to turn.
Only in Christ can my burdens truly be lifted.
So, in that quiet moment,
I poured out my heart...
and waited...
and listened....
I felt His peaceful reassurance,
and comfort
that coming to Him is the only sure Way to find peace.
Sometime later, after sleeping for just a short while,
I woke,
my spirit lifted,
filled with hope and reassurance of God's and Christ's love for me.
At some point, I curled up in bed to take a nap hoping to sleep off some
of the sleepy sadness I was feeling.
It felt familiar...depression of not too long ago.
As I lay in bed, I reached up for the scriptures and read where I had left
off the night before.
Mosiah Chapter 3
A beautiful chapter on Jesus Christ's atonement.
When I came to verse 19...which reads:
"For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."
...my spirit felt the need to reach for the Atonement to heal and lift and
pull me from the place I was in.
I had been relying on my dear husband to help pull me out of the blue and
depressed state in which I felt stuck.
And when I read this verse, I knew to Whom I needed to turn.
Only in Christ can my burdens truly be lifted.
So, in that quiet moment,
I poured out my heart...
and waited...
and listened....
I felt His peaceful reassurance,
and comfort
that coming to Him is the only sure Way to find peace.
Sometime later, after sleeping for just a short while,
I woke,
my spirit lifted,
filled with hope and reassurance of God's and Christ's love for me.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Fingers and Toes
A conversation I had yesterday with my 7 year-old after clipping her fingernails and toenails and she had gathered them all into her hands.
7 year-old: Mom, do you know what I am going to do with these (fingernails and toenails)?
Mom: Um. Collect them in a jar?
7 year-old: Nope! I'm going to plant them!
Mom: Really? What do you think will grow?
7 year-old: I'm not sure.
Mom: Hmmm. Would be interesting to see what grows. Well, there are some great spots for planting out back.
7 year-old: Thanks, Mom!
Today, the conversation continued.
Mom: Well, did you plant your fingernails and toenails?
7 year-old: Yup! Out back in the dirt where that little stick tree is sticking out.
Mom: And what do you think will grow?
7 year-old: A tree with fingernails and toenails.
I am almost tempted to plant some seeds there...tee hee!
7 year-old: Mom, do you know what I am going to do with these (fingernails and toenails)?
Mom: Um. Collect them in a jar?
7 year-old: Nope! I'm going to plant them!
Mom: Really? What do you think will grow?
7 year-old: I'm not sure.
Mom: Hmmm. Would be interesting to see what grows. Well, there are some great spots for planting out back.
7 year-old: Thanks, Mom!
Today, the conversation continued.
Mom: Well, did you plant your fingernails and toenails?
7 year-old: Yup! Out back in the dirt where that little stick tree is sticking out.
Mom: And what do you think will grow?
7 year-old: A tree with fingernails and toenails.
I am almost tempted to plant some seeds there...tee hee!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Oooo. Gospel learning!!
I was reading Elder L Tom Perry's conference address.
MAGNIFICENT!!!
It has given me better direction and a huge boost of joy and determintation in teaching my children.
"Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread and he is attacking, attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, even the family. Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility. While other institutions, such as church and school, can assist parents to “train up a child in the way he [or she] should go” (Proverbs 22:6), ultimately this responsibility rests with parents. According to the great plan of happiness, it is parents who are entrusted with the care and development of our Heavenly Father’s children. Our families are an integral part of His work and glory—“to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). On God’s eternal stage, it is usually intended that parents act as the central cast members in their children’s lives. Fortunately, there are understudies involved in the production who may step in when parents can’t. It, however, is parents who have been commanded by the Lord to bring up their children in light and truth (see D&C 93:40).
Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world. The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find common roots in the teaching of children in the home."
Elder Perry continues:
"The inspired document “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” states:
“Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. ‘Children are an heritage of the Lord’ (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. . . .
“ . . . By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners” (Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).
According to “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” the principles I have taught about teaching in the home apply to both parents, but they are especially crucial to the role of a mother. Fathers most often spend much of their day away from home in their employment. That is one of the many reasons so much of the responsibility for teaching the child in the home falls on mothers. While circumstances do vary and the ideal isn’t always possible, I believe it is by divine design that the role of motherhood emphasizes the nurturing and teaching of the next generation. We see so many challenges today from distracting and destructive influences intended to mislead God’s children. We are seeing many young people who lack the deep spiritual roots necessary to remain standing in faith as storms of unbelief and despair swirl around them. Too many of our Father in Heaven’s children are being overcome by worldly desires. The onslaught of wickedness against our children is at once more subtle and more brazen than it has ever been. Teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in the home adds another layer of insulation to protect our children from worldly influences.
God bless you wonderful mothers and fathers in Zion. He has entrusted to your care His eternal children. As parents we partner, even join, with God in bringing to pass His work and glory among His children. It is our sacred duty to do our very best. Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
MAGNIFICENT!!!
It has given me better direction and a huge boost of joy and determintation in teaching my children.
"Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread and he is attacking, attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, even the family. Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility. While other institutions, such as church and school, can assist parents to “train up a child in the way he [or she] should go” (Proverbs 22:6), ultimately this responsibility rests with parents. According to the great plan of happiness, it is parents who are entrusted with the care and development of our Heavenly Father’s children. Our families are an integral part of His work and glory—“to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). On God’s eternal stage, it is usually intended that parents act as the central cast members in their children’s lives. Fortunately, there are understudies involved in the production who may step in when parents can’t. It, however, is parents who have been commanded by the Lord to bring up their children in light and truth (see D&C 93:40).
Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world. The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find common roots in the teaching of children in the home."
Elder Perry continues:
"The inspired document “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” states:
“Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. ‘Children are an heritage of the Lord’ (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. . . .
“ . . . By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners” (Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).
According to “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” the principles I have taught about teaching in the home apply to both parents, but they are especially crucial to the role of a mother. Fathers most often spend much of their day away from home in their employment. That is one of the many reasons so much of the responsibility for teaching the child in the home falls on mothers. While circumstances do vary and the ideal isn’t always possible, I believe it is by divine design that the role of motherhood emphasizes the nurturing and teaching of the next generation. We see so many challenges today from distracting and destructive influences intended to mislead God’s children. We are seeing many young people who lack the deep spiritual roots necessary to remain standing in faith as storms of unbelief and despair swirl around them. Too many of our Father in Heaven’s children are being overcome by worldly desires. The onslaught of wickedness against our children is at once more subtle and more brazen than it has ever been. Teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in the home adds another layer of insulation to protect our children from worldly influences.
God bless you wonderful mothers and fathers in Zion. He has entrusted to your care His eternal children. As parents we partner, even join, with God in bringing to pass His work and glory among His children. It is our sacred duty to do our very best. Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
Thursday, June 10, 2010
My husband and I went to the temple last night.
Thankful for the quiet time to ponder and pray and absorb the peace in the temple.
Today is a new day.
It is sweet to be with family and in that same breath...I am ready for us to be on our feet.
In an email from a dear friend, she asked, "How [your husband] doing? Did he find his spot yet, or does GOD ask you for patience?"
Those words have brought a lot of comfort and reassurance that the Lord is so aware and mindful of us and our lives. That we are not in this alone and that there are lessons to be learned...lessons the Lord is teaching us.
So, I feel like the answer to my grasping for how do I live joyfully... while moving forward however small the steps feel...the answer is in prayer. Turning this all to the Lord. Give Him everything and listen for His calm reassurance and counsel.
Thankful for the quiet time to ponder and pray and absorb the peace in the temple.
Today is a new day.
It is sweet to be with family and in that same breath...I am ready for us to be on our feet.
In an email from a dear friend, she asked, "How [your husband] doing? Did he find his spot yet, or does GOD ask you for patience?"
Those words have brought a lot of comfort and reassurance that the Lord is so aware and mindful of us and our lives. That we are not in this alone and that there are lessons to be learned...lessons the Lord is teaching us.
So, I feel like the answer to my grasping for how do I live joyfully... while moving forward however small the steps feel...the answer is in prayer. Turning this all to the Lord. Give Him everything and listen for His calm reassurance and counsel.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Teaching
So, I'll be teaching lesson 12 in Relif Society in two weeks.
I've been preparing to teach about the Atonement.
I struggle with not knowing the sisters and hope that the spirit will lead the discussion because I don't know them or their needs...but the Lord does.
So, if I am prepared, I trust He will fill my mouth.
Anyway, while preparing, I've discovered some wonderful scriptures and conference talks about the Atonement...mmmmm!!!
I think the next couple of posts will be my running list of scriptures or talks.
"The Rock of Our Redeemer" Elder Wilford A Andersen
I loved this talk! He teaches how the Atonement strengthens us throughout life. Gives latter-day examples.
A couple of things he says that stuck out.
First, in speaking about the early saints who were driven from Nauvoo:
"These early Saints were indeed homeless, but they were not hopeless. Their hearts were broken, but their spirits were strong. They had learned a profound and important lesson. They had learned that hope, with its attendant blessings of peace and joy, does not depend upon circumstance. They had discovered that the true source of hope is faith—faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in His infinite Atonement, the one sure foundation upon which to build our lives."
"Hope comes from faith in Jesus Christ. He has already overcome the world and has promised that He will wipe away our tears if we will only turn to Him and believe and follow.
Some who at this very moment feel desperate or discouraged may wonder how they can possibly regain hope. If you are one of those, remember that hope comes as a result of faith. If we would build our hope, we must build our faith.
Faith in the Savior requires more than mere belief. The Apostle James taught that even the devils believe and tremble. But true faith requires work. The difference between the devils and the faithful members of this Church is not belief but work. Faith grows by keeping the commandments. We must work at keeping the commandments. From the Bible Dictionary we read that 'miracles do not produce faith but strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ; in other words, faith comes by righteousness.'
When we strive to keep the commandments of God, repenting of our sins and promising our best efforts to follow the Savior, we begin to grow in confidence that through the Atonement everything will be all right. Those feelings are confirmed by the Holy Ghost, who drives from us what our pioneer mothers and fathers called “our useless cares.” In spite of our trials, we are filled with a sense of well-being and feel to sing with them that indeed 'all is well.'"
"I speak to all who suffer, to all who mourn, to all who now face or who will yet face trials and challenges in this life. My message is to all who are worried or afraid or discouraged. My message is but an echo, a reminder of the constant comforting counsel from a loving Father to His children since the world began.
“'Remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.'
I testify of Him, that He has overcome the world, that He will never forget or abandon us, for He has graven us upon the palms of His hands. I testify that those who keep His commandments will grow in faith and hope. They will be given strength to overcome all of life’s trials. They will experience peace that passes all understanding."
Anyway, you can click the link for the full talk. AMAZING! Hope to post more later today and throughout the week.
I've been preparing to teach about the Atonement.
I struggle with not knowing the sisters and hope that the spirit will lead the discussion because I don't know them or their needs...but the Lord does.
So, if I am prepared, I trust He will fill my mouth.
Anyway, while preparing, I've discovered some wonderful scriptures and conference talks about the Atonement...mmmmm!!!
I think the next couple of posts will be my running list of scriptures or talks.
"The Rock of Our Redeemer" Elder Wilford A Andersen
I loved this talk! He teaches how the Atonement strengthens us throughout life. Gives latter-day examples.
A couple of things he says that stuck out.
First, in speaking about the early saints who were driven from Nauvoo:
"These early Saints were indeed homeless, but they were not hopeless. Their hearts were broken, but their spirits were strong. They had learned a profound and important lesson. They had learned that hope, with its attendant blessings of peace and joy, does not depend upon circumstance. They had discovered that the true source of hope is faith—faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in His infinite Atonement, the one sure foundation upon which to build our lives."
"Hope comes from faith in Jesus Christ. He has already overcome the world and has promised that He will wipe away our tears if we will only turn to Him and believe and follow.
Some who at this very moment feel desperate or discouraged may wonder how they can possibly regain hope. If you are one of those, remember that hope comes as a result of faith. If we would build our hope, we must build our faith.
Faith in the Savior requires more than mere belief. The Apostle James taught that even the devils believe and tremble. But true faith requires work. The difference between the devils and the faithful members of this Church is not belief but work. Faith grows by keeping the commandments. We must work at keeping the commandments. From the Bible Dictionary we read that 'miracles do not produce faith but strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ; in other words, faith comes by righteousness.'
When we strive to keep the commandments of God, repenting of our sins and promising our best efforts to follow the Savior, we begin to grow in confidence that through the Atonement everything will be all right. Those feelings are confirmed by the Holy Ghost, who drives from us what our pioneer mothers and fathers called “our useless cares.” In spite of our trials, we are filled with a sense of well-being and feel to sing with them that indeed 'all is well.'"
"I speak to all who suffer, to all who mourn, to all who now face or who will yet face trials and challenges in this life. My message is to all who are worried or afraid or discouraged. My message is but an echo, a reminder of the constant comforting counsel from a loving Father to His children since the world began.
“'Remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.'
I testify of Him, that He has overcome the world, that He will never forget or abandon us, for He has graven us upon the palms of His hands. I testify that those who keep His commandments will grow in faith and hope. They will be given strength to overcome all of life’s trials. They will experience peace that passes all understanding."
Anyway, you can click the link for the full talk. AMAZING! Hope to post more later today and throughout the week.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Spirit of Prophecy
While reading, I came across this verse:
2 Ne. 25:4
4 Wherefore, hearken, O my people, which are of the house of Israel, and give ear unto my words; for because the words of Isaiah are not plain unto you, nevertheless they are plain unto all those that are filled with the spirit of prophecy. But I give unto you a prophecy, according to the spirit which is in me; wherefore I shall prophesy according to the plainness which hath been with me from the time that I came out from Jerusalem with my father; for behold, my soul delighteth in plainness unto my people, that they may learn. (Italics added)
I know Nephi was a prophet and had this gift.
So does this mean that only prophets have this gift? Will I not understand the words of Isaiah unless they are defined and clarified by prophets?
Here are some wonderful excerpts that helped clarify:
From Elder Robert D. Hales: A testimony is the spirit of prophecy (see Rev. 19:10). It is a personal revelation from God, revealing the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. A testimony comes through the Holy Ghost; it makes a deep and lasting impression on the soul.
From Elder Bruce R. McConkie:
As members of the church and kingdom of God on earth, we enjoy the gifts of the Spirit—those wonders and glories and miracles that a gracious and benevolent God always has bestowed upon his faithful saints. The first of these gifts listed in our modern revelation on spiritual gifts is the gift of testimony, the gift of revelation, the gift of knowing of the truth and divinity of the work. This gift is elsewhere described as the testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy. This is my gift. I know this work is true.
I have a perfect knowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that he was crucified for the sins of the world. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God through whose instrumentality the fullness of the everlasting gospel has been restored again in our day. And I know that this Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom of God on earth, and that as now constituted, with President Harold B. Lee at its head, it has the approval and approbation of the Lord, is in the line of its duty, and is preparing a people for the second coming of the Son of Man.
And I know further that the Lord pours out upon his people today the same glorious and wondrous gifts enjoyed by the ancient saints. To us in this day he gives the spirit of prophecy and of revelation, even as he did to them of old. “I will tell you” the glories and wonders of the everlasting gospel, he says; “I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation.” (D&C 8:2–3.)
Another by Elder McConkie:
The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. It is a gift of the Spirit. It comes in full measure only to faithful members of the Church. It is reserved for those whose right it is to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. It is the spiritual endowment which sets a man apart as a prophet in fulfillment of the prayer of Moses: “Would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!” (Num. 11:29.)
Also referring to the spirit of prophecy is this from a Proclamation given by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1980:
We testify that the spirit of prophecy and revelation is among us. “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God” (A of F 1:9). The heavens are not sealed; God continues to speak to his children through a prophet empowered to declare his word, now as he did anciently.
So I think what I am learning is that although prophets, former and living, have the gift of prophecy, and can and DO prophecy in our day, I, a member of Christ's church, am able to receive this gift if I earnestly seek and keep myself clean and pure. I will understand the scriptures as they apply to me and my family...in my own little sphere.
Wonderful!!
2 Ne. 25:4
4 Wherefore, hearken, O my people, which are of the house of Israel, and give ear unto my words; for because the words of Isaiah are not plain unto you, nevertheless they are plain unto all those that are filled with the spirit of prophecy. But I give unto you a prophecy, according to the spirit which is in me; wherefore I shall prophesy according to the plainness which hath been with me from the time that I came out from Jerusalem with my father; for behold, my soul delighteth in plainness unto my people, that they may learn. (Italics added)
I know Nephi was a prophet and had this gift.
So does this mean that only prophets have this gift? Will I not understand the words of Isaiah unless they are defined and clarified by prophets?
Here are some wonderful excerpts that helped clarify:
From Elder Robert D. Hales: A testimony is the spirit of prophecy (see Rev. 19:10). It is a personal revelation from God, revealing the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. A testimony comes through the Holy Ghost; it makes a deep and lasting impression on the soul.
From Elder Bruce R. McConkie:
As members of the church and kingdom of God on earth, we enjoy the gifts of the Spirit—those wonders and glories and miracles that a gracious and benevolent God always has bestowed upon his faithful saints. The first of these gifts listed in our modern revelation on spiritual gifts is the gift of testimony, the gift of revelation, the gift of knowing of the truth and divinity of the work. This gift is elsewhere described as the testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy. This is my gift. I know this work is true.
I have a perfect knowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that he was crucified for the sins of the world. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God through whose instrumentality the fullness of the everlasting gospel has been restored again in our day. And I know that this Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom of God on earth, and that as now constituted, with President Harold B. Lee at its head, it has the approval and approbation of the Lord, is in the line of its duty, and is preparing a people for the second coming of the Son of Man.
And I know further that the Lord pours out upon his people today the same glorious and wondrous gifts enjoyed by the ancient saints. To us in this day he gives the spirit of prophecy and of revelation, even as he did to them of old. “I will tell you” the glories and wonders of the everlasting gospel, he says; “I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation.” (D&C 8:2–3.)
Another by Elder McConkie:
The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. It is a gift of the Spirit. It comes in full measure only to faithful members of the Church. It is reserved for those whose right it is to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. It is the spiritual endowment which sets a man apart as a prophet in fulfillment of the prayer of Moses: “Would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!” (Num. 11:29.)
Also referring to the spirit of prophecy is this from a Proclamation given by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1980:
We testify that the spirit of prophecy and revelation is among us. “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God” (A of F 1:9). The heavens are not sealed; God continues to speak to his children through a prophet empowered to declare his word, now as he did anciently.
So I think what I am learning is that although prophets, former and living, have the gift of prophecy, and can and DO prophecy in our day, I, a member of Christ's church, am able to receive this gift if I earnestly seek and keep myself clean and pure. I will understand the scriptures as they apply to me and my family...in my own little sphere.
Wonderful!!
So, while the family sleeps, I'll post.
It is quiet...relatively.
I can hear my husband snoring, an airplane over head, the traffic rushing to and fro, and of course the clicking of the keys as I type.
I feel happy, content that everything works out.
I am a natural stresser. I don't like it. So, I search for places and moments of peace to help me hold steady when I feel like my world is swirling...or being jumbled about.
In these quiet mornings when I feel the whispers of peace from the Spirit, my mind steadies and the stress dissipates.
Anyway, time to get mentally ready for the day, before the day gets ahead of me.
It is quiet...relatively.
I can hear my husband snoring, an airplane over head, the traffic rushing to and fro, and of course the clicking of the keys as I type.
I feel happy, content that everything works out.
I am a natural stresser. I don't like it. So, I search for places and moments of peace to help me hold steady when I feel like my world is swirling...or being jumbled about.
In these quiet mornings when I feel the whispers of peace from the Spirit, my mind steadies and the stress dissipates.
Anyway, time to get mentally ready for the day, before the day gets ahead of me.
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.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Lesson #8
Church was WONDERFUL!
The speakers in Sacrament spoke on the Restoration. Fabulous! One of the speakers was recently called to serve a mission...Chinese speaking. The other speaker was a stake high counciler. They both spoke so well.
A family that we have become friends with came together today! It was so good to see them both.
Our twenty month old enjoyed nursery...even after I slipped out. Big YAY!
I went to Relief Society and so enjoyed the lesson from Gospel Principles on prayer: Lesson #8.
During our discussion, one sister shared how their family prayers often were answered and not recognized till later in the day when one of her teenagers had come home from school and mentioned that by some miracle they escaped what could have been a fatal accident. That was when they recognized that their family prayer earlier that day had been answered.
It reminded me of our own family prayers and the things for we which we have been asking. And then I wondered how the Lord had answered these prayers.
I learned that His answer to our prayers did come, just not come in the form I was looking for. But it has come.
I am at peace with moving and supporting my husband in his effort to provide for our family. There is strength in knowing the Lord's will and going at it together.
The speakers in Sacrament spoke on the Restoration. Fabulous! One of the speakers was recently called to serve a mission...Chinese speaking. The other speaker was a stake high counciler. They both spoke so well.
A family that we have become friends with came together today! It was so good to see them both.
Our twenty month old enjoyed nursery...even after I slipped out. Big YAY!
I went to Relief Society and so enjoyed the lesson from Gospel Principles on prayer: Lesson #8.
During our discussion, one sister shared how their family prayers often were answered and not recognized till later in the day when one of her teenagers had come home from school and mentioned that by some miracle they escaped what could have been a fatal accident. That was when they recognized that their family prayer earlier that day had been answered.
It reminded me of our own family prayers and the things for we which we have been asking. And then I wondered how the Lord had answered these prayers.
I learned that His answer to our prayers did come, just not come in the form I was looking for. But it has come.
I am at peace with moving and supporting my husband in his effort to provide for our family. There is strength in knowing the Lord's will and going at it together.
Friday, April 16, 2010
An end of a chapter
How can I sum up the past nine months without feeling overcome with emotion?
I can't.
What started as a move to Texas, a new adventure in our lives, has become a pivotal point for our family. A place and time to REMEMBER the Lord's hand...continually.
Our time in Texas has come to an end.
We are returning to Utah.
And with so many mixed emotions I post this blog.
In this short time here, I connected...reconnected with people whom I will treasure in my heart forever. The thought of meeting and reuniting in Heaven again is BEAUTIFUL!
Carrie, that's right! That's what the Celestial Kingdom is all about. And I look forward to that sweet reunion if our time here doesn't cross again.
I have seen lives lived in service to God and His Kingdom. I have felt the reach of the Lord's hand so many times.
And so, as this part of our chapter comes to a close, I can't help but feel that the Lord in His goodness has given us something AMAZING in this experience. In so many ways, it has reminded me of my own mission when I would transfer to a new area. Leaving the people I grew to love and serve but with the deep sense of love for them that never leaves.
Each of us have learned the love of the Lord. These nine months were compacted spiritual learning for our family.
Heavenly Father is so kind to give us this time to learn together.
I can't.
What started as a move to Texas, a new adventure in our lives, has become a pivotal point for our family. A place and time to REMEMBER the Lord's hand...continually.
Our time in Texas has come to an end.
We are returning to Utah.
And with so many mixed emotions I post this blog.
In this short time here, I connected...reconnected with people whom I will treasure in my heart forever. The thought of meeting and reuniting in Heaven again is BEAUTIFUL!
Carrie, that's right! That's what the Celestial Kingdom is all about. And I look forward to that sweet reunion if our time here doesn't cross again.
I have seen lives lived in service to God and His Kingdom. I have felt the reach of the Lord's hand so many times.
And so, as this part of our chapter comes to a close, I can't help but feel that the Lord in His goodness has given us something AMAZING in this experience. In so many ways, it has reminded me of my own mission when I would transfer to a new area. Leaving the people I grew to love and serve but with the deep sense of love for them that never leaves.
Each of us have learned the love of the Lord. These nine months were compacted spiritual learning for our family.
Heavenly Father is so kind to give us this time to learn together.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Who's your favorite sibling?
My ten year old daughter and I are both reading in the same place in the Book of Mormon. We finished 2 Ne 3 two days ago. AMAZING chapter!! This is what I learned about her.
Daughter - Mom, do you know who my is my favorite of Nephi's brothers?
Me - No. Who?
Daughter - Who do you think it is?
Me - Sam?
Daughter - Nope. Joseph!
Me - Really? Why Joseph?
Daughter - I don't know, He just is.
Daughter - Mom, do you know who my is my favorite of Nephi's brothers?
Me - No. Who?
Daughter - Who do you think it is?
Me - Sam?
Daughter - Nope. Joseph!
Me - Really? Why Joseph?
Daughter - I don't know, He just is.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Heart update
We had our LAST visit with the doctors about Kawasaki.
Our 6 year olds heart looks PERFECT!
I think of all the blessings she has had.
I see Heavenly Father's blessings through this.
He has made her well.
Our 6 year olds heart looks PERFECT!
I think of all the blessings she has had.
I see Heavenly Father's blessings through this.
He has made her well.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Conference
Tomorrow is General Conference and we will be going to our ward house to watch.
I love General Conference. It is like a dear friend who's visit we've been anticipating. And when it comes, my spirit is recharged.
It reminds me that the Lords' Church is here.
Now.
Led by living prophets.
And, oh, how the Spirit sings this in my soul.
Watching the prophets speak, listening to them testify of Jesus Christ and His gospel is electrifying. The Holy Ghost witnesses they are truly latter-day apostles. What a magnificent thing to feel, to know, to see!
And when they speak, I feel a rebirth to follow my Savior.
These next two days will go, oh too quickly.
And when Conference ends, my heart feels as though my good friend's visit has wrapped up. I am comforted to know that for the next six months there is counsel to follow that will protect and guide me and my family. And then in six months when living prophets will gather again to teach us, my dear friend will visit again.
I love General Conference. It is like a dear friend who's visit we've been anticipating. And when it comes, my spirit is recharged.
It reminds me that the Lords' Church is here.
Now.
Led by living prophets.
And, oh, how the Spirit sings this in my soul.
Watching the prophets speak, listening to them testify of Jesus Christ and His gospel is electrifying. The Holy Ghost witnesses they are truly latter-day apostles. What a magnificent thing to feel, to know, to see!
And when they speak, I feel a rebirth to follow my Savior.
These next two days will go, oh too quickly.
And when Conference ends, my heart feels as though my good friend's visit has wrapped up. I am comforted to know that for the next six months there is counsel to follow that will protect and guide me and my family. And then in six months when living prophets will gather again to teach us, my dear friend will visit again.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
A quick entry before I go to sleep.
For whatever silly reason I thought that Latter-day Saints had a monopoly on Christ like living...Hmmm.
I know. And I thought I was level headed...open minded...hmmmm. Let me rethink that.
So, living here has given me an open heart to others and is giving me new perspective.
My dear friend, Linde stopped over to deliver some German bread. I gave her asparagus and zucchini...I know, what an exchange!
But she was telling me about her family, how close they are. There is not a competition with any sibling to be right or better or anything like that. There is a genuine love and acceptance and respect for each other. She attributes these qualities as starting from her father. He seems like an amazing person. Her counsel to me is that it starts with example. One cannot expect this to happen without being the first one to love, respect and not compete.
I realize that Heavenly Father has given each of us gifts to develop in this life. We are His children and we have divine qualities that are like Him. So, Linde has oodles of amounts of love and respect for humanity. She knows that Christ loves her as she is. She accepts herself, flaws and all and believes she is a daughter of God. And she acts as such.
I think the thing that I am learning is...remember the people of Zoram...Heesh!
Well, I'd like to be as far from that as possible.
For whatever silly reason I thought that Latter-day Saints had a monopoly on Christ like living...Hmmm.
I know. And I thought I was level headed...open minded...hmmmm. Let me rethink that.
So, living here has given me an open heart to others and is giving me new perspective.
My dear friend, Linde stopped over to deliver some German bread. I gave her asparagus and zucchini...I know, what an exchange!
But she was telling me about her family, how close they are. There is not a competition with any sibling to be right or better or anything like that. There is a genuine love and acceptance and respect for each other. She attributes these qualities as starting from her father. He seems like an amazing person. Her counsel to me is that it starts with example. One cannot expect this to happen without being the first one to love, respect and not compete.
I realize that Heavenly Father has given each of us gifts to develop in this life. We are His children and we have divine qualities that are like Him. So, Linde has oodles of amounts of love and respect for humanity. She knows that Christ loves her as she is. She accepts herself, flaws and all and believes she is a daughter of God. And she acts as such.
I think the thing that I am learning is...remember the people of Zoram...Heesh!
Well, I'd like to be as far from that as possible.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
This morning, I feel weary.
I wonder, when the burden will lift.
Not that I haven't seen the Lord's hand, because I have. So much.
Perhaps, I need more time with Him today, to help me lift the load.
I think I found some help.
Going to read now.
I wonder, when the burden will lift.
Not that I haven't seen the Lord's hand, because I have. So much.
Perhaps, I need more time with Him today, to help me lift the load.
I think I found some help.
Going to read now.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Sleep
So, we've had the stomach bug here for the past week and a half. It is rotating from person to person.
It has been starting at bed time...about 9 p.m. and ends about 6 a.m. and then the morning begins.
So, this morning jump started that way. Luckily I got a nap at noon. It helped stop the twitchy tremors. Those seem to come when I lack sleep and have stress build-up.
When I woke up, I felt so much better!
It is 8:20 p.m. and I am ready to call it a night.
TTFN
It has been starting at bed time...about 9 p.m. and ends about 6 a.m. and then the morning begins.
So, this morning jump started that way. Luckily I got a nap at noon. It helped stop the twitchy tremors. Those seem to come when I lack sleep and have stress build-up.
When I woke up, I felt so much better!
It is 8:20 p.m. and I am ready to call it a night.
TTFN
Saturday, March 20, 2010
A broken doorknob and prayer
We left home to run a few errands before finishing our Saturday chores.
I locked up the house good and tight and away we went.
When we came home, to our surprise, the back door, the one coming in from the garage, would not open.
We wiggled the handle. Locked and unlocked the knob. When that didn't work, my husband tried all the doors...the ones that I bolted well.
We were locked out.
My McGyver husband got out a wrench and tried prying off the handle. I had children pleading for a bathroom and hovering over the fix-it man.
I remembered and quoted Sis. Beck's counsel she had learned from her father.
"If we're going to laugh about it in 20 years, we may as well laught at it right now."
It seemed to alleviate the tension and worry and put a few smiles on faces.
After a good fifteen minutes of prying and twisting, our six year old shouted out, "Why don't we have a prayer?"
So, we all piled in the van and dad prayed while we all exerted faith.
I hopped out of the van and wiggled the handle again. Still no movement on the lock. By this time, we determined the lock was broken. As I wiggled the handle again, I remembered movies where someone would use a credit card to unlock a door.
I tried a plastic card in the door...wiggled...and whah la! It opened.
As soon as the door swung open, it was as if light had jumped into each of us. All the children shouted to say how Heavenly Father answered our prayers.
We all went inside the house, happier than we ever had before going in. Happy children. Happy parents. Our eight year old, gleaming now, so happy to be INSIDE the house, asked if we had remembered to thank Heavenly Father for all the other MIRACLES he had given us.
Listing them off, they named all the times since coming here that Heavenly Father had delivered us from sickness, car troubles, back troubles, etc. They named off one experience after another. Each of them with something different.
Husband and I looked at each other. We could SEE the Lord's hand today. The children could SEE His hand and miracles today and all the yesterday's. We thanked Heavenly Father as a family.
Faith has been strengthened yet again.
"In the strength of the Lord, we can do hard things." Sis. Elaine Dalton
I locked up the house good and tight and away we went.
When we came home, to our surprise, the back door, the one coming in from the garage, would not open.
We wiggled the handle. Locked and unlocked the knob. When that didn't work, my husband tried all the doors...the ones that I bolted well.
We were locked out.
My McGyver husband got out a wrench and tried prying off the handle. I had children pleading for a bathroom and hovering over the fix-it man.
I remembered and quoted Sis. Beck's counsel she had learned from her father.
"If we're going to laugh about it in 20 years, we may as well laught at it right now."
It seemed to alleviate the tension and worry and put a few smiles on faces.
After a good fifteen minutes of prying and twisting, our six year old shouted out, "Why don't we have a prayer?"
So, we all piled in the van and dad prayed while we all exerted faith.
I hopped out of the van and wiggled the handle again. Still no movement on the lock. By this time, we determined the lock was broken. As I wiggled the handle again, I remembered movies where someone would use a credit card to unlock a door.
I tried a plastic card in the door...wiggled...and whah la! It opened.
As soon as the door swung open, it was as if light had jumped into each of us. All the children shouted to say how Heavenly Father answered our prayers.
We all went inside the house, happier than we ever had before going in. Happy children. Happy parents. Our eight year old, gleaming now, so happy to be INSIDE the house, asked if we had remembered to thank Heavenly Father for all the other MIRACLES he had given us.
Listing them off, they named all the times since coming here that Heavenly Father had delivered us from sickness, car troubles, back troubles, etc. They named off one experience after another. Each of them with something different.
Husband and I looked at each other. We could SEE the Lord's hand today. The children could SEE His hand and miracles today and all the yesterday's. We thanked Heavenly Father as a family.
Faith has been strengthened yet again.
"In the strength of the Lord, we can do hard things." Sis. Elaine Dalton
Friday, March 19, 2010
A Good Read
Mmm. I love books that make me feel cozy. Books that help me reflect on the important things in life. Books that give me perspective on others and that encourage me to live more like Jesus. And if the story is true, that's just a plus to the reading.
So a book that fits all these nooks of comfort reading: Mitch Albom's, "Have a Little Faith".
So a book that fits all these nooks of comfort reading: Mitch Albom's, "Have a Little Faith".
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Good People Everywhere
So, we're in transition.
My husband has applied all over, and we know where we'd like to land.
In the mean time, we are down sizing the stuff we have. Through this experience we have met some really good people. The last couple of visits to pick up some things was from a Minister and his son and almost daughter-in-law. I am touched by his love for people. It made me think of the scripture in Mosiah.
Mosiah 2: 12, 16-17, 19
12 I say unto you that as I have been suffered to spend my days in your service, even up to this time, and have not sought gold nor silver nor any manner of riches of you;
• • •
16 Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God.
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.
• • •
19 And behold also, if I, whom ye call your king, who has spent his days in your service, and yet has been in the service of God, do merit any thanks from you, O how you ought to thank your heavenly King!
Anyway, watching the good deeds of others and feeling the desire to serve God is such a sweet experience. I hope to meet many people like this in my lifetime.
So thankful Heavenly Father has sent us here to Texas to meet so many lovely people.
My husband has applied all over, and we know where we'd like to land.
In the mean time, we are down sizing the stuff we have. Through this experience we have met some really good people. The last couple of visits to pick up some things was from a Minister and his son and almost daughter-in-law. I am touched by his love for people. It made me think of the scripture in Mosiah.
Mosiah 2: 12, 16-17, 19
12 I say unto you that as I have been suffered to spend my days in your service, even up to this time, and have not sought gold nor silver nor any manner of riches of you;
• • •
16 Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God.
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.
• • •
19 And behold also, if I, whom ye call your king, who has spent his days in your service, and yet has been in the service of God, do merit any thanks from you, O how you ought to thank your heavenly King!
Anyway, watching the good deeds of others and feeling the desire to serve God is such a sweet experience. I hope to meet many people like this in my lifetime.
So thankful Heavenly Father has sent us here to Texas to meet so many lovely people.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
A currant bush
(Taken from Hugh B. Brown, “The Currant Bush,” New Era, Apr. 2001, 12
See also his talk: "God is the Gardener")
Hugh B. Brown (1883-1975), First Presidency
You sometimes wonder whether the Lord really knows what He ought to do with you. You sometimes wonder if you know better than He does about what you ought to do and ought to become. I am wondering if I may tell you a story. It has to do with an incident in my life when God showed me that He knew best.
I was living up in Canada. I had purchased a farm. It was run-down. I went out one morning and saw a currant bush. It had grown up over six feet high. It was going all to wood. There were no blossoms and no currants. I was raised on a fruit farm in Salt Lake before we went to Canada, and I knew what ought to happen to that currant bush. So I got some pruning shears and clipped it back until there was nothing left but stumps. It was just coming daylight, and I thought I saw on top of each of these little stumps what appeared to be a tear, and I thought the currant bush was crying. I was kind of simpleminded (and I haven’t entirely gotten over it), and I looked at it and smiled and said, “What are you crying about?” You know, I thought I heard that currant bush say this:
“How could you do this to me? I was making such wonderful growth. I was almost as big as the shade tree and the fruit tree that are inside the fence, and now you have cut me down. Every plant in the garden will look down on me because I didn’t make what I should have made. How could you do this to me? I thought you were the gardener here.”
That’s what I thought I heard the currant bush say, and I thought it so much that I answered. I said, “Look, little currant bush, I am the gardener here, and I know what I want you to be. I didn’t intend you to be a fruit tree or a shade tree. I want you to be a currant bush, and someday, little currant bush, when you are laden with fruit, you are going to say, ‘Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for loving me enough to cut me down. Thank you, Mr. Gardener.’ ”
Years passed, and I found myself in England. I was in command of a cavalry unit in the Canadian Army. I held the rank of field officer in the British Canadian Army. I was proud of my position. And there was an opportunity for me to become a general. I had taken all the examinations. I had the seniority. The one man between me and the office of general in the British Army became a casualty, and I received a telegram from London. It said: “Be in my office tomorrow morning at 10:00,” signed by General Turner.
I went up to London. I walked smartly into the office of the general, and I saluted him smartly, and he gave me the same kind of a salute a senior officer usually gives—a sort of “Get out of the way, worm!” He said, “Sit down, Brown.” Then he said, “I’m sorry I cannot make the appointment. You are entitled to it. You have passed all the examinations. You have the seniority. You’ve been a good officer, but I can’t make the appointment. You are to return to Canada and become a training officer and a transport officer.” That for which I had been hoping and praying for 10 years suddenly slipped out of my fingers.
Then he went into the other room to answer the telephone, and on his desk, I saw my personal history sheet. Right across the bottom of it was written, “THIS MAN IS A MORMON.” We were not very well liked in those days. When I saw that, I knew why I had not been appointed. He came back and said, “That’s all, Brown.” I saluted him again, but not quite as smartly, and went out.
I got on the train and started back to my town, 120 miles away, with a broken heart, with bitterness in my soul. And every click of the wheels on the rails seemed to say, “You are a failure.” When I got to my tent, I was so bitter that I threw my cap on the cot. I clenched my fists, and I shook them at heaven. I said, “How could you do this to me, God? I have done everything I could do to measure up. There is nothing that I could have done—that I should have done—that I haven’t done. How could you do this to me?” I was as bitter as gall.
And then I heard a voice, and I recognized the tone of this voice. It was my own voice, and the voice said, “I am the gardener here. I know what I want you to do.” The bitterness went out of my soul, and I fell on my knees by the cot to ask forgiveness for my ungratefulness and my bitterness. While kneeling there I heard a song being sung in an adjoining tent. A number of Mormon boys met regularly every Tuesday night. I usually met with them. We would sit on the floor and have Mutual. As I was kneeling there, praying for forgiveness, I heard their singing:
“But if, by a still, small voice he calls
To paths that I do not know,
I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in thine:
I’ll go where you want me to go.”
(Hymns, no. 270)
I arose from my knees a humble man. And now, almost 50 years later, I look up to Him and say, “Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for cutting me down, for loving me enough to hurt me.” I see now that it was wise that I should not become a general at that time, because if I had I would have been senior officer of all western Canada, with a lifelong, handsome salary, a place to live, and a pension, but I would have raised my six daughters and two sons in army barracks. They would no doubt have married out of the Church, and I think I would not have amounted to anything. I haven’t amounted to very much as it is, but I have done better than I would have done if the Lord had let me go the way I wanted to go.
Many of you are going to have very difficult experiences: disappointment, heartbreak, bereavement, defeat. You are going to be tested and tried. I just want you to know that if you don’t get what you think you ought to get, remember, God is the gardener here. He knows what He wants you to be. Submit yourselves to His will. Be worthy of His blessings, and you will get His blessings.
See also his talk: "God is the Gardener")
Hugh B. Brown (1883-1975), First Presidency
You sometimes wonder whether the Lord really knows what He ought to do with you. You sometimes wonder if you know better than He does about what you ought to do and ought to become. I am wondering if I may tell you a story. It has to do with an incident in my life when God showed me that He knew best.
I was living up in Canada. I had purchased a farm. It was run-down. I went out one morning and saw a currant bush. It had grown up over six feet high. It was going all to wood. There were no blossoms and no currants. I was raised on a fruit farm in Salt Lake before we went to Canada, and I knew what ought to happen to that currant bush. So I got some pruning shears and clipped it back until there was nothing left but stumps. It was just coming daylight, and I thought I saw on top of each of these little stumps what appeared to be a tear, and I thought the currant bush was crying. I was kind of simpleminded (and I haven’t entirely gotten over it), and I looked at it and smiled and said, “What are you crying about?” You know, I thought I heard that currant bush say this:
“How could you do this to me? I was making such wonderful growth. I was almost as big as the shade tree and the fruit tree that are inside the fence, and now you have cut me down. Every plant in the garden will look down on me because I didn’t make what I should have made. How could you do this to me? I thought you were the gardener here.”
That’s what I thought I heard the currant bush say, and I thought it so much that I answered. I said, “Look, little currant bush, I am the gardener here, and I know what I want you to be. I didn’t intend you to be a fruit tree or a shade tree. I want you to be a currant bush, and someday, little currant bush, when you are laden with fruit, you are going to say, ‘Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for loving me enough to cut me down. Thank you, Mr. Gardener.’ ”
Years passed, and I found myself in England. I was in command of a cavalry unit in the Canadian Army. I held the rank of field officer in the British Canadian Army. I was proud of my position. And there was an opportunity for me to become a general. I had taken all the examinations. I had the seniority. The one man between me and the office of general in the British Army became a casualty, and I received a telegram from London. It said: “Be in my office tomorrow morning at 10:00,” signed by General Turner.
I went up to London. I walked smartly into the office of the general, and I saluted him smartly, and he gave me the same kind of a salute a senior officer usually gives—a sort of “Get out of the way, worm!” He said, “Sit down, Brown.” Then he said, “I’m sorry I cannot make the appointment. You are entitled to it. You have passed all the examinations. You have the seniority. You’ve been a good officer, but I can’t make the appointment. You are to return to Canada and become a training officer and a transport officer.” That for which I had been hoping and praying for 10 years suddenly slipped out of my fingers.
Then he went into the other room to answer the telephone, and on his desk, I saw my personal history sheet. Right across the bottom of it was written, “THIS MAN IS A MORMON.” We were not very well liked in those days. When I saw that, I knew why I had not been appointed. He came back and said, “That’s all, Brown.” I saluted him again, but not quite as smartly, and went out.
I got on the train and started back to my town, 120 miles away, with a broken heart, with bitterness in my soul. And every click of the wheels on the rails seemed to say, “You are a failure.” When I got to my tent, I was so bitter that I threw my cap on the cot. I clenched my fists, and I shook them at heaven. I said, “How could you do this to me, God? I have done everything I could do to measure up. There is nothing that I could have done—that I should have done—that I haven’t done. How could you do this to me?” I was as bitter as gall.
And then I heard a voice, and I recognized the tone of this voice. It was my own voice, and the voice said, “I am the gardener here. I know what I want you to do.” The bitterness went out of my soul, and I fell on my knees by the cot to ask forgiveness for my ungratefulness and my bitterness. While kneeling there I heard a song being sung in an adjoining tent. A number of Mormon boys met regularly every Tuesday night. I usually met with them. We would sit on the floor and have Mutual. As I was kneeling there, praying for forgiveness, I heard their singing:
“But if, by a still, small voice he calls
To paths that I do not know,
I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in thine:
I’ll go where you want me to go.”
(Hymns, no. 270)
I arose from my knees a humble man. And now, almost 50 years later, I look up to Him and say, “Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for cutting me down, for loving me enough to hurt me.” I see now that it was wise that I should not become a general at that time, because if I had I would have been senior officer of all western Canada, with a lifelong, handsome salary, a place to live, and a pension, but I would have raised my six daughters and two sons in army barracks. They would no doubt have married out of the Church, and I think I would not have amounted to anything. I haven’t amounted to very much as it is, but I have done better than I would have done if the Lord had let me go the way I wanted to go.
Many of you are going to have very difficult experiences: disappointment, heartbreak, bereavement, defeat. You are going to be tested and tried. I just want you to know that if you don’t get what you think you ought to get, remember, God is the gardener here. He knows what He wants you to be. Submit yourselves to His will. Be worthy of His blessings, and you will get His blessings.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Friends
I connected with dear friend yesterday. Ah. Isn't Heavenly Father so kind.
Many dear and lasting friendships have come through serving in the Church. Somehow, I feel like my heart meshes with the people I serve...our hearts becoming one.
And so when the callings ends, my heart is still close to those I've served and served with...and reconnecting just happens so naturally as if time has not lapsed.
Isn't Heavenly Father so kind to let us serve in His church? Mmmm. Gives me new perspective on one heart and one mind.
Many dear and lasting friendships have come through serving in the Church. Somehow, I feel like my heart meshes with the people I serve...our hearts becoming one.
And so when the callings ends, my heart is still close to those I've served and served with...and reconnecting just happens so naturally as if time has not lapsed.
Isn't Heavenly Father so kind to let us serve in His church? Mmmm. Gives me new perspective on one heart and one mind.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Promises
This morning, I'm doing dishes and listening to Book of Mormon on CD.
I heard this verse:
1 Ne. 9: 6
6 But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen.
WOW! Now that is POWER!
I heard this verse:
1 Ne. 9: 6
6 But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen.
WOW! Now that is POWER!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Bishop's Counsel
I was reading some counsel I had received some years ago from a good Bishop. He counseled me in a blessing not to demand perfection of life, of myself and of others.
I have been pondering on that throughout the day. Wondering why I am slow in learning these things. Moving has brought a change of thought, heart and spirit. I feel like I am more maleable.
I am just learning how to apply this principle.
The fear of "appearances" is starting to slough off.
My love for Heavenly Father has grown and I know Him and trust Him. I am trying to listen to Him better. And follow Him quicker.
So, while I feel sad that I have taken what seems a lifetime to listen and heed this counsel, I am on the road to repair and new living.
I have been pondering on that throughout the day. Wondering why I am slow in learning these things. Moving has brought a change of thought, heart and spirit. I feel like I am more maleable.
I am just learning how to apply this principle.
The fear of "appearances" is starting to slough off.
My love for Heavenly Father has grown and I know Him and trust Him. I am trying to listen to Him better. And follow Him quicker.
So, while I feel sad that I have taken what seems a lifetime to listen and heed this counsel, I am on the road to repair and new living.
Choice and Agency
Wow!!!
I love how the Spirit can help me learn things in a way so I don't feel offended. Even if I start off feeling offended.
I learned a very, very valuable lesson today about choice and agency and Heavenly Father's patience with us and the need for me...yes ME...to be patient.
I have...much too often...taken offense where offense should NEVER have been taken. And, too often, I've taken things personally whether or not they were meant to be handed out so.
I heard not very long ago, from a wise person, "The only thing you should take personally is the Atonement of Jesus Christ."
Okay, so, my aha!!
In this, life I will be faced with situations where choices affect life...for good or bad, to bless or hinder. I know this sounds black and white...bear with me. I am just learning this principle (Wow! The learning curve at 40 is AMAZING!).
So, knowing this, and knowing that this life is a time of proving, a time of choosing.
I think of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden and their choice to take the fruit of good and evil...well, it affected all of us. And here we are. There are many who are taught only a small portion of this principle, that the fall separated us from God...forever. But the missing meat, the missing truth and bulk of this is that Heavenly Father prepared a way back. His son, Jesus Christ. And if we have faith in Him, to repentance, we make covenants that will help us return back to His presence.
Okay, so, today, while I was thinking of choices of others and the gift of agency...Isn't it amazing that Heavenly Father lets us have this very precious gift. Wow!...the Spirit whispered to my spirit that in this life, I will make choices and others will make choices that will have a happy or sad or mean or kind effect on myself and/or others.
When this happens, I don't need to be offended. Because, we are all learning how to use agency. And if the choice that was made was one that caused distress, well, I can forgive this because this life is about learning how to make good choices.
And being 40 and just starting to learn this principle has greater reason for me to be more forgiving and understanding.
A special thank you to all of you who have been patient in my learning. It has been a long time coming to learn this principle!
I love how the Spirit can help me learn things in a way so I don't feel offended. Even if I start off feeling offended.
I learned a very, very valuable lesson today about choice and agency and Heavenly Father's patience with us and the need for me...yes ME...to be patient.
I have...much too often...taken offense where offense should NEVER have been taken. And, too often, I've taken things personally whether or not they were meant to be handed out so.
I heard not very long ago, from a wise person, "The only thing you should take personally is the Atonement of Jesus Christ."
Okay, so, my aha!!
In this, life I will be faced with situations where choices affect life...for good or bad, to bless or hinder. I know this sounds black and white...bear with me. I am just learning this principle (Wow! The learning curve at 40 is AMAZING!).
So, knowing this, and knowing that this life is a time of proving, a time of choosing.
I think of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden and their choice to take the fruit of good and evil...well, it affected all of us. And here we are. There are many who are taught only a small portion of this principle, that the fall separated us from God...forever. But the missing meat, the missing truth and bulk of this is that Heavenly Father prepared a way back. His son, Jesus Christ. And if we have faith in Him, to repentance, we make covenants that will help us return back to His presence.
Okay, so, today, while I was thinking of choices of others and the gift of agency...Isn't it amazing that Heavenly Father lets us have this very precious gift. Wow!...the Spirit whispered to my spirit that in this life, I will make choices and others will make choices that will have a happy or sad or mean or kind effect on myself and/or others.
When this happens, I don't need to be offended. Because, we are all learning how to use agency. And if the choice that was made was one that caused distress, well, I can forgive this because this life is about learning how to make good choices.
And being 40 and just starting to learn this principle has greater reason for me to be more forgiving and understanding.
A special thank you to all of you who have been patient in my learning. It has been a long time coming to learn this principle!
Update on the little heart
I took my six year old in for a follow up.
She is sounding great!
Looks like we're almost in the clear!
One more visit next month to be sure.
Thank you again for your prayers and love
She is sounding great!
Looks like we're almost in the clear!
One more visit next month to be sure.
Thank you again for your prayers and love
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!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
40
Wow! Am I really here? Did I really hit this pinacle of age...okay, it is really not old, just a mile marker.
As a girl, I pictured me as 40 and together, you know...with-it, well mannered children, bliss at home...all the time, joy and calm.
Well, the reality is not like that pretty perfect picture. I am still trying to get with-it, I am expecting baby number 5, we are all learning patience... sometimes we get it...and sometimes we don't. As for calm and well mannered, it is nice when this happens especially in public places...but that is occasional.
So, life is not what I painted as a girl, but it is what it is.
I guess this is where the line, "Come what may and love it" comes in very handy!
As a girl, I pictured me as 40 and together, you know...with-it, well mannered children, bliss at home...all the time, joy and calm.
Well, the reality is not like that pretty perfect picture. I am still trying to get with-it, I am expecting baby number 5, we are all learning patience... sometimes we get it...and sometimes we don't. As for calm and well mannered, it is nice when this happens especially in public places...but that is occasional.
So, life is not what I painted as a girl, but it is what it is.
I guess this is where the line, "Come what may and love it" comes in very handy!
Final thoughts before I shut off the computer and climb back into bed
So much has happened over the past days, they mesh together and I realize that the Lord has done so much to provide a way for us. Some tender mercies of the Lord:
Healing.
My husband's back that was soooo out after sleeping on the hospital bed is doing very well.
Lessons about Heavenly Father's love for me
His son
my daughter
and understanding experiences and pain.
Warm meals.
Kind words and phone calls.
Prayers and fasts.
Family together.
Priesthood blessings for sick baby and a troubled hearted mom.
Comfort from the Holy Ghost.
Friends.
Book of Mormon.
Whispers of "I love you" from my children.
Rest.
"MEE Speaks"
Healing.
My husband's back that was soooo out after sleeping on the hospital bed is doing very well.
Lessons about Heavenly Father's love for me
His son
my daughter
and understanding experiences and pain.
Warm meals.
Kind words and phone calls.
Prayers and fasts.
Family together.
Priesthood blessings for sick baby and a troubled hearted mom.
Comfort from the Holy Ghost.
Friends.
Book of Mormon.
Whispers of "I love you" from my children.
Rest.
"MEE Speaks"
Yes, yet another post...on Pizza
So, I got a call from a dear friend in Washington on Tuesday asking about our Kawasaki girl. She has had experience in the heart arena as she has a child who was born with heart problems. And she had been in and out of hospitals many times.
She asked my address and said, "I'm sending pizza. There's nothing like coming home from the hospital to a warm meal."
I remembered thinking, "You can do that from states away?"
Ah the power of technology.
Thank you friend for dinner and a cold breakfast pizza!
And that same night, two other ward families brought dinner. We've been well fed :).
Thank you!!!
She asked my address and said, "I'm sending pizza. There's nothing like coming home from the hospital to a warm meal."
I remembered thinking, "You can do that from states away?"
Ah the power of technology.
Thank you friend for dinner and a cold breakfast pizza!
And that same night, two other ward families brought dinner. We've been well fed :).
Thank you!!!
Asprin Therapy
Another morning!! Yay!
So, I woke up to give asprin to our six year old. The 4am dosing is so much better than the 10 pm when she has just dozed off into a nice rest.
Last night, when I woke her to give her her asprins, she was not fully awake. I would give her a pill and then a drink of water and then repeated this till she was finished with her full dose. When she was finished, she lay down, and pulled the covers over her head and just shook. She was only half awake. She thought she was still in the hospital and was afraid of getting another shot. I coaxed her to look and see that it was just mom and that she was in our bed. Convinced, she snuggled up next to me, but she couldn't stay sleeping. She'd start to doze and then wake up with wide eyes and look around the room. She finally did wake up and go potty, which seemed to help, a lot!
She takes 6 children's asprin every six hours. It seems like an awful lot. But, I understand this is to take down the inflammation in her tissues. Saturday, We'll start one asprin a day until the doctor directs otherwise. This is to keep the blood thinned enough for the heart. She has another echo in a week and to check her heart again and then a final echo in April. Everything so far is going well.
So, I woke up to give asprin to our six year old. The 4am dosing is so much better than the 10 pm when she has just dozed off into a nice rest.
Last night, when I woke her to give her her asprins, she was not fully awake. I would give her a pill and then a drink of water and then repeated this till she was finished with her full dose. When she was finished, she lay down, and pulled the covers over her head and just shook. She was only half awake. She thought she was still in the hospital and was afraid of getting another shot. I coaxed her to look and see that it was just mom and that she was in our bed. Convinced, she snuggled up next to me, but she couldn't stay sleeping. She'd start to doze and then wake up with wide eyes and look around the room. She finally did wake up and go potty, which seemed to help, a lot!
She takes 6 children's asprin every six hours. It seems like an awful lot. But, I understand this is to take down the inflammation in her tissues. Saturday, We'll start one asprin a day until the doctor directs otherwise. This is to keep the blood thinned enough for the heart. She has another echo in a week and to check her heart again and then a final echo in April. Everything so far is going well.
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.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Listening
I am practicing listening.
Yesterday, I was feeling really nauseas. I was sitting and talking with my husband and a warm loving thought filled my heart.
"Go read the Book of Mormon. Take some time out and read."
I kept talking and the nausea continued. And again, the promptings tugged at my heart.
"Go read the Book of Mormon. Take some time out and read."
So, I did.
I snuggled under the covers and flipped open to Moroni 7. And I read...and it was wonderful. I dozed into a nice slumber and woke up feeling quite a bit better.
I love it when I really listen to the still small voice. I feel so happy when I do. And strength comes.
Yesterday, I was feeling really nauseas. I was sitting and talking with my husband and a warm loving thought filled my heart.
"Go read the Book of Mormon. Take some time out and read."
I kept talking and the nausea continued. And again, the promptings tugged at my heart.
"Go read the Book of Mormon. Take some time out and read."
So, I did.
I snuggled under the covers and flipped open to Moroni 7. And I read...and it was wonderful. I dozed into a nice slumber and woke up feeling quite a bit better.
I love it when I really listen to the still small voice. I feel so happy when I do. And strength comes.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
This morning, as I lay beside my sick six-year old, she told me that she afraid to die (she's had a fever and feels lousy). We talked about it for a few minutes. Then, In bounded my eight-year old.
"Oh! Are you afraid to die? You only six years old. If you died now, you'd go right back to Heavenly Father. You don't even have to repent!" All this with a big grin on her face.
"There's no reason to be afraid! The rest of us, we all have to repent (excluding the almost two year old of course). Besides, if you died now, it's because Heavenly Father said it was time for you to go back. See, there's no reason to be afraid." Still grinning.
"Oh we'd miss you, but it would be okay. We'd see you again."
Trying to chime in I added, "We'd boo hoo here because we missed you. But you'd be our cheerleader from the other side."
And there it is, a great lesson from the eight-year old that death is not scary, not even for a six-year old.
"Oh! Are you afraid to die? You only six years old. If you died now, you'd go right back to Heavenly Father. You don't even have to repent!" All this with a big grin on her face.
"There's no reason to be afraid! The rest of us, we all have to repent (excluding the almost two year old of course). Besides, if you died now, it's because Heavenly Father said it was time for you to go back. See, there's no reason to be afraid." Still grinning.
"Oh we'd miss you, but it would be okay. We'd see you again."
Trying to chime in I added, "We'd boo hoo here because we missed you. But you'd be our cheerleader from the other side."
And there it is, a great lesson from the eight-year old that death is not scary, not even for a six-year old.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Lessons from a Good Samaratin
So, do I dare post the reality of my situation? Not that it is really terrible or frightening...just unexpected. Or should I say, expecting?
This has come much to my surprise and is bringing in it's way a lot of sick days. Which is all really good. Really! I lie not. Past experience tells me that sick is what I want...even when I don't think I want it. Heavenly Father has let me learn to appreciate the sick, because after the trial of sick are sweet tiny miracles.
So in all the sickness and trying to mother...which really feels quite challenging in this moment...I have tried to balance attention to family vs. keeping a clean house. Fortunately, the family has won out. Unfortunately, people who visit get to see that the house didn't.
I am learning that family is eternal...not the physical condition of a home.
So, a couple of days ago, I had a remider of the Lord's watchful care. And a sweet lesson on His love. It started with an early morning and a lot of energy expended in the front of the day. By noon I still had not dressed, the dishes were a mile high, tortillas crunched on the front entry way, toys and clothes strewn throughout, books scatterd in toys, a roll of toilet paper to relieve runny noses...and well...it was a big mess....everywhere.
About 2:30, I was at the table, trying to get my bearings and I heard the bell ring. I made like mad for my room and hoped that it was a salesperson. Well, it was my dear neighbor, Linde.
She had stopped over to bring a little...okay, giant tray of cheesecake (which looked and smelled so incredible, but I dared not touch it for I knew it would only last seconds before it told me that was a BAD CHOICE).
And so I went out...in my pj's. It was in this moment that I surveyed the house...EEK.
I was mortified!
And, Linde, so very much living how Jesus would want one to live, said to me,
"Lusche, I call it...creative. It is okay. Don't worry about it."
So lesson one...stop worrying about what man thinks. Because Heavenly Father knows me and my situation. And, really, this is what matters. And true friends, true friends see through the "tuesday mornings".
Lesson two, Heavenly Father watches over all of us.
"Lusche," Linde continued, "every morning, I go out and feed the birds. They come and eat. And then they leave when they are full. They know that I will feed them tomorrow. God will take care of us. He knows what we need and feeds us each day."
I learned some very valuable lessons from her. Thank you, Linde.
This has come much to my surprise and is bringing in it's way a lot of sick days. Which is all really good. Really! I lie not. Past experience tells me that sick is what I want...even when I don't think I want it. Heavenly Father has let me learn to appreciate the sick, because after the trial of sick are sweet tiny miracles.
So in all the sickness and trying to mother...which really feels quite challenging in this moment...I have tried to balance attention to family vs. keeping a clean house. Fortunately, the family has won out. Unfortunately, people who visit get to see that the house didn't.
I am learning that family is eternal...not the physical condition of a home.
So, a couple of days ago, I had a remider of the Lord's watchful care. And a sweet lesson on His love. It started with an early morning and a lot of energy expended in the front of the day. By noon I still had not dressed, the dishes were a mile high, tortillas crunched on the front entry way, toys and clothes strewn throughout, books scatterd in toys, a roll of toilet paper to relieve runny noses...and well...it was a big mess....everywhere.
About 2:30, I was at the table, trying to get my bearings and I heard the bell ring. I made like mad for my room and hoped that it was a salesperson. Well, it was my dear neighbor, Linde.
She had stopped over to bring a little...okay, giant tray of cheesecake (which looked and smelled so incredible, but I dared not touch it for I knew it would only last seconds before it told me that was a BAD CHOICE).
And so I went out...in my pj's. It was in this moment that I surveyed the house...EEK.
I was mortified!
And, Linde, so very much living how Jesus would want one to live, said to me,
"Lusche, I call it...creative. It is okay. Don't worry about it."
So lesson one...stop worrying about what man thinks. Because Heavenly Father knows me and my situation. And, really, this is what matters. And true friends, true friends see through the "tuesday mornings".
Lesson two, Heavenly Father watches over all of us.
"Lusche," Linde continued, "every morning, I go out and feed the birds. They come and eat. And then they leave when they are full. They know that I will feed them tomorrow. God will take care of us. He knows what we need and feeds us each day."
I learned some very valuable lessons from her. Thank you, Linde.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Early morning...lots of questions
Starting early.
I have a lot of questions and feelings stirring in my mind and percolating in my heart and so I am up doing dishes while everyone sleeps.
It is quiet.
I have been thinking about this road we are on. It feels frightening to not know how it will all turn out..that is the fear side talking of course. Because the Faith side knows that Heavenly Father lets me learn through life's experiences. And really, I was reminded that He is aware of our little family and our situation. He is so, so mindful of us. He leads...and we are learning to follow.
Sometimes we get it right. Sometimes we don't hear or follow very well. And well, I wonder which of the two is going on right now.
All in all, I feel that if we keep doing our best of following what He asks of us, it will all turn out well in the end.
That's all for now.
I have a lot of questions and feelings stirring in my mind and percolating in my heart and so I am up doing dishes while everyone sleeps.
It is quiet.
I have been thinking about this road we are on. It feels frightening to not know how it will all turn out..that is the fear side talking of course. Because the Faith side knows that Heavenly Father lets me learn through life's experiences. And really, I was reminded that He is aware of our little family and our situation. He is so, so mindful of us. He leads...and we are learning to follow.
Sometimes we get it right. Sometimes we don't hear or follow very well. And well, I wonder which of the two is going on right now.
All in all, I feel that if we keep doing our best of following what He asks of us, it will all turn out well in the end.
That's all for now.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
New things!
So, baby is nearly...18 mos.
She went potty for the first time today!
A lot of older sibling encouragement, clapping from everyone, and hugs from mom and dad went a long way!
She went potty for the first time today!
A lot of older sibling encouragement, clapping from everyone, and hugs from mom and dad went a long way!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Relief Society Meeting...What a Blessing!
We had a Relief Society meeting tonight about Mosiah 4:19-27.
Elders Quorum president spoke to us about managing our earthly sterwardships, specifically in financial matters, but it applies with everything Heavenly Father has blessed us with.
We discussed living on a budget, teaching children eternal principles of sacrifice brings blessings - saving now for what we want later, and allowing the Lord to teach these principles to our hearts, so they can sink in and take root.
The Spirit confirmed these principles to be true.
Managing what Heavenly Father has given me is a BIG deal! But I know He will help me to progress in this thing, because I am His daughter, and He loves me, and wants me to be successful in this life. He knows I can and need to teach these principles to our children.
And He is so very patient as I learn.
Elders Quorum president spoke to us about managing our earthly sterwardships, specifically in financial matters, but it applies with everything Heavenly Father has blessed us with.
We discussed living on a budget, teaching children eternal principles of sacrifice brings blessings - saving now for what we want later, and allowing the Lord to teach these principles to our hearts, so they can sink in and take root.
The Spirit confirmed these principles to be true.
Managing what Heavenly Father has given me is a BIG deal! But I know He will help me to progress in this thing, because I am His daughter, and He loves me, and wants me to be successful in this life. He knows I can and need to teach these principles to our children.
And He is so very patient as I learn.
Book of Mormon Joys
This morning, I woke up late to children ready to read the Book of Mormon!
Yay!
The routine for beginning the morningis:
* wake up
* get ready...if I'm up that much earlier than my children
* wake up children
* meet together in the "front room"
* family prayer
* scriptures
So, this morning, having children up and gleefully ready for scriptures was a Joy!
Way to go!!
Yay!
The routine for beginning the morningis:
* wake up
* get ready...if I'm up that much earlier than my children
* wake up children
* meet together in the "front room"
* family prayer
* scriptures
So, this morning, having children up and gleefully ready for scriptures was a Joy!
Way to go!!
Who am I?
Many early mornings I wake-up, go from room to room and check the children, then go back to bed. Or try to. Sometimes it is easy to crawl back into bed and continue sleeping where I left off.
But other mornings, as I rest my head back on my pillow my mind will snap "AWAKE".
All sorts of thoughts begin swirling through my head. They scream anxieties about my own shortcomings. They try to bury what I know to be true.
I am a Child of God and He loves me.
Heavenly Father helps me feel his love by the sweet comfort of the Holy Ghost.
His love and hope fill me with a great desire to want to be more like Him.
His love reminds me of my Divine Nature. It reminds me that I am His daughter.
Elder Neil L Anderson's words are reassuring:
"The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to “re-turn” toward God. It is the beckoning of a loving Father and His Only Begotten Son to be more than we are, to reach up to a higher way of life, to change, and to feel the happiness of keeping the commandments. Being disciples of Christ, we rejoice in the blessing of repenting and the joy of being forgiven. They become part of us, shaping the way we think and feel."
So, this morning, when I woke and these familiar anxieties rushed though me trying to dispell peace and claim hold of my mind and heart for the day, I prayed for help. And it came.
First through truths reminded me by my husband. That I am a child of God. And He always speaks with love. That the screaming feelings of self doubt, or failure or hopelessness are not His. That inside me, I know Heavenly Father loves me and take hold of that when these voices scream so loud.
And then I felt His love for me.
I know who I am. I am a daughter of God. He loves me, and will always love me. And even when I mistake in parenting and in callings and in life, His teaching is peaceful to me. It is healing and hopeful.
I am thankful that He hears and answers prayers.
But other mornings, as I rest my head back on my pillow my mind will snap "AWAKE".
All sorts of thoughts begin swirling through my head. They scream anxieties about my own shortcomings. They try to bury what I know to be true.
I am a Child of God and He loves me.
Heavenly Father helps me feel his love by the sweet comfort of the Holy Ghost.
His love and hope fill me with a great desire to want to be more like Him.
His love reminds me of my Divine Nature. It reminds me that I am His daughter.
Elder Neil L Anderson's words are reassuring:
"The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to “re-turn” toward God. It is the beckoning of a loving Father and His Only Begotten Son to be more than we are, to reach up to a higher way of life, to change, and to feel the happiness of keeping the commandments. Being disciples of Christ, we rejoice in the blessing of repenting and the joy of being forgiven. They become part of us, shaping the way we think and feel."
So, this morning, when I woke and these familiar anxieties rushed though me trying to dispell peace and claim hold of my mind and heart for the day, I prayed for help. And it came.
First through truths reminded me by my husband. That I am a child of God. And He always speaks with love. That the screaming feelings of self doubt, or failure or hopelessness are not His. That inside me, I know Heavenly Father loves me and take hold of that when these voices scream so loud.
And then I felt His love for me.
I know who I am. I am a daughter of God. He loves me, and will always love me. And even when I mistake in parenting and in callings and in life, His teaching is peaceful to me. It is healing and hopeful.
I am thankful that He hears and answers prayers.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Missionary Moment
Sar and I were in the kitchen preparing dinner, watching "Finding Faith in Christ".
During this time, my friend, Linde, from a few houses down, stopped by to find out if we are moving or staying.
As we were talking, the impression of giving her a link to the video ran across my mind. In that second I wondered how I could do that. I hesitated...okay, I doubted I could do that.
She was telling me how God answered her prayers. And that we are all in His hands. That He is watching over me and my family (I know, perfect opportunity to have given that link to her).
Not a few minutes into conversation, Sar came in with the web link written on paper and handed it to Linde, explaining she would really love it.
Sometimes, the Lord will bypass the faithless to get His work done.
I hope I am quicker to follow the spirit next time. I am also VERY thankful for a quick to act daughter.
During this time, my friend, Linde, from a few houses down, stopped by to find out if we are moving or staying.
As we were talking, the impression of giving her a link to the video ran across my mind. In that second I wondered how I could do that. I hesitated...okay, I doubted I could do that.
She was telling me how God answered her prayers. And that we are all in His hands. That He is watching over me and my family (I know, perfect opportunity to have given that link to her).
Not a few minutes into conversation, Sar came in with the web link written on paper and handed it to Linde, explaining she would really love it.
Sometimes, the Lord will bypass the faithless to get His work done.
I hope I am quicker to follow the spirit next time. I am also VERY thankful for a quick to act daughter.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Malachi: the blessing of tithing
Malachi 3:8-12
"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In thithes and offerings.
"Yea are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour out a blessing that there shall not be room enouth to receive it.
"And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.
"And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts."
Malachi 4:1-4
"For behold the dreadful day cometh,that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea and all that do wickedly, shall come as stubble:and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
"But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves in the stall.
"And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts.
"Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgements."
"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In thithes and offerings.
"Yea are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour out a blessing that there shall not be room enouth to receive it.
"And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.
"And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts."
Malachi 4:1-4
"For behold the dreadful day cometh,that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea and all that do wickedly, shall come as stubble:and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
"But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves in the stall.
"And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts.
"Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgements."
Monday, January 11, 2010
Christ Love
At church yesterday I got to sub for Nu's CTR class. The lesson was about Choosing the Right and Following Jesus.
Just before we were excused to class, one of the mothers of the children in my class pulled me aside and told me how nervous her little girl was...new teacher and all.
I understand how this can affect the children in the class.
My own Hess and Nu get the jitters when they have teacher rotations in Primary.
So, with this bit of information, I went to class with resolve to show as much Christ love as I knew how.
And as the children were filing into class, the Spirit taught me how to love these little ones.
I followed as best I could to teach these little 6 year olds like 6 year olds.
And as I started, my ability to teach them with Christ love grew.
He helped me to give them what they wanted and hoped: to feel loved, accepted, heard, important. They taught me why Jesus loves little children sooo. They are perfect, trusting, loving, forgiving, and learning.
Today was carry over from a wonderful Sunday. I was more patient with my own children. Teaching to age came easier today. I listened more intently and tried to understand their hearts. And the Spirit encouraged me to comfort and console sad hearts, to encourage love with love when arguing began and to just love and enjoy the children. I was reminded that this is where the peace and real success comes rather than rushing about doing "needful" duties.
Christ love is filling. It is contagious. It is beautiful and the most wonderful thing one could ever have or wish for.
Just before we were excused to class, one of the mothers of the children in my class pulled me aside and told me how nervous her little girl was...new teacher and all.
I understand how this can affect the children in the class.
My own Hess and Nu get the jitters when they have teacher rotations in Primary.
So, with this bit of information, I went to class with resolve to show as much Christ love as I knew how.
And as the children were filing into class, the Spirit taught me how to love these little ones.
I followed as best I could to teach these little 6 year olds like 6 year olds.
And as I started, my ability to teach them with Christ love grew.
He helped me to give them what they wanted and hoped: to feel loved, accepted, heard, important. They taught me why Jesus loves little children sooo. They are perfect, trusting, loving, forgiving, and learning.
Today was carry over from a wonderful Sunday. I was more patient with my own children. Teaching to age came easier today. I listened more intently and tried to understand their hearts. And the Spirit encouraged me to comfort and console sad hearts, to encourage love with love when arguing began and to just love and enjoy the children. I was reminded that this is where the peace and real success comes rather than rushing about doing "needful" duties.
Christ love is filling. It is contagious. It is beautiful and the most wonderful thing one could ever have or wish for.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Day in a month
My brain was in full gear today. It felt WONDERFUL!
So, I used it to prepare for "down time"...which seems to be a lot of each month. I cleaned some things up and out, packed some uneccessaries, and spent quite a bit of time with the children.
It was Hess who prayed this morning, and asked that we would use our time well today. I feel like the Lord helped me to do better today than I did yesterday.
It has been a great day!
So, I used it to prepare for "down time"...which seems to be a lot of each month. I cleaned some things up and out, packed some uneccessaries, and spent quite a bit of time with the children.
It was Hess who prayed this morning, and asked that we would use our time well today. I feel like the Lord helped me to do better today than I did yesterday.
It has been a great day!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Book of Mormon - almost finished
I am Almost finished reading the Book of Mormon.
I had hoped to finish on Christmas...
But, nights got later and readings got shorter.
Christmas has come and gone, and I've been able to
get some good reading in.
I am in Helaman.
I hope to finish Sunday :).
We'll see how it goes.
I had hoped to finish on Christmas...
But, nights got later and readings got shorter.
Christmas has come and gone, and I've been able to
get some good reading in.
I am in Helaman.
I hope to finish Sunday :).
We'll see how it goes.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Get ready for Sunday
Saturday is a Special day
It's the day we get ready for Sunday!
Here's to a Sunday getting ready Saturday...
It's the day we get ready for Sunday!
Here's to a Sunday getting ready Saturday...
Friday, December 25, 2009
A white Texas Christmas
My children have been praying for snow on Christmas morning.
My oldest told me that that would be her Christmas wish...since we wouldn't be with "family" for the holidays.
Wednesday, it was a warm 75 degrees. Imagine the delight of children watching the temperature drop to 35 degrees...on a rainy Christmas Eve morning...
Will suggested they pray and ask for Snow...so, as we drove to Wal-Mart, they all bowed their heads and with absolute confidence prayed to Heavenly Father for snow.
I have no doubt what brought the day of snow...
Happy White Christmas from us to you!
My oldest told me that that would be her Christmas wish...since we wouldn't be with "family" for the holidays.
Wednesday, it was a warm 75 degrees. Imagine the delight of children watching the temperature drop to 35 degrees...on a rainy Christmas Eve morning...
Will suggested they pray and ask for Snow...so, as we drove to Wal-Mart, they all bowed their heads and with absolute confidence prayed to Heavenly Father for snow.
I have no doubt what brought the day of snow...
Happy White Christmas from us to you!
Gifts
About gifts.
My children. They Love gifts.
They have hoped for a Christmas like today. Snow, gifts, gifts and more gifts.
I have thought about their excitement and joy of receiving gifts. They were so excited, that they couldn't sleep till wee into the night because Santa would bring gifts for morning.
They love gifts, they love help. They ask for both...a lot.
I think somewhere down the string of years, I figured I was too Old to Want help, too Old to Need help, and to Old to Ask for help. I was too Old to enjoy gifts, too Grown to receive gifts, and too Big to want gifts.
And so these gifts that were given so lovingly, so generously, so anonymously without want of repayment, so as to bless our family...has helped me see His love for me. My need for Him.
It is my "Remember" lesson...to want His help and want His gifts. To accept help...and gifts...because it is His love going through another.
Merry Christmas!
My children. They Love gifts.
They have hoped for a Christmas like today. Snow, gifts, gifts and more gifts.
I have thought about their excitement and joy of receiving gifts. They were so excited, that they couldn't sleep till wee into the night because Santa would bring gifts for morning.
They love gifts, they love help. They ask for both...a lot.
I think somewhere down the string of years, I figured I was too Old to Want help, too Old to Need help, and to Old to Ask for help. I was too Old to enjoy gifts, too Grown to receive gifts, and too Big to want gifts.
And so these gifts that were given so lovingly, so generously, so anonymously without want of repayment, so as to bless our family...has helped me see His love for me. My need for Him.
It is my "Remember" lesson...to want His help and want His gifts. To accept help...and gifts...because it is His love going through another.
Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
A few winks before morning
The gifts are all out. And it is time to catch a few winks and a nod before the kids are up.
We anticipated a sweet, small Christmas.
Not so, this year.
Members in our ward have been watchful over our family. Tomorrow, eyes will light up with the wonderous gifts from many "Santas". These acts of kindness reflect hearts of Christ. Thank you ward family for all you have given.
We anticipated a sweet, small Christmas.
Not so, this year.
Members in our ward have been watchful over our family. Tomorrow, eyes will light up with the wonderous gifts from many "Santas". These acts of kindness reflect hearts of Christ. Thank you ward family for all you have given.
It's Christmas
So here in Texas, the wind blows harder and a bit colder. The air feels warmer before the gusts start. Yesterday was a balming 75 degrees. And today, it has dropped to 30-something degrees. Snow flurries are in the air. Our girls prayed for snow today...and it is coming down.
We've had a lot of "Heavenly Father is watching over us" experiences over the past few weeks...few months that I see now. I wonder why I was so slow to see His hand before. Perhaps being in a "dependent" place causes me to see His hand because I need Him.
Will is still without work...well...without work that provides income. He still applies for employment just about everyday. Our financial situation...from my perspective - which really is so narrow because Heavenly Father can see so much more than I can...looks bleak. And, yet I know, because I have felt so, that Heavenly Father is aware, mindful of our needs and situation.
So experiences 1 & 2:
1. On Tuesday, I used money we got back from a reimbursement check to take the girls to Christmas Shopping at Dollar Tree. Will and I had received an email earlier from our landlady inquiring if we were renewing our contract, and if so, we needed proof of income.
There is no income.
I was feeling very troubled about the current situation which is - we are here, states away from parents and siblings and "easy help". We are in a place where truly, our dependence on the Lord feels paramount. The Church has been helping us with food...and friendship...and callings. I would be lost without the Church. I would be lost without knowing that God speaks to us today.
Anyway, I was in the car with the children, despairing our situation. I bowed by head and offers a silent prayer to Heavenly Father asking for peace, for reassurance....My cell rang. It was Sis. Ballard. She had "something" to drop off for our family...not from her, but from another family who wanted to give us something for Christmas. I imagined packages for the children :). After bing in the store a few minutes, I called Will to let Him know about Sis. Ballard coming over.
Our conversation went something like this.
M- Hello?
W- Hello.
M- Hi Dear. I wanted to let you know that Sis. Ballard is on her way over to drop something off for the family.
W- Oh. She already came. And she brought a jar of money.
M- (GASP) Are you serious?
W- Yes. I think there's about $100.00 in here.
M- Oh, my goodness (and at this point, I started sobbing in the store).
W- I know. I can't believe it....
Anyway, I was overcome in that moment to know that the Lord is mindful of our needs and wants and situation.
Later that night, we had a secret Santa leave us gifts on the walk in front of our home.
And then even later, the peace came.
2. I woke at midnight. Anxious, unable to sleep. So, I did what I felt to. I opened my Book of Mormon.
I LOVE the Book of Mormon. It has brought me closer to Christ. It has whispered peace in the night. It has lifted my thoughts to Heavenly places.
So, on this night, I read and read and read...for 2 hours...uninterrupted. I read about Aaron and the conversion of the Lamanite King to when Alma, Ammon, Aaron, Omner, Amulek, Zeezrom, Shiblon and Corianton went to preach repentance to the Zoramites.
And after reading, peace came. I felt Heavenly Fathers kindness. His teaching me.
Heavenly Father wants me to be humble. To be maleable. To be submissive.
And I can choose to be so or not so.
And I choose now to be so. I make so many mistakes. But this is why Jesus is. Because we need Him...I need Him to help me back. In my quite times of praying, I feel His love so gently wrapping me, enfolding me. My eyes cannot stay dry...the tears, they just come. He is the miracle of Christmas.
I remembered that we are here in Texas because God wants us here and He will provide a way. His way.
We've had a lot of "Heavenly Father is watching over us" experiences over the past few weeks...few months that I see now. I wonder why I was so slow to see His hand before. Perhaps being in a "dependent" place causes me to see His hand because I need Him.
Will is still without work...well...without work that provides income. He still applies for employment just about everyday. Our financial situation...from my perspective - which really is so narrow because Heavenly Father can see so much more than I can...looks bleak. And, yet I know, because I have felt so, that Heavenly Father is aware, mindful of our needs and situation.
So experiences 1 & 2:
1. On Tuesday, I used money we got back from a reimbursement check to take the girls to Christmas Shopping at Dollar Tree. Will and I had received an email earlier from our landlady inquiring if we were renewing our contract, and if so, we needed proof of income.
There is no income.
I was feeling very troubled about the current situation which is - we are here, states away from parents and siblings and "easy help". We are in a place where truly, our dependence on the Lord feels paramount. The Church has been helping us with food...and friendship...and callings. I would be lost without the Church. I would be lost without knowing that God speaks to us today.
Anyway, I was in the car with the children, despairing our situation. I bowed by head and offers a silent prayer to Heavenly Father asking for peace, for reassurance....My cell rang. It was Sis. Ballard. She had "something" to drop off for our family...not from her, but from another family who wanted to give us something for Christmas. I imagined packages for the children :). After bing in the store a few minutes, I called Will to let Him know about Sis. Ballard coming over.
Our conversation went something like this.
M- Hello?
W- Hello.
M- Hi Dear. I wanted to let you know that Sis. Ballard is on her way over to drop something off for the family.
W- Oh. She already came. And she brought a jar of money.
M- (GASP) Are you serious?
W- Yes. I think there's about $100.00 in here.
M- Oh, my goodness (and at this point, I started sobbing in the store).
W- I know. I can't believe it....
Anyway, I was overcome in that moment to know that the Lord is mindful of our needs and wants and situation.
Later that night, we had a secret Santa leave us gifts on the walk in front of our home.
And then even later, the peace came.
2. I woke at midnight. Anxious, unable to sleep. So, I did what I felt to. I opened my Book of Mormon.
I LOVE the Book of Mormon. It has brought me closer to Christ. It has whispered peace in the night. It has lifted my thoughts to Heavenly places.
So, on this night, I read and read and read...for 2 hours...uninterrupted. I read about Aaron and the conversion of the Lamanite King to when Alma, Ammon, Aaron, Omner, Amulek, Zeezrom, Shiblon and Corianton went to preach repentance to the Zoramites.
And after reading, peace came. I felt Heavenly Fathers kindness. His teaching me.
Heavenly Father wants me to be humble. To be maleable. To be submissive.
And I can choose to be so or not so.
And I choose now to be so. I make so many mistakes. But this is why Jesus is. Because we need Him...I need Him to help me back. In my quite times of praying, I feel His love so gently wrapping me, enfolding me. My eyes cannot stay dry...the tears, they just come. He is the miracle of Christmas.
I remembered that we are here in Texas because God wants us here and He will provide a way. His way.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving
I have felt so homesick for siblings, parents, dear friends, things that are familiar. Today, the pangs of family far away has ached deep inside of my heart.
I have been thinking a lot about being here and family states away...
which really isn't like countries away...
or heaven away...
I find I am on my knees more.
I seek for peace from Him and He comforts my sad, homesick heart.
And this is what I see...and thank for.
I am thankful for Jesus Christ.
He has lifted my heart when it has felt sad...
so sad to weep...
so sad that I thought it would crumble...
When I prayed,
He lifted me up,
to feel His love...
His Perfect love.
To keep moving...
To keep serving...
I have been thinking a lot about being here and family states away...
which really isn't like countries away...
or heaven away...
I find I am on my knees more.
I seek for peace from Him and He comforts my sad, homesick heart.
And this is what I see...and thank for.
I am thankful for Jesus Christ.
He has lifted my heart when it has felt sad...
so sad to weep...
so sad that I thought it would crumble...
When I prayed,
He lifted me up,
to feel His love...
His Perfect love.
To keep moving...
To keep serving...
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Posting Again
I'm posting again. Names may be changed to protect the innocent...and not so innocent...tee hee.
Book of Mormon
I've just started reading the Book of Mormon again. My goal is to finish before Christmas. In the past few days I have gained a greater appreciation for Nephi, Jacob, Momon, Moroni and other prophets who wrote in the Book of Mormon. There is a sense of urgency to leave their testimonies of Jesus Christ. They each express an immense desire for this record to return to the house of Israel and testify that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. My spirit swells as I read, knowing that The Book of Mormon is true. That Christ lives, He heals, He saves. I am thankful for the Book of Mormon.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Now the day is over
I am not adjusting well to daylight savings time. I am still on the old time...and that is not a good thing when the clock reads 1 am...like it is reading right now. But, the day is over! And my children are tucked in their beds. I have kissed them and loved them and helped them today. I read my scriptures, and didn't fall asleep during my reading. I talked with Will before either of us nodded off to sleep. It has been a learning and a wonderful day! And I can say goodnight and really mean it!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Experience
This morning, I woke next to a sick, fevered, sore throated, coughing Hess. She had crawled into our bed at about 2 am and I didn't have the heart, nor the energy to send her back to her bed...which leaves me a very sleepy mother this morning. None the less, she is sick. Her cough sounds painful. Her eyes are puffy from poor sleep. But with all that, she is chipper...and if she had it her way, she'd be out trying to turn cartwheels. But she doesn't have it her way this morning...she'll be in bed.
This flu that is passing through our family has been a bit nerve racking to me. It is not caring for the sick that seems hard, but knowing I have no control over who is going to end up with the flu next. Hand washing and location only go so far in a home. I have been worried that Bina will get it...if she hasn't already.
So, this morning, as I was praying with Will (my turn to pray), my own fears about Bina and the flu crept in. I am thankful for prayer. I can talk with Heavenly Father and tell him how I feel: my worries, my hopes, my joys, my sadness, my gratefulness, my disappointments. And He listens. And when I am still enough, calm enough and have faith enough, I can hear Him answer. And so, in answer to my worries this morning , I learned that this life gives "experience"...and it is good. And I don't need to worry. So for today, "Come what may, and love it!"
This flu that is passing through our family has been a bit nerve racking to me. It is not caring for the sick that seems hard, but knowing I have no control over who is going to end up with the flu next. Hand washing and location only go so far in a home. I have been worried that Bina will get it...if she hasn't already.
So, this morning, as I was praying with Will (my turn to pray), my own fears about Bina and the flu crept in. I am thankful for prayer. I can talk with Heavenly Father and tell him how I feel: my worries, my hopes, my joys, my sadness, my gratefulness, my disappointments. And He listens. And when I am still enough, calm enough and have faith enough, I can hear Him answer. And so, in answer to my worries this morning , I learned that this life gives "experience"...and it is good. And I don't need to worry. So for today, "Come what may, and love it!"
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Day Light Savings Sunday
I love Sundays. I love Sacrament Meeting, Sunday School, and Relief Society. I ache for the sweet spirit that follows after active attendance to my church meetings. Today, Nu and Hess were both home with the flu which meant Will and I would be playing "tag team" for meetings. He missed church last Sunday due to a lot of back pain. His back is still sore and the waist band of his pants bind right where the most pain resides. We both knew that his time in church would be short , so, it was only fair that he attend Sacrament and I attend Relief Society and whatever Sunday School he didn't.
Well, I thought, "I bet I could catch the 9am Singles Ward Sacrament Meeting."
Clever me! I quickly got dressed to go to church, gathered with the family for family prayer, kissed Will and my sweet girls then left out the door. I walked as quickly as I could so that I wouldn't miss the sacrament. I slid in onto the very back bench right next to Bro. Heaton. I smiled at him, and he looked at me a little puzzled.
I asked, "Is this the singles ward?"
"Yes, " he whispered back.
"Oh great!" I was very enthusiastic about being there. "I came for the sacrament because my girls are home sick and Will and I are swapping through church."
"Um...." said Bro. Heaton looking a little surprised,"sacrament is almost over."
I must have had a really bewildered look on my face. I couldn't figure out when they moved the singles ward start time to 8am.
"Did you forget, " started Bro. Heaton, "It is daylight savings time."
My jaw dropped and my eyes widened. "Ahhhaaa." I got a huge grin on my face, stood up and walked out. Ooops.
All the way home, I giggled. I couldn't help but think, "Joke's on me!"
Needless to say, we changed the time on our clocks, Will and Sar made it to Sacrament on time, and I got to attend Relief Society. It was a great Sunday. Thank you Bro. Heaton!
Well, I thought, "I bet I could catch the 9am Singles Ward Sacrament Meeting."
Clever me! I quickly got dressed to go to church, gathered with the family for family prayer, kissed Will and my sweet girls then left out the door. I walked as quickly as I could so that I wouldn't miss the sacrament. I slid in onto the very back bench right next to Bro. Heaton. I smiled at him, and he looked at me a little puzzled.
I asked, "Is this the singles ward?"
"Yes, " he whispered back.
"Oh great!" I was very enthusiastic about being there. "I came for the sacrament because my girls are home sick and Will and I are swapping through church."
"Um...." said Bro. Heaton looking a little surprised,"sacrament is almost over."
I must have had a really bewildered look on my face. I couldn't figure out when they moved the singles ward start time to 8am.
"Did you forget, " started Bro. Heaton, "It is daylight savings time."
My jaw dropped and my eyes widened. "Ahhhaaa." I got a huge grin on my face, stood up and walked out. Ooops.
All the way home, I giggled. I couldn't help but think, "Joke's on me!"
Needless to say, we changed the time on our clocks, Will and Sar made it to Sacrament on time, and I got to attend Relief Society. It was a great Sunday. Thank you Bro. Heaton!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Gracie Gledhill
Six months ago, shortly after I brought home sweet Bina, I read a link on Hoki's post, "Pray for Gracie". I was intrigued...so, I clicked. Since then, I've been following the ups and downs of this sweet baby and her precious family. Last Saturday night, I read and my heart broke. I hoped and prayed that her heart would work, that Heavenly Father would comfort her family...whatever the end would be. Then on Sunday, I read the heart breaking news that she would be taken off life support. I still cry as I think about this little baby, her family, this loss and the hope and promise of eternal families. I am thankful for good people everywhere. I am thankful for family.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Little Blessings
I know Heavenly Father loves me. I know he loves little children and wants us big people to love little children like he loves them.
Thank you Father,
for teaching me today to be softer,
to speak more lovingly,
to say,"thank you",
and give hugs generously.
Thank you, Father,
for reminding me
that I am still a child,
your child,
and I will always be special to you.
Thank you, Father,
for showing me
and whispering to me
answers to my prayers.
Thank you, Father,
for children.
Sweet, tender,
perfect,
Christlike
Children.
Thank you Father,
for teaching me today to be softer,
to speak more lovingly,
to say,"thank you",
and give hugs generously.
Thank you, Father,
for reminding me
that I am still a child,
your child,
and I will always be special to you.
Thank you, Father,
for showing me
and whispering to me
answers to my prayers.
Thank you, Father,
for children.
Sweet, tender,
perfect,
Christlike
Children.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas is about Jesus
Christmas was wonderful! I was reminded the Real meaning of Christmas. Sar was so excited about her new mp3 player. But not sooo excited that she forgot the meaning of Christmas. In my hubbub of cleaning up after lunch and with my ears half in and out of listening she and I had the following conversation.
S - Mom, I think I could almost spend my whole day listening to my Mp3 player.
M - You really could if you wanted to. That is what Christmas day is all about.
S - (so matter of fact and really sincere) No. That's not what Christmas is all about.
M - What is it about? (I'm thinking about her gifts and her wanting to enjoying them all Christmas day).
S- It's about Jesus.
M - (I stop and look up from cleaning) Yes. (pause) You are right. Christmas is about Jesus.
Thank you for being so forthright. Christmas is about Jesus.
S - Mom, I think I could almost spend my whole day listening to my Mp3 player.
M - You really could if you wanted to. That is what Christmas day is all about.
S - (so matter of fact and really sincere) No. That's not what Christmas is all about.
M - What is it about? (I'm thinking about her gifts and her wanting to enjoying them all Christmas day).
S- It's about Jesus.
M - (I stop and look up from cleaning) Yes. (pause) You are right. Christmas is about Jesus.
Thank you for being so forthright. Christmas is about Jesus.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Go and Do
I know Heavenly Father loves us because He continues to provide answers and solutions to all life's questions and problems. He will never give up on us. He will always listen to our pleas, to our struggles, to our joys, to our hopes and desires and He will always provide a way for us to find happiness.
On Sunday, during sacrament meeting, I found answers I was seeking. The speakers were asked to teach on the principles outlined in the pamphlets Family Finance and Family Home Storage. Here are the things I gleaned most: 1. If God commands and I follow it, I will receive the promises attached to that command because He is bound to His word. 2. If God's command seems bigger than me or my ability, and often it does, I can do what He commands because he has promised that he will always prepare a way to accomplish what he commands. 3. I can always trust Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ because they love us and we are their greatest interest.
On Sunday, during sacrament meeting, I found answers I was seeking. The speakers were asked to teach on the principles outlined in the pamphlets Family Finance and Family Home Storage. Here are the things I gleaned most: 1. If God commands and I follow it, I will receive the promises attached to that command because He is bound to His word. 2. If God's command seems bigger than me or my ability, and often it does, I can do what He commands because he has promised that he will always prepare a way to accomplish what he commands. 3. I can always trust Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ because they love us and we are their greatest interest.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
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