Danna's Pondering Pad

Be Unashamed

2012-01-23T09:51:00.024-07:00

Sometimes, do you, like me, ever feel too peculiar? (See Exodus 19:5 and 1 Peter 2:9.)

I have felt particularly that way, perhaps painfully, since I fulfilled an assignment to speak in stake conference yesterday. (I will share the talk soon.) Can I just share with you some of my feelings? I hope my reflections help someone out there.

After hearing the other talks in the Saturday session and those before me on Sunday, I knew my talk would be quite different from the other ones given. I had been given very direct instructions of what I was to speak on and HOW I was to do so. I had never received such direct instructions on a speaking assignment before (and it was particularly different from the last time I spoke in stake conference). From the beginning, I felt it was a tall order to fill but I desired to obey. I was told to speak from my heart, to look into the eyes of the listeners, and to use minimal notes (on the subject of how prayer is vital in our efforts to forgive). I was told that when I speak, the words I say are good, but the spirit I use to speak with is powerful and to use that same conviction when I spoke in conference.

So during conference all the talks given but mine talked about prayer in general (minus the stake president's closing message). All that spoke, other than the members of the stake presidency, read their talks. Mine was an obvious "red thumb" in the mix. As requested, I spoke with spiritual conviction and I worried later that it was too strong. It was obviously stronger than any other talk given. My parents were present and said that my talk quieted the audience and I had everyone's attention. (No, I didn't raise my voice or anything of the sort (I have to laugh at that idea!); I just spoke from my heart.) As I reflected on the experience, I became more and more uneasy and even, sadly, embarrassed.

As I was thus being carried away by fear and "negative pondering," as our stake president taught is Satan's counterfeit to pondering in faith, I began to pray in earnest for understanding. Two thoughts came to mind that I'd like to share:

A talk I'd heard by Sister Julie B. Beck (text, audio) came to mind. In the talk she testified strongly that Satan is raging. She said, "The powerful feeling that has been coming over me is, 'Sisters, fight--fight, Sisters!" She was emotional. The women started clapping. I realized that the words that I spoke were simply a fight for Christ. They were strong. The thought that followed was "Be not thou therefore ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ" (see 2 Timothy 1:8). As I reflected, I realized that I had testified boldly of Him, of His power of deliverance.

Oh, sometimes, I realize, it's so hard to NOT be ashamed when you stand out so much and you feel so exposed and peculiar but we MUST be that way--UNASHAMED and willing to stand by Him NO MATTER WHAT He asks of us.

It's HARD but you and I can do hard things with the Lord. So let's pick up our crosses and do it (with a smile)! :)

You Matter

2012-01-20T10:33:00.003-07:00

Do you ever feel overlooked, unnoticed, or forgotten?

The other day a remembrance came to me. It was that my sister, Katie, often felt overlooked. She told me so. Giving just one example: Between her mission and before having children, Katie served in different auxiliary presidencies but once she had children, her callings were less visible. She served mostly with piano playing. Her last calling was in the nursery. She struggled with feeling unwanted and insignificant. And yet, with this remembrance, I was filled with an understanding of the Lord's knowledge of His plan for her. Because Katie was not bombarded with Church responsibilities, she was able to keep her primary focus on her family. She scrapbooked, sewed, cooked, and journaled like no other. When she died, she left her strong love and influence in her home. Her mark is all about her children and husband now. Dennis has said many times that he finds so much comfort in her journals that were so detailed and expressive.

Further, because she wasn't so thinly spread, her service extended beyond to the "ones" that needed her. I don't know how I would have walked a road I was called upon to walk without her strong, supportive belief in me. She called me weekly when I was so mentally, emotionally, and physically weak. She sent me timely gifts of love. I know I wasn't the only one who received such attention and love. It was just her way.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf always says it best: "God knows that some of the greatest souls who have ever lived are those who will never appear in the chronicles of history. They are the blessed, humble souls who emulate the Savior’s example and spend the days of their lives doing good." To me, Katie was indeed one of those souls and I praise the Lord that He allowed her to minister to me in my times of need. And you know, that ministry from her hasn't stopped. I can still feel it and I thank a loving Father who never leaves me alone.

The Lord knows what He's doing with us and we are never lost to Him. Our mark can and will be felt by those who need it most as we listen to and follow the whisperings of the Spirit. We are never overlooked, unnoticed, or forgotten to Him.

Coming Together to Hear the Word of God

2012-01-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

Nehemiah 8 holds a lesson on unified hunger for God's word. Verses 1-3, 5, and 8 speaks of the congregation eagerly coming together to read the law of Moses. They were so excited and attentive that "when [Ezra] opened [the book], all the people stood up!" (verse 5). The words of hope and joy penetrated their hearts in such a way that "all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law" (verse 9). The words filled their soul; they received strength and rejoiced because the words took root! (verses 10, 12).

What happens when people come together through the words of God, when all are converted to Him? 4 Nephi 1:2-3 says, "The people were all converted unto the Lord....and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another. And they had all things common among them."

Each individual had obtained a heart at peace toward everyone! They rejoiced together, with no hard feelings among them. And the result? "The Lord did prosper them exceedingly....And...the people...did wax strong...and became an exceedingly fair and delightsome people" (Verse 7, 10).

Kind of cool what a willing, open heart can do.

"I Will Contend with Him that Contendeth with Thee"

2012-01-10T10:51:00.002-07:00

Sometimes we all have moments when the light really goes on. Such a rare and beautiful moment occurred the other day with my children. I told Ellie and K.J. that I'd been pondering their occasional conflict with our neighbor who isn't always nice to kids.

I asked them, "If someone mistreats you, who are s/he really rejecting?"

They were quiet for a moment and then their eyes lit up. K.J. said, "The Savior!"

I said, "That's right. And if we then respond to that unkindness with apathy or unkindness, who are we really doing it to?"

"The Savior...," they said thoughtfully, with new amazement and understanding.

I explained that a lot of times we justify our actions based on others but it is always the Lord to whom we are accountable. He knows our hearts and, if we allow, will guide our actions. I said that it is our challenge to turn the injustices over to the Lord, for He has promised to fight against those who persecute us. (Isaiah 49:25--"I will contend with him that contendeth with thee and I will save thy children." I love that!)

I then asked them WHY the Lord has asked us to be kind to those that mistreat us. Is it so they will change?

"No," they answered wisely. "It's for us."

"Yep, it's our hearts that we must work to keep soft and kind and good. As you know, keeping our hearts soft becomes extra challenging when others are misgiving in their love for us. Yet, as we are kind, it does something to us and keeps us from entering the war engaged against us."

It was beautiful to see their hearts soften. Ellie made our neighbor cookies and took them to her. (It's not the first time and I explained to Ellie that it probably wouldn't change her. Ellie's response was so full of understanding: "I know. But I feel all better inside now.")

Step Down and Serve

2012-01-04T16:10:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, my friend, Diane, sent me this beautiful quote: "The kingdom of God is about bringing what’s up there, down here. Maybe the way to do that is to worry less about where we can step up and lead and more about where we can step down, and serve." --Chip Ingram, livingonthe edge.org

How I love those words!!! Patricia Holland said something similar: "Just imagine the powerful spirit that would exist in our female society if we finally arrived at the point where, like our Savior, our real desire was to be counted as the least among our sisters" (One Thing Needful). Although Sister Holland is addressing women, it can obviously be applied to all people and stations of life. Love it; love it.

The Christmas Tortoise

2011-12-24T06:13:00.000-07:00

In 2006, I wrote up a silly Christmas story as a friend's gift that I put inside a "book" of two Christmas-wrapped 1/2 pound Symphony bars. The story's not really that great, but bless her heart, my friend, Stacy, recently asked for a copy. I thought I might as well post it for all to read. Merry Christmas!

The Christmas Tortoise

In the days of Caesar Augustus in the City of David, there lived a tortoise. Tortoise had heard of the birth of the King and greatly desired to behold His face. Tortoise’s friends laughed at him. How would he get there? It was miles away! He must be crazy. He was so small and so very slow!!!

Tortoise was not naïve to his limitations but how he longed to see the King! "Why can’t I?" he wondered to himself. "If one, then why not another? Surely the King would not deny me."

Amongst laughter and jeer, Tortoise set out with his mind set on beholding the face of the King. His pace was steady but slow. As he traveled, he said hello to the ants in the anthills and awed over the fragrant, beautiful flowers. Tortoise also invited others to join him in his journey to see the King. He made every effort to lift and cheer others on his path. He realized if he was to truly please the King, he must help others along the journey as well. His journey wasn’t so much about speed (after all, he wasn’t racing others) but about his focus and his tender-footed attempt not to hurt anyone in the process.

Because Tortoise’s pace was very, very slow and his progress wasn’t apparent to some, others at times got impatient with him. "Why can’t you move faster, Tortoise?" "Just give up!" "You’re never going to get there at that pace!" Although the taunting of others hurt Tortoise, he could not deny his intense desire to see the King and of his belief that he truly could make it if only he remained true to the course. In addition to Tortoise’s strength of focus, he also possessed another important asset: He had a hard shell. Because of the shelter he carried on his back, he was able to stay on the path during times of distress and stormy weather. His progress was hindered for awhile, but never lost. When the winds blew so hard that he couldn’t see the direction in which to move anymore, he had no other choice—if he was to remain on course to see the King—than to tuck his little body inside his shell until the storms past.

And so it was that Tortoise slowly but surely pressed forward until finally he completed his goal and rejoiced in the glorious and welcoming presence of the King.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland reminded us in the October 2006 Ensign that it’s not the time it takes us to overcome hardships or to master gospel principles. What matters is the direction we are going. May we remember that slow and steady win the race. We will meet our eternal goal as we persevere! May we have the courage to press forward and not become discouraged by the storms. It is my testimony that the Lord will not forsake us as we lean on Him and trust in His mighty power to save.

Originally posted 12/15/08. Thanks for asking for a Christmas post, Laura. Sorry it might be a bit late.

A Few Great Gems

2011-12-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

Lately I have come across some really great quotes about loving others:

"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong--because someday in life you will be all of these." --George Washington Carver, scientist and educator

"Treat a person as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat him as he could be, and he will become what he should be." --Jimmy Johnson, former football coach

"It is the weak who are cruel, and gentleness is to be expected only from the strong." --Leo Rosten, story-writer and journalist

"People with a heart for God have a heart for people." --Barbara Johnson, author and popular speaker

I love these! It makes me so happy that God is the reason we love, reach out, and lift others up! I believe in people because I believe in Christ!!!

Broken Things

2011-12-09T06:36:00.000-07:00

McDonald’s has a new billboard out that has caused me to ponder. It’s a picture of an egg and an Egg McMuffin. It says, "We break ‘em then we fix ‘em." I’ve thought before about how the Lord might work that way with us.

President Packer tells a story about carving one of his birds out of wood. After finishing it, he was taking it into town to show someone. The man driving him had to suddenly stop at an intersection to avoid hitting another car. The bird, which was on the backseat, fell to the floor and broke into pieces. The driver was devastated. Without thinking, President Packer said, "Don’t worry about it. I made it; I can fix it." And he did fix it. He said he made it stronger and better than it was before. Then he made the comparison: "Now, who made you? Can He fix you? Yes! If you will let Him, He will make you stronger and better than you were before." (Paraphrased)

There is a song on the CD "A More Excellent Way" that I love. It's called "Broken" by Kenneth Cope. (Click to listen.) Part of the words follow:

Broken clouds give rain; …

Broken storms yield light.
The break of day heals night.
Broken pride turns blindness into sight …

Could it be that God loves broken things? …

And yet, our broken faith, our broken promises
Sent love to the cross
And still, that broken flesh, that broken heart of His,
Offers us such grace and mercy,
Covers us with love undeserving.

This broken soul that cries for mending
This broken heart for offering
I’m convinced that God loves broken ME
Praise His name—my God loves broken things!

How I love my Savior—that He loves me when I’m broken and how He longs to fix me and make me stronger! How pleased He must feel when He has fixed or mended me, for those times that I have turned to and trusted in Him as my Master Creator. How merciful and tender He truly is! How much I stand in need of Him and His ever sustaining, forgiving, loving hand! How much I need to continuously learn and grow and be mended of my errors and shortcomings.

Truly He is the solution to all of our ails. May we believe His promises and ever be willing to live "a more excellent way" (Ether 12:11) through Him.

Originally posted 8/5/08. (Thanks for the request, Laura!)

Grandma Porter

2011-12-06T14:34:00.003-07:00

This one's for Grandma Porter in honor of her birthday. She would have turned 91 on the 4th! I love and miss you, Grandma!

So a while back I was talking to my sister, Andi. I felt very uplifted by her words. She helped me realize something important about putting people first. She told me a story about our grandma Porter. Andi said that once she went next door to visit her. When Andi walked in, Grandma immediately put away the Relief Society lesson she was preparing and focused all of her attention on Andi. It made an impression on her as to what it means to put others first. When we put others first, we are putting God first. And as President Benson has told us: "When we put God first, everything else falls into place." My grandma understood and applied that.

We got to talking about our wonderful grandma. We don't know what her personal trials were to speak of, but we do know how we felt in her presence. We do know she always had a ready smile and a welcoming hug. Andi told me that she remembers hearing that my dad's cousins always wanted to be at her house because of the way they felt around her. She put the Lord first by putting projects second (and she had MANY projects!!). Because people mattered, she showed by example that the Lord was number one on her list.

Powerful Examples

2011-12-02T06:35:00.006-07:00

I witnessed two powerful examples over Thanksgiving weekend.

The first one was of someone who indeed acts and is not acted upon. This amazing lady faces weekly ridicule. Her children are not accepted, valued, or treated well by someone who should be helping and upholding her. Her parenting is scrutinized and challenged. Yet, this godly woman does not let the other person's misjudgments and mistreatments into her heart. If I hadn't witnessed (and known prior) of the hurtful situation, I would have never been able to tell she was even aware of it. This lady has a heart at peace. She turns to God for approval, not man. She treats her persecutor with dignity and respect. She doesn't seek her out but when she is required to be in her presence, she is calm, dignified, and fully in control of herself. She allows no one to determine how she will behave. She will not be beaten or discouraged. She has God behind her and that is enough. That is strength; that is power.

The other powerful example I witnessed was of someone I hadn't seen since childhood. She's probably four years younger than I am but her mother always insisted that she be included with us older girls. But she didn't seem to want to be apart of us. I think we may have been too silly and immature for her even though she was so much younger. In any event, she never had any fun with us. She was mostly sulky and grumpy around us. But when I saw her as an adult, she amazed me. She was so friendly and put together. She was sweet, genuine, personable, fun, and confident. I thought, "Wow! Who would have thought that such a shy, quiet girl (at least around me) would turn out like that!!?"

These examples touched me powerfully because I realized that when God is in our lives, we turn out. Our children turn out. Others may scoff at us or them, but if they so choose, they can sit back--rather than stand up and help--and be amazed with what God can and will do. It is true that we all have things about us that are not beautiful--character flaws and weaknesses--but as we turn to God humbly, we will be molded into something beautiful and wonderful. I believe that with my whole heart and soul!!! I believe my children and all godly children (we're all children) are going to make it with God's help! I believe with His help my children are going somewhere great. I believe that because they are diligently trying. They are seeking after the Lord. The Lord has promised that all who do so will find Him! They will find He will make up the difference and will turn weaknesses into strengths.

I am just so excited to know He truly is in control. Without any doubt, I know He will magnify all true followers. Our children are in good hands! The future is bright with Him as our Master!!!

An Attitude of Gratitude

2011-11-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

My sister, Katie, once posted this quote by Neal A. Maxwell on her blog: "Deliberately cultivate a certain resilient and glad spirit, so that even when you are in the midst of a pressure situation you can smile and have an upbeat manner." It hit right on what I have been pondering on lately: gratitude. Maybe because it's November! (But it shouldn't be a passing quality of study!)

I believe (or know) I haven't mastered the divine attribute of gratitude. But it's one, like Katie, that I too covet. How beautiful it would be to be found with a grateful heart at all times. How much more humble I would be. How much less I would think of self. How much more I would want to give. How much more my heart would consistently swell with wonder and awe at the greatness of God. How much greater would be my focus and my capacity to love.

Here's a question: To truly love God and man with all our heart, might, mind, and soul, must our hearts first be filled with gratitude? And to be filled with gratitude, must it be accompanied with reverence? It seems so.

I was touched by an insight my mom shared with me on Sunday. She said that in her sacrament meeting a man pointed out in the story about the healing of the ten lepers (Luke 17:12-19) that they were all healed physically but only one was healed spiritually and emotionally as well as physically. It was because of his gratitude that he was made whole--freed from the weight of emotional and spiritual sorrows and pain.

Is gratitude the great healer, when we receive all things with thankfulness? This story suggests so as does D&C 78:19: "And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious."

It's definitely something to covet and work toward.

Originally posted November 18, 2009.

Sunsets

2011-11-18T07:49:00.006-07:00

Today's Flashback Friday comes from last year's gratitude journal:

11/17/10
Tonight when I flew out of Salt Lake (after Katie's death), the man sitting next to me said before take-off, "Look at the sky. Isn't it amazing?" I had my eyes closed. When I opened them, I saw an amazing sunset. The whole sky was pink and orange. I thought of my sister-in-law, Renae's words of those skies being Dallin's (my deceased nephew) hellos and messages of love. My eyes immediately welled with tears as I thought of it being Katie's symbol of love. I cried as we flew up into that sky. The sunset reflected onto the Great Salt Lake and the whole land was pink and orange. It was a tender, sweet moment for me.

A Bend in the Road

2011-11-16T03:40:00.007-07:00

I have been well-aware that this day was approaching. But this past Sunday in church I was overcome with the sad thought. It was a year ago on Sunday that I went to say my earthly good-byes to my sister, Katie. I will never forget that hard moment. My sister, Andi, and I were driving together. We had flown into Salt Lake from different states and then made the trip up to Katie's house in Blackfoot, Idaho. When we neared Katie's home, I couldn't hold back the tears. I don't think anything can prepare you for such moments. I thought my heart was going to break. When we went into Katie's room, it became even harder. She didn't look like Katie. She had oxygen tubes in her nose; she was pale, swollen, and weak. It was painfully evident that she was dying. My close, caring, ministering sister was dying! When she heard us enter, she opened her eyes and said a very labored, weak, breathy, and yet happy "Hello!" I will never forget that labored, joyful hello. She was so happy to see us! I felt she had been waiting for us, holding on until we arrived. She declined steadily from that moment, dying on this very day (November 16th) one year ago. All three of her sisters were there to catch her family and be for them, for a short time, what she could not be. I felt the timing was truly orchestrated by her and the Lord.

S. Michael Wilcox poses a difficult question: "Why does the Lord tend to ask us to leave when our nets are full? . . . It may be when we have everything to live for that cancer or something else calls us home. God tends to call us when the nets are full" (Walking on Water, p.17). Why? Is it possible that the Lord is about something so much bigger than we are? Yes. By removing something so precious to us, He creates a hole in our hearts, a hole that needs to be filled. Filled with what? Filled with Him! Filled with hope. Painfully, humbly, and desperately, we recognize an emptiness that can only be filled by Christ. Why does He do that? Is it possible that He wants us to discover that there is so much more available than our mortal eyes can see? He longs for us to feel and know that NOW is not what FOREVER will look like (President Uchtdorf).

Many lonely tears have been shed privately during this last year as I have sought to fill the hole left by Katie's death. The following poem that was read at Katie's funeral expresses the process of filling, of searching, of becoming beautifully:

A Bend in the Road

When we feel we have nothing left to give
& we are sure that the song has ended,
When our day seems over & the shadows fall
& the darkness of night has descended

Where can we go to find the strength
To valiantly keep on trying?
Where can we find the hand that will dry
The tears that the heart is crying?

There's but one place to go and that is to God,
& dropping all pretense & pride,
We can pour out our problems without restraint
& gain strength with Him at our side.

& together we stand at life's cross roads
& view what we think is the end,
But God has a much bigger vision,
& He tells us it's only a bend.

For the road goes on and is smoother,
& the pause in the song is a rest,
& the part that's unsung & unfinished
Is the sweetest & riches & best.

So rest & relax & grow stronger.
Let go & let God share your load.
Your work is not finished or ended,
You've just come to a bend in the road.
--Helen Steiner Rice

Thank you, Katie, for being willing to leave when your net was full so that our nets could develop stronger holding places for God. I so love and adore you, Dear Sister.

Consecration

2011-11-11T05:51:00.002-07:00

I’ve been pondering how the Lord consecrates our afflictions for our gain (2 Nephi 2:2). The word "consecrate" means "to set apart as holy; to make or declare sacred; to devote entirely; to cause to be revered or honored, hallow."

For the past three years, I’ve undergone a killer trial but I’ve been reflecting on how I have gained when the cost has been so high.

First, this trial has humbled me in helping me see of my need for daily repentance and also not setting at naught the counsels of the Lord. It has taught me the importance of trusting the Lord and not relying in the arm of the flesh—seeking His counsel and holding off my desire to talk to others excessively about "the problem," as it often muffles out the Lord’s counsel for me. I've come to understand that unlike man, He will never fail or mislead me. He is constant and true.

It hopefully is teaching me about judging others. We are all powerless without the Lord and it is not our position or place to judge another. I've even come to believe that we should not misjudge ourselves because God made us the way we are. That does not mean we are excused in our weakness but He has specially crafted our fallen state, crafted it in a way that will hopefully humble us and turn us to Him for help. Not one of us is better than another. It is only because of His grace—His enabling power—that any gifts of righteousness are bestowed upon any of us.

This trial has taught me about motives. I have seen how my motives have shifted. I am more aware of why I do the things I do. It brings me joy to realize I am doing something strictly for the Lord, not for man’s approval. I am more apt to do things because I love the Lord. My love for Him and His opinion of me matters more than any earthly being’s perception. Consequently, this trial has helped purify my motives. I pray for pure motives. I want to please the Lord. I desire for the world to not be so much with me.

I hope this trial has taught me something about gratitude. I hope I’ve learned to be grateful and to look for the good. I’ve gone to polar opposites throughout the duration of this trial but hopefully, bit by bit, I am getting it, especially as I've witnessed baby-step successes!

My conclusion: Truly our trials are specially crafted just for us and indeed are "set apart as holy" by the Lord, consecrated for our gain, if we will trust Him to craft us into a perfect being. How truly grateful, therefore, we must be to Him, for He is the ONLY way of becoming whole, complete, "hallow."

Originally posted 8/20/08.

Obtaining Faith

2011-11-04T06:42:00.000-06:00

"Once, in a concentration camp during World War II, the Jewish people imprisoned there decided to put God on trial for failing to live up to his promises to protect them. Officiating at the trial were three rabbis, who appointed a lawyer for the people and a lawyer for God. There was much evidence introduced and many days of deliberation. Finally the verdict was read, and God was found guilty.

"When the trial was over, the people were quiet. They looked at the rabbis and one person asked, 'What do we do now?'"

"The only answer that made sense to the people, the only answer in the face of reality, was that they must pray." (Doorways to the Soul, Eliza Davy Pearmain, p. 94).

Have you ever had a time when you feared God had failed you? This story causes one to think about what it really means to have faith. What is faith? We are taught that faith is to hope in things that are not seen, which are true (Alma 32:21). --Faith that the Lord is real and that He is our Savior. Why do we need to have faith in the Savior? What do we believe the Savior can do for us that we can’t do for ourselves? Real faith in the Savior, I believe, means that we have faith that the Lord will redeem us. What does ‘redeem’ mean? Redeem means to buy back, to change, to rescue, to restore, to turn, to deliver, to make worthwhile, to set free. Do we believe the Lord can and will redeem us?

How do we obtain that kind of faith? Helaman 5:41 says, "You must repent, and cry unto the voice, even until ye shall have faith in Christ!" If we lack faith, we are to pray for faith! A story in the times of Joseph Smith is illustrative: When Joseph and the would-be three witnesses—David Whitmer, Oliver Cowdery, and Martin Harris—knelt to obtain the privilege of seeing the plates, they prayed for a long time but nothing happened. Joseph said, "Something is wrong." Martin said that he thought it was him, that he just didn’t have the faith. Joseph told him to go off alone and pray for faith. Martin said, "The Lord won’t give me faith until I have faith." Joseph said, "No, Martin, the Lord will give you faith when you pray for faith."

Sometimes that’s one of my main pleas—that the Lord will "help mine unbelief" (Mark 9:24)—that He will help me where I lack, that I may have the faith I need to accept His will. Elder Bednar reminds: "Each of us needs God’s help in surrendering our will to Him." I believe that sometimes faith isn’t supposed to be easy to come by. I believe the Lord wants us to recognize that even for the gift of faith we need His redemptive power.

Originally posted 10/26/08

Golden Nuggets

2011-10-31T09:47:00.001-06:00

I love these words by President Harold B. Lee: "If you are a golden nugget, prepare for the refiner's fire."

It reminded me of the following words by Joseph Smith, spoken in Kirtland, Ohio, on December 16, 1833: "This one thing is sure, that they who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution, and before their robes are made white in the blood of the Lamb, it is to be expected, according to John the Revelator, they will pass through great tribulation."

So if you are undergoing some intense trials, perhaps the question you should be asking yourself is, "What have I done right?" rather than "Where did I go wrong?" Then rejoice in the Lord, for as my dear cousin, Kendi, recently said on her blog: "It is no small thing to sense when growth is occurring within our soul." Growth is definite reason to awe and praise our amazing God!

WHY?!

2011-10-28T06:13:00.001-06:00

I'm posing a sequoia-sized question. It’s a question that some may not like but studies have shown that knowing the answer to this question increases the likelihood for obedience—that when children and youth and adults understand the answer to this question, they are more likely to follow the rules. The question is ... WHY?

Susan W. Tanner said: "It is leaders’ and parents’ job to give … the doctrinal whys and to back up standards by teaching about the reasons for them." When we understand the reason behind the principle, it’s easier to obey the commands.

I think a study of the whys given in the scriptures can be interesting and enlightening and is a great exercise for youth and adults. For example, Alma is masterful in explaining the whys. When he counseled his sons to be faithful to the gospel, he explained many whys behind the commandments. He said that when we obey, we will prosper in the land (Alma 36:1). He pointed out that keeping the commandments brings joy (Alma 36:20) and that we will also be supported in our trials (Alma 36:27). In Alma 37:16, he explained that Satan loses power as we keep the commandments: "If ye keep the commandments of God, … behold, no power of earth or hell can take these things from you, for God is powerful to the fulfilling of all his words."

Alma also spoke about the consequences of violating the commandments: "If ye transgress the commandments of God, behold, these things which are sacred shall be taken away from you by the power of God, and ye shall be delivered up unto Satan, that he may sift you as chaff before the wind" (Alma 37:15). He also stated that "inasmuch as ye will not keep the commandments of God ye shall be cut off from his presence" (Alma 36:30).

Sometimes the whys are unknown. Alma gave reasons for moments of unknowns as well. When a matter remains unresolved, we can say with Alma: "Now these mysteries are not yet fully made known unto me; therefore, I shall forbear" (Alma 37:11). He also stated: "There are many mysteries which are kept, that no one knoweth them save God himself" (Alma 40:3). But he pointed out that with labor, there are some mysteries that the Lord will reveal to the serious seeker. He said: "I have inquired diligently of God that I might know" (Alma 40:3). But there are other times, he stated that "it mattereth not; for God knoweth all these things; and it sufficeth me to know that this is the case" (Alma 40:5). This teaches us that we should be careful not to put conditions on the Lord and have faith that He is wise in all things. During times of facing the unknown whys, we must "wait patiently on the Lord, for [our] prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord…. And all things wherewith [we] have been afflicted shall work together for [our] good, and to my name’s glory" (D&C 98:1-2).

Holding to the promises that come from obeying the commandments can bring great comfort. A favorite is found in D&C 93:28: "He that keepeth the commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things." This promise insures that one day all mysteries will be known to us and we will glorify Him for blessing us with both the unknown and the known whys of life.

Originally posted August 8, 2008.

Fat-Free Feasting

2011-10-25T18:06:00.001-06:00

I love these words by Bonnie D. Parkin:

"I want to tell you a secret. I love to eat. Don’t you? When food has the perfect herbs, when it’s cooked just right, when it’s served like a work of sculpture, I’m in heaven. I can gain weight just reading a menu.

And did you know that the Lord doesn’t expect us to diet? Trust me! Turn to 2 Nephi 9:51. Now look at the very last line. It says, 'Let your soul delight in fatness.' But feast on what? Chocolate?

Look closely: Feast on his word. When was the last time you feasted on the word? Did you know that feasting could be so guilt-free?"

Why do we sometimes worry more about our physical diet than our spiritual diet? When I am really feasting on the words of Christ, I cannot believe the difference it makes it my life. I have so much more vision and enthusiasm! I feel so excited about life! And why? 2 Nephi 32:3 tells us: "...feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." I love it! I have felt of the truth of this promise! Yay, yay, yay for heavenly feasts!!!

Stripping Pride

2011-10-21T10:56:00.002-06:00

Being stripped of pride is something I need to consistently and earnestly seek help with from the Lord. It's one of those things that must be addressed again and again--it's that need for a daily bath. When I am stripped of pride, I can receive more abundantly the words of God. I love Elder F. Enzio Busche's words: "You cannot communicate with God unless you have first sacrificed your self-oriented natural man and have brought yourself into the lower levels of meekness, to become acceptable for the Light of Christ." The Spirit can be with me as I recognize my desperate need for Him. I will not have enmity. I will not feel full of myself. Yet, I will not feel "low of myself" either because I will be confident in His interest and divine help. I will realize that ALL solutions are within Him. The wisdom of the world won't satisfy and His knowledge will be what I yearn to find and follow. I am weak in my ability to remain strong without constant effort. Even then, as I receive strength, it is an endowment of grace. The knowledge of my need to be stripped of pride is something my natural man must come to again and again for I turn so often. I pray that the Lord will endow me with the discernment to detect early even the slightest shift from Him and that, recognizing the turn, I might be humbled and quickly repent, feeling renewed gratitude and awe for His intercessory and forgiving guidance.

Oh, to become such a parent as He!

Orginally posted 8/5/09.

Lessons from Job

2011-10-16T14:51:00.009-06:00

A bit lengthy but here is the jest of the talk I gave today in sacrament meeting:

I am sure that when Brother Nichols asked me to speak about the Book of Job, he had no idea that Job is my friend. Job became my friend a few years ago when after some traumatic experiences, I found myself mentally, emotionally, and physically very challenged. It was during this time that my very attentive, now deceased, sister sent me a talk by President Monson. In that talk, President Monson said, "If you are facing a lot of adversity or struggling in life, read the Book of Job" (paraphrased). I took President Monson's advice, read Job, and found a kindred friend.

So very briefly, I am going to recount the Book of Job and then I am going to suggest what we can learn from his story. (If you are well-versed on the Book of Job, you could skip to the blue points below!):

In the beginning of Job, Satan is given permission to tempt and try Job. Job's children and property are taken away. Job's response? He rent his clothes, shaved his head, fell to the ground, and worshipped God.

But Satan isn't satisfied and complains to God that he wasn't given enough power over him. So God told Satan he could do whatever he wanted but he couldn't take Job's life. Job’s body is covered "with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown" (Job 2:7). Job responds valiantly: "Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" Up to this point, it seems that Job is doing pretty well but Satan isn't finished.

His friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar hear about his misfortune and “they ... made an appointment ... to come to mourn with him and to comfort him” (2:11). When they see him from afar, they cannot recognize him. Seeing how awful he looks, “they lifted up their voice, and wept” (2:12). “So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven night, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great” (2:13).

After the seventh day, Job begins to speak and his words seem to surprise his friends. They aren't the charactistic words they are used to hearing from Job. He's not saying the typical "naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither" (1:21). No, instead, his words curse life. He wonders why he was even born and why he’s even alive. He says: “I long for death, but it cometh not; and [I] dig for it more than for hid treasures; For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me” (3:21, 25).

Hearing Job’s lamenting and questioning of his life, his friends begin to turn on him. They judged him erroneously and they lose empathy for him.

Job’s friends counsel him but despite it, Job continues to bemoan his grief. Job feels beaten. He questions his past. “Where did I go wrong? Did I not give enough to others? Was I not obedient enough?” He feels unworthy of the Lord’s help and doubts the Lord even cares. He says: “If I had called, and [the Lord] had answered me; yet would I not believe that he had hearkened unto my voice” (9:16). As we can see, he’s feeling a bit bitter.

His friends think he’s lost it and come down hard on him. Bildad tells Job that he doesn’t know God. Zophar calls him a hypocrite and to stop feigning righteousness. He tells him he's brought this upon himself. Eliphaz accuses him of sin and exhorts him to repentance.

Job is completely weary of life. He’s not mentally well and is so confused.

At this point in Job’s story, I want to start shouting to Job—“Hey Job! I’ve read your book! I know how it turns out, Job! Don’t you give up! You keep going!!!"

And you know, Job doesn’t give up—even though he’s been given no witness from the Lord that he’s been heard or even that the Lord cares. Even though he doesn’t even know if there’s any hope for him.

Job knew that God was his only hope, and that there was no other choice but to STAY ON THE PATH. He proclaims: “With [God] is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding" (12:13). "All things are in the hands of the Lord.” (section heading 12).

From this moment, Job seems to gain momentum. To his friends, he begins to powerfully testify of Christ. He speaks boldly to them and says: “Hear diligently my speech (21:2), how long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words? (19:2) Why do ye persecute me … and are not satisfied? (19:22) For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth (19:25). [And] he knoweth the way that I take; when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as GOLD” (23:10).

And in the end, indeed Job’s “dross was consumed and his gold was refined” (5th verse of How Firm a Foundation). Job 42:10-12 says: “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. And the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning.” His flocks were restored; he was blessed with 10 more children and he lived to the age of 140. WOW! :)

So what lessons can be learned from Job? There are so many but time only allots discussion of a few (Feel relieved!):

1) First, we learn that Job struggled! I love the anguish we see so freely displayed in Job. He started out strong but it started to wear on him and his vision suffered. We don’t see this process of becoming, of enduring, very often in scripture stories. So often we hear "always" and "never" statements attached to mere mortals. But with Job, we get a whole book depicting his trial that nearly broke him but that in the end sanctified him. I love it!!

Neal A. Maxwell said: "We must be careful . . . not to canonize [people]…. (to canonize means ‘to glorify’) — not to dry all the human sweat off them, not to put ceaseless smiles on their faces, when they really struggled and experienced agony. Real people who believe and prevail are ultimately more faith-promoting and impressive than saccharine saints with tinsel traits." Saccharine means "to be full of sugar."

2) Next, we learn that when we judge others, as did Job's friends, we lose empathy. Why does that matter? Because when we lose empathy, pride sets in and we start feeling feelings of superiority. We then begin to justify our actions or inactions toward those we are judging.

Through the story of Job, we see the need for empathy and to withhold judgment when others are going through severe trials. We don’t always know WHY people are going through certain trials and we need to be careful not to add to their trial or their God-given weaknesses by our rash counsel and judgments. (We are told in Ether 12 that we are GIVEN weaknesses that we may be humble.)

Neal A. Maxwell said: "As things unfold, sometimes in full view, let us be merciful with each other. We certainly do not criticize hospital patients amid intensive care for looking pale and preoccupied. Why then those recovering from surgery on their souls? No need to stare; those stitches will finally come out. And in this hospital, too, it is important for everyone to remember that the hospital chart is not the patient. Extending our mercy to someone need not wait upon our full understanding of their challenges."

And may I suggest that we may NEVER come to a full understanding of another's challenges. But remember, "empathy is not always reciprocated but empathy is never lost" (Neal A. Maxwell).

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said: "It is not good to make others feel as though they are deficient. Let us lift those around us. Let us extend a welcoming hand. Let us bestow upon our brothers and sisters in the Church a special measure of humanity, compassion, and charity so that they feel, at long last, they have finally found home."

President Thomas S. Monson said: "Needed is the charity which refuses to find satisfaction in hearing or repeating the reports of misfortunes that come to others, unless by so doing, the unfortunate may be benefited..."

James 1:26 says: "If any man among you seems to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, [he] deceiveth his own heart, [therefore] this man's religion is vain." In the footnotes, we learn that vain means "useless, deceptive, and erroneous."

3) Very quickly after talking about the need for empathy, we need to talk about the need of forgiving those who hurt or persecute us.

I love what it says in Job 42:10. I already read this scripture but this time I am going to put the dependent clause first: "WHEN he prayed for his friends, the Lord turned the captivity of Job." We aren't told in the Book of Job that Job prayed for his friends throughout, but from what I know about his character, it isn't hard for me to imagine that Job was seeking the Lord's help to forgive his oppressors continuously. The Lord lifted his captivity AFTER Job prayed to forgive!

Mark 11:25 reiterates why it is so important to forgive: "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."

There it is. If I want my Savior's mercy, I must have mercy on others! I know I fall short and am in such need of His mercy; how much more then do I need to extend mercy to others. One thing that has helped me in forgiving and accepting others is a quote by Abraham Lincoln. He made a statement during the days of the Civil War, saying that if he had walked in the shoes of the Southerners, he would feel and act and think much the same way. I believe that is true in all situations.

(I just have to interject here and say that I am not the example to look to in this. I am a mere mortal and I fall short. I am working to be better at these points of which I speak but I am not perfect. That reminds me of another quote by Neal A. Maxwell: "I thank the Lord for allowing me, even helping me, to testify of truths known but that are beyond the border of my behavior but for helping me advance that border bit by bit." The example to whom we should look is the Savior.)

In our efforts to forgive, we must remember that God controls the elements of heaven, we don’t. Sometimes forgiveness takes a long time. The ability to forgive another is a gift of the Spirit. We learn in Moroni that EVERYTHING good comes from the Lord. We must recognize our absolute dependence upon Him in order to overcome. How do we do it?

President Kimball said: "One must constantly be reminded of his dependence. On whom is he dependent? On the Lord. How remind one's self? By real, constant, worshipful, grateful prayer."

It comes down to prayer!

President Eyring said : “Pray for the love which allows you to see the good in others. Pray for the love that makes weaknesses and mistakes seem small. Pray for the love to make others’ joy your own. Pray for the love to want to lessen the load and soften the sorrows of others.”

We must labor in prayer for the gifts of the Spirit! It will come. We CAN forgive!

It is my testimony that God is about something much bigger than we can comprehend. He knows what He's doing. "When He says, 'Come follow me,' He means He knows the way up and He knows the way out" (Jeffrey R. Holland). I have put that to the test again and again. He has never failed me, only delayed my deliverance. I have become grateful for these delays, for they have taught me of my absolute nothingness, my absolute dependency on Him.

Ye fearful Saints, fresh courage take
The clouds ye so much dread
Are filled with mercy and shall break
With blessings on your head. (Hymn #285)

I love my Savior! I will stay with Him to the bitter end, or should I say the glorious end, because I know He is my only way or means by which I can be saved!

The Savior's Role

2011-10-14T02:12:00.001-06:00

There was a missionary in our ward that repeatedly stumbled. His shortcomings and fumblings were visable to us as ward members. Every Fast Sunday, he would get up in tears and express his sorrow for his failures and of his joy in the Savior's help and love. His gratitude and humility before Him and us was impressive. I loved that this young man, only 19 or 20, recognized that his only chance, his only hope, was in the Savior.

And so it is with each one of us. No matter how much we have been able to keep our list of shortcomings to a minimim, no matter how well we have been able to manage our own behavior and appear to be in good command of our own lives, each one of us--even the most righteous among us--is upheld and dependent completely upon the merits of the Lord (2 Nephi 31:19). Every gift that we have is an endowment of grace from Him. Not even our own breath can we claim as ours. I witnessed this a year ago as one of my dearest friends struggled between life and death. After she came home from the hospital after being in a coma for several weeks, I tearfully watched as she struggled to breathe. I realized it was only through the grace and goodness of God that she was being granted the breath of life. As she labored, she silently prayed--both in gratitude and for His continued mercy--as each breath was being granted to her.

Spiritually and physically our dependence on Him is without measure, though the gifts of empowerment often go unrecognized. We need the Savior. Our very breath depends on Him.

When we die, we will stand before our God. Beside us will be the Savior. Nothing will be hidden from Their all-knowing view. Our motives, our intentions, our flaws with be openly visable. It will be obvious (perhaps painfully) that we fall short of the glory of God. And yet, if we have made friends with the Savior and have clung to Him, He has promised to make up the difference. He will be our advocate and will plead our case. How humbling is the thought.

The scriptures are replete with stories of where and how the Savior spent His time. His time was spent with the poor--both in spirit and in physical need. He healed and restored life, livelihood, hope, faith, vision. His interest was in those in need of healing, who fell short of perfection. And yet, so often we have a hard time believing that He doesn't actually prefer the already perfected. If that were the case, how mightily lonely would the Savior's role be because He was the only perfect man to walk the earth. He was the only one who was able to follow the Lord's commandments with exactness, never having need of repentance.

The Savior knew we would not be perfect, that everyone one of us would suffer from the effects of the fall, that our only hope, our only chance, would be through Him. Thus, the plan of redemption. Speaking of everyone of us, He said, "They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick" (Matt. 9: 12). We all are sick without Him and are in need of healing. We all need to be redeemed. To redeem means to buy back, to set free, to rescue, to make worthwhile (I love that one!).

How grateful I am for my testimony of His mission and of His ability to perform His role perfectly. How grateful I am for my testimony that He knows and cares intimately for little ol' me and for little ol' you!

Originally posted 7/12/08.

Humility

2011-10-10T14:40:00.001-06:00

This morning a scripture chain led me to D&C 12:8: "And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care."

Beside this scripture, I had inserted the following quote by President Kimball.: "If the Lord was meek and lowly and humble, then to become humble one must do what He did in boldly denouncing evil, bravely advancing righteous works, courageously meeting every problem, becoming the master of himself and the situations about him, and being near oblivious to personal credit....

"Humble and meek properly suggest virtues, not weaknesses. They suggest a consistent mildness of temper and an absence of wrath and passion. Humility suggests no affectation, no bombastic actions. It is not turbid nor grandiloquent. It is not servile submissiveness. It is not cowed nor frightened. No shadow or the shaking of a leaf terrorizes it.

"How does one get humble? To me, one must constantly be reminded of his dependence. On whom dependent? On the Lord. How remind one's self? By real, constant, worshipful, grateful prayer." (Humility, BYU Speeches of the Year [Provo, 16 Jan. 1963, pp. 2-3.)

Oh, my goodness, I have so far to go but I love how he gives us the formula! It comes down to HOW I pray! And I love the promise given in Mosiah to all who do so: "And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true. And ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due" (Mosiah 4:12-13) (emphasis added).

Motherhood

2011-10-08T18:48:00.006-06:00

I thought this short youtube was a pretty funny take on motherhood for LDS women. Thanks for the laugh, Dad!

A Story of Softening

2011-10-03T18:45:00.007-06:00

My friend, Rachel, sent me this Christian blog post. You gotta read it. Thanks so much for sending it, Rachel! I love to hear about the softening of hearts from others who have traditionally opposed our church. It testifies to me that God is a unifier, not a divider. My favorite question the author poses is: "What could we learn if we choose to listen?" It's a question worth pondering for all of us.

Laura's Baptism--A Moment Never to Be Forgotten

2011-09-27T09:40:00.013-06:00

This past Saturday (September 24, 2011), was an absolutely beautiful day. Laura was rebaptized a member of the Church. It was such an incredible moment and I couldn't hold back the tears. Truly heavenly intervention has been witnessed in these last several months.--There is no doubt that Katie was involved in this miracle, just 10 months after her passing. (For the story of Laura and Katie, read this.) It is hard to even write about the baptism because without question, Katie was there. It was a peaceful experience that was almost beyond words and maybe it's meant to be so. How I wanted to hold to the peace and joy of those moments with my sister and my Savior.
I am so proud of Laura. I can truly say that she was rebaptized with purity of intent. I believe in her and that this time she will stay deeply rooted in her relationship with the Lord. How much joy and awe I feel. How good and merciful is the Savior. Truly none of us is ever lost to Him. He knows us. A rescue for each one of His children is in place if we will but humble ourselves and receive His rescuing hand.
K.J. and Ellie flew down to Houston with me. I am so grateful that they were able to experience such a neat moment. Surely they will never forget it. They love, love, love Laura. Ellie played the piano for the baptism. She did a beautiful job.
Laura wanted a very small, intimate crowd at her baptism. Those in attendance were her former stake president and his wife, her bishop, a sweet church friend, the Relief Society president, and us. The missionaries were also there so there would be enough witnesses.

This picture was actually taken the next day after church--Laura realized that we didn't get a picture together with her in white so we did a re-enactment! It was fun. She's a good duck and I think I'll keep her for another week!!!

Valiance

2011-09-21T20:23:00.003-06:00

I really appreciated this checklist that Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge provided in an article from the September 2011 Ensign:

"You are valiant if you:

Keep on going when you think you can't go anymore.

Admit your mistakes and strive to be better.

Pick up the scriptures and put down the TV remote.

Tell the truth when a lie would be easier.

Refuse to do wrong even when everyone else is doing wrong.

Set aside personal interests and/[or] postpone education to serve a mission.

Speak no ill of another.

Are honest even when it seems that no one else is.

Choose not to click on a pornographic site.

Smile and help another even when you yourself need help.

Exercise self-control.

Pray with all your hearts.

Forgive.

Strive to raise your children in light and truth.

Share the gospel without regard to consequences.

Remember the Lord and keep His commandments.

Don't count the cost. "

Seeking Peace with a Friend

2011-09-19T01:03:00.016-06:00

I've developed a problem with a friend that is really causing me some anguish. I have been so down about it. I don't usually have these kinds of conflict with people. It has become a cycle between us:

1) She treats me with contempt and says poky things to me. She finds fault and corrects me.
2) I then view her as an object--someone who is self-rightous and thinks she is superior.
3) So then I inwardly (and probably outwardly) resist her and likewise treat her with contempt. I do and say things wrong to her because I feel uncomfortable and uptight around her.
4) She consequently sees me as an object--someone who is immature and self-righteous.
1) She then treats me with contempt and says poky things. She takes opportunities to correct me.
2) So I continue to view her as someone who is self-righteous and thinks she are superior...

See the cycle? Notice the numbering. Next is #3 then #4 and back on up and down again. It goes on and on.

Please tell me you can relate to this dilemma in some way or form. It happens all the time. It's everywhere--in homes, at work, between neighbors, at church, among nations.

The interesting thing is that when we are in such conflicts, we are actually encouraging the very behavior that we hate and are trying to stop! The Anatomy of Peace calls this a collusion. A collusion is a conflict where the parties are inviting the very things they are fighting against. I keep telling myself that recognition is key to change (i.e. repentance)... I know I am in need of change.

As The Anatomy of Peace points out: "No conflict can be solved so long as all parties are convinced they are right. Parties need to be willing to consider that they might be mistaken about the other party....We can be right on the surface--in my position or behavior (outward kindness, for example)--while being entirely mistaken beneath, in my way of being. I might, for example, yell at my kids about the importance of chores and be entirely correct about their importance. However, do you suppose I invite the help and cooperation I am wanting from them when my heart is at war in my yelling? ....Even if you are convinced you have been right in the positions you've taken, can you say with confidence that you have also been right in your way of being toward them?"

The struggle for me has been that I have tried to address this issue with her in what I thought was a very loving way but perhaps that was wrong, or my approach was wrong. But regardless of another's acceptance of my efforts, I must still work diligently in maintaining the right way of being--being out of the box, seeing my friend (for she truly is) as person with equal needs, concerns, and fears--even if I am not seen as such by her. This is my struggle. Perhaps the Lord is trying to teach me something and how prayerfully I am trying to learn it!!! Oh, how I need His help and mercy! Send up a prayer for me, will ya?? Thank you.

To read more on the subject of peacemaking, read this post. Also, here's a post on conflict that might be helpful if you are in a bind like me... If so, I'm sending up prayers for you, too!

Let Your Heart Sing!

2011-09-16T07:18:00.002-06:00

I have started something wonderful! I have decided to read a few hymns along side my scripture study. It has been so wonderful and really invites the Spirit. (If I wasn't trying to keep sleeping children sleeping, I'd sing them for sure!) After I study the words of the hymn, I read the scriptures listed below the song.

I love what the front of the hymnbook says about scripture study in connection to hymns: "We hope the hymnbook will take a prominent place among the scriptures and other religious books in your homes. . . . Hymns can lift our spirits, give us courage, and move us to righteous action. They can fill our souls with heavenly thoughts and bring us a spirit of peace. Hymns can also help us understand the temptations of the adversary. We encourage you to memorize your favorite hymns and study the scriptures that relate to them" (Hymns of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1985], x).

I have found that the hymns often guide me on what I should study that day in the scriptures and that what I read stays with me a lot more.

Distraction from Guilt

2011-09-13T10:29:00.008-06:00

I am one who thinks a lot! Are you laughing at the obviousness of that statement??! It can be harmful if I am feeling guilty or worried about something. I read this helpful advice today (It may seem so elementary to some but I need to apply it!!):

"You can't stop thinking about a pink elephant by trying not to think about a pink elephant. Try it if you don't believe me. Try as hard as you want not to think about a pink elephant. Are you trying really, really hard not to think about that pink elephant?...

"The only way not to think about a pink elephant is to casually think about something else instead, gently drawing our attention to the birds outside the window, some fascinating problem at work, or the love we feel for a child. When guilt has become a futile obsession, distraction is the best course. Simply make a mental note that says, 'tempting guilty thought,' whenever irrational guilt starts sloshing around. Receive the feeling instead of resisting it, label it as nonconstructive noise, and then gently, smilingly turn attention to other things. This approach is far more effective than horrified insistence the we must not think guilty thoughts" (Wendy Ulrich, Forgiving Ourselves: Gettting Back Up When We Let Ourselves Down, pp. 168-9).

And There Was Light

2011-09-04T14:49:00.002-06:00

Mid morning yesterday I was feeling down. I didn't quite know why and I was irritated with myself for feeling low. Yet, I couldn't seem to pep-talk myself out of it. I think I said a prayer. Anyway, during my self-wallowing, I recalled a book I'd recently purchased: And There Was Light, an autobiography by Jacques Lusseyran, a hero of the French Resistance in WWII. I picked it up and instantly was amazed with what I read. Despite his blindness, he had an amazing ability to sense actual light and to instantly discern good from evil. As I read, my eyes were lifted and I was pulled out of myself onto higher ground. I started thinking that the gift of sight is really an invitation to and a potential handicap for blindness. Jacques Lusseyran could actually perceive the loss of personal light if he was angry or afraid. I thought of the scripture: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). The quote by George Q. Cannon also came to mind about when we have the Spirit, we are happy, when we don't, we are not happy. (See complete quote below.)

Lusseyran talks about these truths as a real presence of light and that he could instantly perceive that light, or its absense, in others. I felt amazed and enlightened.

I was telling David this on our walk this morning. I told him how much I need inspired words, such as I had just read, constantly flowing through me because I get so down and lost without them. I loved his response: "It's your medication. Some people when they get down turn to medicine but you turn to inspired words, the words of God."

Neal A. Maxwell said, "Inspired words do matter." And how true that is. Without them, I am lost. With them I am found. They medicate me and lift me to levels I could not otherwise know.

George Q. Cannon said: "I will tell you a rule by which you may know the Spirit of God from the spirit of evil. The Spirit of God always produces joy and satisfaction of mind. When you have the Spirit, you are happy; when you have another spirit, you are not happy. The spirit of doubt is the spirit of the evil one; it produces uneasiness and other feelings that interfere with happiness and peace."

A Cure for the Blues

2011-08-29T15:17:00.017-06:00

Feeling TOO happy? Need some help feeling blue?? Mary Ellen Edmunds suggests a list of grrreaaat ways to get really down!

Make mountains out of molehills. This is really fun. Think about all you have to do when you're in your most exhausting part of the day.

Take everything personally. Endeavor to make everything that goes wrong your fault. This takes some skill, but with practice you can do it. I know you can!

Do as much criticizing as you can, of yourself, your spouse, your kids, your parents, your neighbors, leaders, people in the news, people you don't even know, fictitious people . . . find fault and promote contention.

Eat all you possibly can. Set goals, like 300 pounds by the end of the year! Eat things that make you feel tired, give you a headache, or make you sick.

Plan a ski trip to Las Vegas or a beach vacation in Alice Springs. Maybe a star-gazing week in Manhattan or bird watching in the mall.

Spend a lot of time dreaming about things that will likely never come true. You as Miss Delaware or Mrs. Canada. Your husband as Mr. Universe. Your children as prodigies of math, ice sculting, music, astronomy, or Play-Doh.

Compare yourself to others: your weaknesses to others' strengths. Don't let one person represent more than one or two talent categories, though--and don't find out too much about them except for the one thing in which they are better or more skilled than you are. (If you find out more about them, it may begin to decrease your stress and depression as you find out they have their own struggles and burdens, and they can't do everything.)

A little "variation" on this comparing theme is to compare your strengths to others' weaknesses. It's a little more challenging, but it allows you to go deeper into judging, criticizing, complaining, and murmuring. Great stuff!

Spend all the money you can. Get a lot of credit cards (applications will arrive in the mail just when you need them) and get out there to those malls and haul all the stuff away. (Caution: There may be some initial euphoria before the depression sets in, but it'll come--probably with the bills.)

Don't plan your day, just let it happen. Be surprised, be shocked, be caught off guard, be frustrated. Don't do the dishes for four or five days. Set fire to the laundry.

When you feel angry, scream and throw things. Don't stop to figure out why you're upset, just let it all out as fast and noisily and publicly and with as much drama as you can. Break things you can't replace, and say and do things that you'll regret and feel embarrassed about later on.

Think of all the things you don't like about your home or apartment or tent or tree house (wherever it is you live). Name these things, dwell on them, tell yourself nothing is ever going to change.

Don't sing or whistle or hum or play the piano or any other musical instrument.

Don't socialize! Lock yourself in your room. Don't call people on the phone. Don't go outside if there's a chance you might run into someone. Don't eat with your family.

Make a list of all the things you can think of that are awful in the world right now. Add things to the list that are awful in your neighborhood and in your life. Make the list as long as you can. Make copies. Hang them up where you'll see them often. Put the worst things in a 36-point typeface, really huge.

Say yes to everything anyone even hints that they want you to do, whether you'd enjoy it or not, whether you have time or energy for it or not, whether it's something you feel you can do or not. Call up people to get more things to do.

--MEE Speaks, pages 111-114

A Heart at Peace!

2011-08-26T08:50:00.007-06:00

It is my opinion that The Anatomy Peace by the Arbinger Intitute is a must-read! I have been so enlightened by the solutions it provides to our relationships.

I am pasting a picture of the Peacemaking Pyramid that perhaps cannot be completely understood until the book is read and comprehended but it gives an idea of how we obtain peace and help things to go right or correct things when they do go wrong. It is crucial to understand three things in this pyramid:

1) Most time and effort should be spent in the lower levels of the pyramid. When we actively live these lower levels of the pyramid, we find that we spend less time on correction.

2) The solution to a problem at one level of the pyramid is always BELOW that level of the pyramid. This is contradictory to what we usually do. Often, if something is going wrong, we continue to do what we have done before. The book says, "[Often] when our correction isn't working, we normally bear down harder and correct more. And when our teaching is going poorly, we often try to rescue it by talking more and insisting more. That is, we drone on in an attempt to correct the problem we have created by droning on!...If I am correcting but problems remain, that is a clue that the solution to the problem I am facing will not be found in further correction. Likewise with teaching. And if I listen and learn, even going so far as to revise my opinions, but problems persist, perhaps what I need to do is go out and engage with others personally. Maybe I need to increase my efforts to build relationships both with those I am dealing with and with others who deal with them."

3) Ultimately, my effectiveness at each level of the pyramid depends on the deepest level of the pyramid-my way of being. The book mainly deals with the bottom level--obtaining a heart of peace. It explains why: "I can put all the effort I want into trying to build my relationships but if I am in the box (have a heart at war) while I am doing it, it won't help much. If I'm in the box while I'm trying to learn, I'll only end up hearing what I want to hear. And if I'm in the box while I'm trying to teach, I'll invite resistance in all who listen...My effectiveness in everything above the lowest level of the pyramid depends on the lowest level."

Ultimately, a heart at peace cannot be faked. The truth is, we respond to the way people FEEL about us and visa versa. Think about it. We know if someone REALLY cares and sees us as an equal. It is that that we and others often respond to. A heart at peace invites and encourages others to also have a peaceful, open heart.

The Sacrament

2011-08-21T23:33:00.007-06:00

Elder Don L. Clark from the Seventy, spoke last week at our stake conference. He was so-so good, personable, and funny. One of the things he addressed was the importance of the sacrament. He said that when he was a teenager, he had a Sunday School teacher who handed each class member a piece of paper each week and asked them to write down what they thought about during the sacrament that day. On his first day, Elder Clark wrote about a basketball game he had just played and about the one he was going to play. After this continued for a few weeks, knowing he was going to have to report, something began to register in his teenage head and he started to focus his thoughts toward the Savior during the sacrament. He suggested this might be an activity we might want to try with our families.

He then told us of four things we should think about during the sacrament. He suggested we make cards of these ideas and hand them to our kids during the passing of the sacrament to help direct their thoughts. They are as follows:
1) Offer a prayer of gratitude;
2) Renew your covenants;
3) Repent;
4) Ask for help and listen for answers.

Today I made little cards for my kids. When I handed them to my kids in sacrament meeting, Hope asked me to read it to her. I got so far as number one when she said, "OK," and immediately got down on her knees by the bench and offered up a prayer of thanks to the Lord. How humble and ready to follow is a child!

Funny and Good!

2011-08-19T13:24:00.002-06:00

The following video is short, funny, and meaningful! Watch it!

Murmuring

2011-08-16T13:27:00.015-06:00

I felt tutored yesterday when reading Numbers 11:

The children of Israel started to complain of their food condition. They wanted meat and cucumbers, melons, onions, and garlic! (verse 5). Why did they have to have MANNA every single day??? It wasn't real flavorful and it was some weird color! (The bizarre "color of bdellium" verse 7 says...) When Moses heard the children, he was displeased. Moses then complained to the Lord. He said, "I have six hundred thousand footmen to lead (not including women and children)! And now they are complaining about the food! This is hard! Can't I get some help here!?" (verses 11-15, 21).

It is interesting to contrast the Lord's response to both situations. Both were complaining. But what was the result of the children of Israel's complaints? The Lord sent a plague (verse 33). And to Moses? He gave him seventy men who were set apart as ministers (verses 16-17). "Why the contrast?" I've pondered.

In my thinking, I see that the children of Israel's complaints were due to their lusts, their own gratification. Moses's was for his ability to lead, minister, and serve God and His children.

But I think it goes deeper. Who did Moses take his suffering to? The Lord. He went to the Lord to help bear him up. (Chapter 12 says that Moses was the most meek of all men on the earth.) The song "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" reminds us that Christ lives to hear our soul's complaints. It's interesting that we don't have to pretend something isn't hard but the way we handle it is so important. It is the Lord who is the source to inner peace; it is He who will lead us to solutions to our burdens, disappointments, sorrows. Moses took his problem to the Lord and the Lord provided help. The children of Israel took their problem to men and the Lord cursed them for not trusting Him.

A switch in subjects but I also love in this story how after the seventy were set apart by the Lord, they all began to prophesy, being filled with the Spirit (verse 25). Two of the seventy remained in the camp rather than going out. They continued to prophesy (verse 26-27). A young man came to Moses and told him to forbid them from prophesying, as the young man felt that alone was Moses's honor and position (verse 28). I love Moses's response: "Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!" (verse 29). I had forgotten about this scripture! I love this reminder that the Lord wants us all filled with His Spirit, that we may be visionary, full of purpose and direction. It is the Spirit that will show us all things that we should do! (2 Nephi 32:5). We can and need to be prophets unto ourselves to know without question or doubt that our prophets are so led by the Lord and that we are also.

Please Learn from My Mistake...

2011-08-11T10:14:00.027-06:00

I fell for Satan's tactics. I saw it in the true light too late. Now that I see it, I am amazed and so saddened at the deception.

A little background, first, I suppose: I have spent the summer and much of last school year feeling overwhelmed with the busyness of life. I have felt burdened with responsibilities--so many people seemed to need me and I felt so thinly spread. This was the onset of my self-deception.

I began to complain and felt something needed to give and the logical answer was seminary. I spoke to David a lot about how I couldn't handle seminary, that it just wasn't the right time. I began to betray what I knew was right and to turn right into wrong. He (along with many others) became my ally on the issue and he told the bishop that I needed to be released. I immediately felt concern for that--what about those precious kids I cared so much about and it was so late in the summer and they struggled, struggled, struggled to find a replacement. David told me not to worry about it because it was right for me to be relieved of this strenuous calling. Several reasons were justified as to why it was right. The two big ones were his busy calling in the bishopric and my busy responsibility with homeschooling.

The worry did not leave me but I still didn't see the deception for what it was until yesterday when I was reading The Anatomy of Peace. The following words hit me hard: "Justification has some telltale signs....We [begin] to exaggerate the importance of anything that will justify us. When we need to be justified, anything that will give us justification will immediately take on exaggerated importance in our life. Self-betrayal corrupts everything--even the value we place on things." (Also in this paragraph is the following: "We also tend to exaggerate the differences between ourselves and those we are blaming. We see little in common with them, when the reality is that we are similar in many if not most respects.")

Continuing from the book: "[After] I betrayed myself, my whole world changed. It changed because I had chosen a different way of being in the world--a way that needed justification. Because I needed justification, I began to see everything in a self-justifying way. Others, myself, the world, my past, my present, my future, my hardships, my responsibilities, my view of everything became transformed--transformed for the purpose of feeling justified."

My eyes began to be opened in amazement. The book went on to speak of justification boxes we put ourselves in (the boxes are pictured below)--The Better-Than Box where we feel righteous and above others; The I-Deserve Box where we feel entitled to certain things; The To-Be-Seen-As Box where we want others to view us as good. These three boxes often overlap. The other main box is The Less-Than Box where we feel justified in our reclusiveness. It also has overlaps.

As I read, I saw it! I saw how I had justified my way out of teaching seminary and how my sins have caused a lot of work and shake up and problems for others. Before going to bed last night, I asked the Lord right out, "Was seminary right but I refused to still hold on?" Not often can I say I have received a direct answer from my prayers (maybe that alone is revealing) but last night the words of the blessing I received when I was set apart as a seminary teacher came to mind, "This call comes from the Lord; there is no doubt." Those words were followed by, "Yes, Danna. It was right." I didn't feel despair because there was such tenderness and even hope in His response but I felt an incredible sadness and a strong feeling of amazement at the deception I underwent through this process. It is amazing how we rally allies around who support our justification stand and our hearts start to war for this cause of "truth" or injustice and Satan slowly leads us down his dark paths...

Today I see clearly, so clearly, my nothingness, my need for a Savior. I feel so sad, so sad at how quickly I turn from Him... Yet, I feel comfort in knowing He knew I would make this mistake--that I would drop the ball and that He has a rescue in place to redeem me and strengthen those who have to stand where I failed to do so. I pray so hard that I can be wiser from this experience--that I can help others see what I didn't and to help others avoid falling into these same traps.

The first people I taught this lesson to was my family. When David and I walked this morning, we talked and we saw together what had happened in its true light. Then I taught my children. I drew the boxes on our board and we went over the justification boxes. We all fall into them as fallen children of God. My children will definitely be reading this book in a few years. I recommend it to everyone: The Anatomy of Peace by the Arbinger Institute (It's a sister book to Leadership and Self-Deception). Both books have the potential to change your relationships and improve your life, empowering you to make wiser decisions and see the deceptions of Satan...

(Excuse any illegible words. I didn't intend to share with anyone but my family until afterwards...)

Awake, Arise, and Come Unto Christ!

2011-08-06T20:21:00.005-06:00

Just watch it. It's Sheri Dew. There are three parts. Click on the next one when the first one is done. You might have heard it/read it/watched it but it's worth a repeat.

True Disciples Love Everyone

2011-08-02T15:31:00.005-06:00

1 John 4:20 says: "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?"

I have been pondering on the fact that true disciples love everyone. It is a fruit of true discipleschip and it's never a pocketed kind of fruit, as it is a gift of the Spirit. I often question myself as to if I truly love everyone. I try hard, so hard. But I know I fall short. One of my personal struggles is to love those who I feel don't love me. But I remember coming to the understanding while reading The Peacegiver that if someone doesn't love and accept me, it is really the Savior they are rejecting, not me. And so it is in reverse. I am rejecting the Savior when I reject another! That understanding is so key!

It's interesting in this discussion to realize that even in this attempt to love and accept others, such Christlike love doesn't come BEFORE our embrace with the Savior. (It can only come THROUGH Him). He is the only means in which true love can be embraced. It is only through faith and submissive supplication that one can obtain such a gift of love. I cannot be a true follower of Him without His sustaining, merciful hand. What's beautiful is that He so willingly gives it to all true seekers. The love may not come immediately but come it will. John 14:23 says: "If a man loves me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode in him."

Priestcraft

2011-07-27T19:42:00.000-06:00

An incredible self-check reminder:

"Anything that knowingly draws attention to self is a form of priestcraft that ... inhibits the Holy Ghost." --David A. Bednar

This quote reminded me of a talk about hypocrisy by Joseph B. Wirthlin. I posted about it here.

The Animal within Us

2011-07-19T16:23:00.001-06:00

I absolutely love this quote about sacrifice by Neal A. Maxwell:

"The real act of personal sacrifice is not now nor ever has been placing an animal on the altar. Instead, it is a willingness to put the animal that is in us upon the altar--then willingly watching it be consumed! Such is the 'sacrifice unto [the Lord of] a broken heart and a contrite spirit.' (3 Nephi 9:20.)" (Meek and Lowly [1987], 94).

Withholding Love

2011-07-14T08:49:00.001-06:00

These last few days I have been reflecting on how often we, as people, tend to misjudge PEOPLE. I have been pondering on how when we die, we will likely be amazed with our misreads and our misinterpretations of others. I imagine it might cause us some sadness when we see missed opportunities for service and friendships because we judged wrongly.

A quote by Mother Teresa has been playing in my mind: "If we judge others, we have no time to love them." How often do I withhold love from others because I feel someone doesn't love me in return?? I had been struggling with such a question when a timely answer was sent to me by my sweet friend, Diane. It was another quote by Mother Teresa:

"The success of love is in the loving - it is not in the result of loving. Of course it is natural in love to want the best for the other person, but whether it turns out that way or not does not determine the value of what we have done."

I love that reminder of the need to love without expectation of outcome! To love without expectation! Yes, we want to be loved by people and we want others to come to Christ through our love and example but how empowering and fulfilling and sweet it feels to allow the Lord to work through us as He will. It is sometimes hard to not withdraw our love from others if things do not turn out as we think they should because of our personal sacrifice and love. Thus, the importance of loving without expectation and the need to turn to the Lord, who truly does fill us with love in a way people cannot! Words cannot describe the feeling that comes from loving someone without reservation (especially when they don't appear to deserve it) and then to feel the Lord's sweet, subernal love and approval in return!

(A special thank-you to my dear cousin, Kendi, for helping me gain and FEEL this powerful truth! You know, I have been blessed with some really amazing friends! Thank you , Kendi, and to all of you who love so freely! You show me the way...)

Childlike Submission

2011-07-09T09:51:00.002-06:00

Mosiah 3:19 talks about putting off the natural man and becoming like a child. In the book "He Did Deliver Me from Bondage," the question is posed: "How old do you picture a little child in this scripture? How young of a child are you willing to become and just how far are you willing to submit to all that the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon you?"

Prior to this time, I had never thought about how young a child is that is truly submissive. But in my pondering, my thoughts were that we are talking probably about a helpless infant, one that is completely dependent and helpless without the help of his parents--unable to do anything without assistance. But as I thought on that, I thought of D&C 58:26 that says we shouldn't be compelled in all things. We are taught that we should do some things on our own and that the Lord isn't always going to say turn here and turn there. He wants us to think and challenge and explore.

As I continued to pondered, I realized that infants do that very thing--they do challenge; they do explore; they do problem-solve but they TRUST. They have absolute trust in their parents. They aren't scared of falling when they are carried. They aren't scared of the dark. They haven't learned fear yet--because fear is not of God!! "God hath not given us the spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind" --2 Timothy 3:7. An infant--a being fresh from God--confirms this truth!! This describes a baby--they are so confident and full of love and eager to learn and grow. They TRUST and SUBMIT to their father!

So how far are we willing to become as infants--full of trust in what the Lord is spinning masterfully into our lives, if we will so let Him? Do we trust that He knows what He is doing with us? Do we trust that we will have the strength we need to do what is asked of us as we turn to Him?

It's definitely a constant struggle for me. I have had moments of such faith and testimony. I do know that we CAN do ALL things THROUGH Him! I have had it confirmed to me again and again that I can do it with His help! With all my heart, I so believe that we have been sent a Rescuer and we will succeed as we learn to truly TRUST and SUBMIT to our Father.

Sacrifice

2011-07-05T08:22:00.001-06:00

I like these quotes on sacrifice:

"A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation" (Joseph Smith, Lectures on Faith).

"Sacrifice is a demonstration of pure love. The degree of our love for the Lord, for the gospel, and for our fellowmen can be measured by what we are willing to sacrifice for them" (M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, May 1992, 76).

"It is written: 'He who is not able to abide the law of the celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory." (D&C 88:22) The law of sacrifice is a celestial law; so also is the law of consecration....
"The law of sacrifice is that we are willing to sacrifice ALL that we have for the truth's sake--our character and reputation; our honor and applause; our good name among men; our houses, lands, and families; all things, even our very lives if need be....
"How can we prove our willingness to sacrifice all things, if need be, if we do not make the small sacrifices of time and toil, or of money and means, that we are now asked to make?" (Bruce R. McConkie, Ensign, May 1975, 50.)

Hartline Family Vacation

2011-06-28T20:40:00.007-06:00

Our family went to Texas for our vacation this year. It was a very special trip as I was finally able to meet a lady I have become very close to since my sister, Katie, passed away. Laura was definitely a window the Lord opened after He closed the door upon Katie’s death.

Her story is somewhat remarkable and I want to take a moment to share it: The day before Katie died I talked to Laura for the first time on the phone. I knew some about her: that she and Katie had been mission companions and that Laura had since left the Church. She and I talked briefly about Katie’s dying state and our conversation ended with her in tears. I felt so bad for her and even then longed to talk to her some more and I said a silent prayer for her. I had no idea the Lord would answer my prayer for her in such a direct way.

A few days after Katie’s funeral, Laura emailed me from my blog’s email address, asking for information about Katie’s funeral. That’s how our relationship all began…Soon we were emailing regularly and then the phone conversations and even texting began.

Through these conversations the subject of religion came up—Why did she leave the Church? What was her story? What were her pains and fears and background? Where did she stand now religiously? She likewise questioned my faith, and as we talked, interesting, beautiful, and sometimes painful conversations emerged. I never pushed the subject of religion; it was never my intention that she would regain faith in “our religion.” I only wanted to understand her and then when I discovered her aching heart, I wanted to take her directly to the Savior—place her in His arms—that she might be healed as I have been so healed! How I ached for her and knew the only healing was through Him.

From there, miracles began to transpire. Her heart began to soften. The Spirit began to gently nudge her and awaken her to the reality of a Living God! It was excruciatingly difficult for her to make and accept the need for change and she sought to resist the promptings of the Spirit but within her was also a humble and teachable heart—a heart that longed to be one with her God. She slowly, ever so slowly, began to make changes and is now on the path of being re-baptized, having had her name removed. She is daily reading and studying the gospel with infectious enthusiasm and passion. She is an inspiration to me!!

With that introduction, here is a review of our family vacation with Laura that she put together for us! She's a pretty awesome film-maker! Thank you, Laura! We love you oh-so much!

Becoming Theologically Literate

2011-06-25T14:22:00.001-06:00

I love this quote by Marion D. Hanks:

"No one knows anything about Christ's work simply by being born a member of the Church, and often he knows little about it after years of unmotivated exposure in meetings or classes. He must learn. And learning involves self-investment and effort. The gospel should be studied 'as carefully as any science.' The 'literature of the Church' must be 'acquired and read.' Our learning should be increased in our spare time 'day by day.' Then as we put the gospel truth to work in daily life, we will never find it wanting. We will be literate in the most important field of knowledge in the universe, knowledge for lack of which men and nations perish, in the light of which men and nations may be saved" ("Theological Illiterates," Improvement Era (Sept. 1969):42).

Going through the Motions

2011-06-20T16:37:00.003-06:00

Are we just coasting through life? Are we merely going through the motions, considering ourselves saved because we hold the truth and are baptized into the Church of God? Ever pondered on what it really means to be a Christian? Are we truly Christians? Is the fire of testimony burning within us? If not, perhaps, we are coasting. It is something we need to constantly be combating within ourselves, as David O. McKay said it's one of the great perils of our century (Conference talk, Oct. 1907).

What does the Lord think of coasters?

Revelation 3:15-16 says: "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."

2 Nephi 28:20-21 warns of Satan's tactics: For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good. And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell."

Being good is not good enough. Satan wants us comfortable. He wants us to feel we are good enough and to take it easy. The Lord, however, explains in the above scriptures that we won't be excused for our complacency (self-satisfaction). The Lord wants and expects us to step out of our comfort zones. He want us to become something, to make a difference, to find Him and then have the courage to follow.

I love this song which teaches us of the important of not just doing the right things but doing them for the right reasons, to find purpose in life!

A good read on the subject of complacency is the book Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion on Low Expectations by Alex and Brett Harris. I hope to find the time soon to write more about this amazing book. It's an easy read and great for teenagers, as it was written by two. It's also great for adults to help ourselves rise so that we can then help our youth do the same.

Almost Christian

2011-06-10T09:11:00.004-06:00

Considering my last post about bringing people to Christ, not church, you can imagine my excitement when I was reading the other day and came across a quote that supported my convictions: "Jesus did not call people to come to church; he called people to follow him." The book I was reading is called Almost Christian by Kenda Creasy Dean. I obtained the book after reading Elder Christofferson's last conference talk. In the footnotes of his talk I noticed he referenced it several times. Since his talk spoke truth so loudly to me, I was eager to read the book. It has been most intriguing. Dean points out that "following Jesus is bound to be anything but convenient" and that we have become a nation of "hands-off God" type of worshippers. We go to church but we don't know Christ. We, as a nation, keep Him at a distance, though we claim Christianity.

She explains that "the fruit of a consequential Christian faith is holiness, not [mere] niceness, which is not a course for the faint of heart. If the Bible is any indication, holy people make us uncomfortable. They take sacrificial risks on behalf of others; they are disarmingly wise and, often, disconcertingly weird. They expose us with their honesty. [People] on this trajectory [at times] find ninety-five things wrong with the church, nail the list to the door, and call the press. Yet in their faith is the passion of God, who empowers them for mission and calls them out of their comfort zones so they can call us out of ours. Holiness...means to be 'set apart' for God. Holiness is another word for sanctification....

Dean points out that mere niceness, or "benign whateverism," is NOT Christianity. She explains: "True love begs to be shared....'Benign whatever-ism' is a far cry from holiness....The love God shows...is passion, a love worthy of suffering." If we know and love Christ, it moves us to ACTION! We stand up and lead. We do not close our eyes to sin and complacency (self-satisfaction), thus allowing ourselves to coast through life.

More to follow on the idea of complacency. Reading Dean's book and another I've been reading has really caused me to want to more fully "awake and arouse my faculties" and put on the full armor of God.

Bring People to Christ

2011-06-03T07:48:00.001-06:00

I hear so often when I'm talking to church members the talk about getting people to church. I think when we say such things, we are often missing the mark. Here's my new favorite words that might make me famous one day! (ha-ha!): "Church won't always bring people to Christ but Christ will almost always bring people to church." I believe that our focus in missionary work should be on bringing people to Christ and then let Christ work the miracles. I have found that when I focus on bringing people to Christ, my friends then WANT to come to church! They become hungry for truth and for the joys that come through true discipleship!

I believe that we sometimes do more damage than we do good when we become so focused on getting people to church. We sometimes forget that it's Christ that we need to bring people to. We are not the converters. Do we sometimes doubt that Christ can be taken at His word, that He can really change lives, etc, etc.? Are we sometimes too interested in stats and status? (Come on, we all know how good we will appear if we take someone to church with us--AND get them baptized!)

I believe that one of the "hard things" in life is staying with something that seems to not yield immediate results. It's hard to love people where they are at and accept them unconditionally. It's hard to not push people or to not have any motives but just to love, love, love them through it all. And yet, that is what Christ did. In His sermons, I don't recall Him ever telling people to go to church, but I do recall Him healing through His words and His actions, despite if they showed they deserved it or not. Christ was focused on people, not Church programs. He wasn't interested in stats or status, just pure love.

The Lord's Power of Deliverance

2011-05-18T17:33:00.002-06:00

There was a time when my gospel study was all focused on deliverance--that God can, does, and WILL deliver all who put their trust in Him. I found the Book of Mormon to be immersed with references of the Lord's power and interest in helping us overcome our trials. Here are a few:

O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster . . . O the greatness of the mercy of our God, the Holy God, the Holy One of Israel! For he delivereth his saints from that awful monster the devil" (2 Nephi 9:10, 19).

Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him" (1 Nephi 7:12).

Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold the Lord comforted us and said: Go . . . bear with patience thine afflictions and I will give unto you success. . . . And we have traveled . . . relying upon the mercies . . . of God. . . . for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being" (Alma 26:27-28, 35).

And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall give thee rest, from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve" (2 Nephi 24:3).

Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full, yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part of which I feel" (Alma 26:16).

More to look up if you are interested:

1 Nephi 17:41

2 Nephi 11:5

2 Nephi 30:6

2 Nephi 31:19

2 Nephi 33:6

Jacob 4:7

Mosiah 25:16

Alma 12:15, 33-34

Alma 29:11

Alma 31:38

Alma 36:2-3, 27

Alma 38:5

Alma 50:22

Alma 57: 35

Alma 61:21

Helaman 7:20

Helaman 13:6 3

Nephi 3:15

My study was powerful and healing. I found renewed faith in the Lord's power to deliver and heal according to His timing and way. My feelings are reflected in these words by Colleen C. Harrison: "As I kept reading (the Book of Mormon), something began to stir in my inner soul--a feeling whose name I had nearly forgotten. It was hope. I was beginning to have hope for myself again, and not hope based on my own wavering and feeble efforts. Having hope in even my best efforts had never supplied me with enough power to overcome my weaknesses. In fact, focusing on my efforts had always led to an experience similar to the people of Helaman: 'And because of . . . their boasting in their own strength, they were left to their own strength; therefore, they did not prosper' (Helaman 4:13). No, this hope I know possessed was not about me or any other power. It was a hope born in His friendship, His mercy and His grace! It was a perfect brightness of hope in Christ (2 Nephi 31:20). My emotions were almost more than I could keep calm about or quiet about. I felt consumed with love for Jesus, as intense and total as I finally knew He had always felt for me!" (excerpt from He Did Deliver Me from Bondage).

Ping Pong or Golf?

2011-05-06T09:00:00.003-06:00

In life we have many tribulations. Some trials can nearly drown us and some trials do if we allow such to happen. We can become like a golf ball which sinks in water or we can learn to be like a ping pong ball and rise above our tribulations. The Lord allows us such struggles to see if we will respond in faith and courage or if we will respond in despair and anger.

Joseph Smith was one that had tribulations poured down upon him, yet, with God's tutorials, he learned to respond to his trials in faith. After years of trials, Joseph Smith said, "...if I were sunk in the lowest pit of Nova Scotia, with the Rocky Mountains piled on me, I would hang on, exercise faith, and keep up great courage, and I would come out on top." Through his tribulations, Joseph had gained amazing faith and trust in the God's power to deliver!

The moral of the pong-ping ball versus the golf ball isn't necessarily that one always stayed afloat and one habitually sank but the reality to the fact that we will all have moments of nearly drowning and that we can improve our track record. We are heroic in our own stories when we learn to trust God in our "lowest pits." We are heroic when we recognize our desperate state as such and allow ourselves to be risen when we do fall. We need to realize that we all at times will start to sink. Those moments of sinking, as did Peter, have great value. It is during those moments that we see clearly that without the Savior, we will sink and stay sunken. The Lord allows such struggles so He can raise us above our tribulations, as we turn to Him in our nothingness. And it's never too late in this life to call out to Him. We can all learn to become more consistently like a ping-pong ball, no matter how many times we sink or have been drowned by the floods of life.

Ether 6:7 promises the Lord's help: "...they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the water."

Could it be that that's what this life is all about--to learn to be like a ping-pong ball?

We Are Never Victims

2011-05-02T09:45:00.017-06:00

I have just been excited about the gospel lately! The other day it hit me very strongly that none of us are victims to anything in life. That's a pretty strong statement when you think about abused children and other hard hits in life. But here's the big question: Was Christ, who descended below us all, a victim? Did Christ willingly volunteer for what He came to suffer in this life? Yes! We are told so in Abraham 3:27 when He said, "Here I am, send me." (See also Isaiah 6:8.) If Christ was not a victim, are we, ever, in any given situation, a victim to life's blows? NO! I love what Joseph Smith was told in the Liberty Jail, "The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?" (D&C 122:8)

We knew of our trials before we came to this earth. And we shouted for joy at the opportunity to come! An understanding of this knowledge can really fortify us in tribulation! It just excites me! When we understand that we agreed to our trials in the pre-existence, it can make all the difference in our outlook and increase our gratitude and awe for an ever-attentive Father who sent us to succeed! Surely we had a choice for an easier life than we chose but it was likely explained to us that it would be the trials that would help bring us to our knees, recognizing a need for a Savior to save and rescue us. It is through our trials that we can learn of our nothingness and our need for Him. How exciting then to be "on trial!"

The story of Joseph who was sold into Egypt is classic of how such a knowledge can help one turn tests into triumphs. When Joseph met his brothers again, he bids them to come to him and explains to them that it's OK--they don't need to beat themselves up anymore for selling him--for "God sent me before you ... to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God" (Genesis 45:7-8). He understood that nothing happens by mistake.

Although the veil is drawn over our eyes now, we will someday understand again all the whys. We will rejoice in the tests we successfully endured with our Savior's help, for we will see clearly how our hardships indeed helped save us and those we love! It's just exciting and glorious!!! Hip-hip-hooray!

P.S. For more on this subject, see He Did Deliver Me from Bondage, principle 6.

The Millennium

2011-04-30T07:19:00.004-06:00

I love the subject of the Second Coming. In seminary the other day, we studied the subject. I felt renewed vigor and excitement for the glorious day of the Savior's return! If you want a fun review, here are some questions and references for you:

How can we prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ? (see D&C 101:22).

Who will see the Lord at His coming? (see D&C 101:23; Relevation 1:7; D&C 38:8).

What will happen to "every corruptible thing" and the elements of the earth? (see D&C 101:24-25; 2 Peter 3:10).

What will be the relationship between man and animals, and animals with each other? (see D&C 101:26; Isaiah 11:6-9). (This one excites me because of my fear of dogs!!!)

What questions will be answered? (see D&C 101:27, 32-24; D&C 76:6-10).

What will happen to Satan's power? (see D&C 101:28; 1 Nephi 22:26).

How will death be different? (see D&C 101:29-31; Isaiah 65:20).

A study of the things to come can help fortify us and give us the courage to press forward, to put our lives in order, to increase in determination and faith. These two videos are also faith promoting in our quest for perseverance and righteousness:

Good Things to Come

Preparing for the Second Coming

My Savior, My God

2011-04-20T12:53:00.015-06:00

The song My Savior, My God by Aaron Shust touches me deeply. My friend, Laura, put this video together for me. I simply mentioned to her the other day that I'd like to play that song in seminary when we studied The Living Christ document. And this is what she sent me! She's such an amazing friend! Thank you, Laura!

P.S. This is not a traditional LDS song but the message is still beautiful.

Here are the lyrics:
I am not skilled to understand
What God has willed, what God has planned
I only know at His right hand
Stands one who is my Savior

I take Him at His word and deed
Christ died to save me; this I read
And in my heart I find a need
Of Him to be my Savior

That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior

Chorus (2x’s)
My Savior loves, My Savior lives
My Savior’s always there for me
My God: He was, my God; He is
My God is always gonna be

Yes, living, dying, let me bring
My strength, my solace from this spring;
That He who lives to be my King
Once died to be my Savior

That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior

Chorus (2x’s)

(Instrumental)

Chorus: (2x’s)

My Savior loves, My Savior lives
My Savior loves, My Savior lives

Easter Week

2011-04-18T05:47:00.002-06:00

I remember vividly hearing this message by Jeffrey R. Holland and wanted to be reminded of it this special week. I thought you might too.

Just Love!!

2011-04-14T08:43:00.009-06:00

These words from President Monson to the Relief Society are good reminders to us all. His talk was so powerful and the words spoke to my deepest convictions:

Appearances can be so deceiving, such a poor measure of a person. Admonished the Savior, “Judge not according to the appearance.”

A member of a women’s organization once complained when a certain woman was selected to represent the organization. She had never met the woman, but she had seen a photograph of her and didn’t like what she saw, considering her to be overweight. She commented, “Of the thousands of women in this organization, surely a better representative could have been chosen.” True, the woman who was chosen was not “model slim.” But those who knew her and knew her qualities saw in her far more than was reflected in the photograph. The photograph did show that she had a friendly smile and a look of confidence.

What the photograph didn’t show was that she was a loyal and compassionate friend, a woman of intelligence who loved the Lord and who loved and served His children. It didn’t show that she volunteered in the community and was a considerate and concerned neighbor. In short, the photograph did not reflect who she really was.

I ask: if attitudes, deeds, and spiritual inclinations were reflected in physical features, would the countenance of the woman who complained be as lovely as that of the woman she criticized?

My dear sisters, each of you is unique. You are different from each other in many ways. There are those of you who are married. Some of you stay at home with your children, while others of you work outside your homes. Some of you are empty nesters. There are those of you who are married but do not have children. There are those who are divorced, those who are widowed. Many of you are single women. Some of you have college degrees; some of you do not. There are those who can afford the latest fashions and those who are lucky to have one appropriate Sunday outfit. Such differences are almost endless. Do these differences tempt us to judge one another?

Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun who worked among the poor in India most of her life, spoke this profound truth: “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” The Savior has admonished, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.”

I ask: can we love one another, as the Savior has commanded, if we judge each other? And I answer—with Mother Teresa: no, we cannot.

Accepting Help

2011-03-30T18:19:00.007-06:00

I really like the book When You Can't Do It Alone by Brent L. Top. I love how candid he is about his struggle to overcome depression and anxiety. Although, I do not take medications, I have had moments in my life when I think they could have helped. Anyway, I appreciated his openness on his emotional struggles. And since I can't get the spacing to work tonight, I color-coded the paragraphing instead!: "When a General Authority and his wife toured our mission, near the end of our three-year term of service, he asked, 'How are you able to do all this so well?' Wendy and I looked at each other and thought to ourselves, 'If he only knew!' He didn't know the struggles and emotional breakdowns at the first of our mission. He only observed how we were doing at the moment. He was looking at our destination, not aware of the journey. "'Drugs,' I facetiously reponded. 'We are able to make it because of the drugs.' It wasn't entirely a joke. My doctor had prescribed anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications. I am thankful for the help they provided. They were an important part of my healing process--but not the only, or most important, part. "The General Authority didn't condemn me, judge me, or look down his nose at me. He was very understanding and compassionate. He assured me that it was not that uncommon. In fact, he said we would be surprised at how many suffer similarly. Some of the Lord's most powerful leaders have struggled with depression. Yet with help, both mortal and divine, they have risen to great heights and rendered significant service in the kingdom. "Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to taking medication or receiving professional help for emotional problems--a stigma that doesn't seem to be attached to other medical conditions and needs. Many are quick to assume that a person who takes medication for an emotional illness either lacks sufficient faith to be healed or has other spiritual problems in his life. Would you think that a diabetic who takes insulin lacks faith? What about a person who takes cholesterol-lowering medication? Is the person who needs blood-pressure regulating drugs a sinner? Of course not! We recognize that medications and treatments, administered under the direction of competent professionals, have their place and do much good. So it is in dealing with emotional challenges. Medication, however, cannot be the only remedy--any more than cholesterol-lowering drugs can cure heart disease without proper diet, exercise, and other ongoing therapies. "One of my missionaries who was struggling with serious emotional challenges that were impeding his work resisted my suggestions that he get professional help, including medication if necessary. "I want to be able to feel the Spirit," he said. He assumed that taking an antidepressant would stifle spirituality and prevent him from receiving necessary direction by the still, small voice. "I was taken aback by his comment. I am not a physician, a pharmacist, or psychologist, but I have had some experience with each of them. For me (and I can only speak for me), receiving professional help opened the door to greater spiritual help. I could not feel the Spirit as I desired when I was in the deep, dark hole of depression. But when proper medical therapy was coupled with spiritual therapy I began to see the 'light at the end of the tunnel'--I could feel the Spirit again in my life. I may have felt better emotionally with only medical treatment, but I could not have learned the valuable lessons of life nor could I have gained the unspeakable spiritual strength and power that comes from 'relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save' (2 Nephi 31:19). Focusing on Christ powerfully affected me--physically, emotionally, and spiritually. My emotional and physical stamina increased, and my spiritual strength and sensitivities intensified. Like getting in shape, it didn't happen suddenly, but over time and with much effort" (pp. 126-8).

Help Is Truly Ever Near

2011-03-23T09:42:00.006-06:00

Yesterday was a dark day. I struggled the entire day with motivation. I felt less-than-zero desire to work on seminary. I felt I had given absolutely everything I had to give--the bucket was completely dry, with no reserve. I was tired. Tired of trying to come up with spiritual material day in and day out. All of my ideas had been used. All of my insight had been given and many times over. I felt I didn't have the time to give it sufficient justice even if I thought something more could be offered. I struggled that my calling was one that required daily study and research, like preparing a sacrament talk every single day. I had nothing more! When does sacrament meeting end already?

Tired. Exhausted. Depressed. Pretty near hopeless in receiving help from the Lord since I felt I didn't deserve any mercy as I wasn't doing anything yesterday to receive it.

I spent as much time in bed as I possibly could and then I went to bed as soon as the kids were snuggled down. I didn't know what had come over me! This was so atypical of me and yet I couldn't seem to shake it. Or I just didn't even care to, as was my apathetic, confused state. I offered as sincere of a prayer as I could muster before crawling into bed, begging with little faith for help and mercy.

This morning I woke depressed. What a surprise! I told myself I should at least get out of bed and exhibit to the Lord my willingness to at least try to move forward. I offered a more sincere, humble prayer, recognizing my desperation for His help. After the prayer, I started getting ready and to my joy and amazement, ideas started to flood my mind. I knew what I needed to do today in seminary. I knew what I needed to say. It came together amazingly, beautifully, simply. I was awed and reminded that He really can be trusted and that I needed to stop trying to do it all and trust Him to help me, to sustain me, to magnify me, to make me what I am so obviously not!

My depression turned to joy and thanksgiving and wonder and awe! Why do I doubt? Why do I challenge? I suppose it's part of that learning and relearning of the gospel. It's in my extremities that I come to Him, that I am reminded that He is ever still here, waiting so patiently for me to sufficiently humble myself that I can be received in His welcoming embrace. It's wonderful; wonderful to me that He received even me, an ever unprofitable servant!

Home Teaching

2011-03-10T19:26:00.002-07:00

This is good for a laugh!

"U"nity Begins with U

2011-03-09T12:59:00.007-07:00

I really like this thought on unity by H. Burke Peterson. I'm certainly going to do my best to put it into action. How about you?

"May I suggest that we give more of ourselves. . . . It might be something as simple as smiling more in your home.

"What would you think of speaking more cheerfully? Trying more often to say please and thank you?

"What would you think of finding an opportunity for one sincere compliment for each [person] each day, and then watching them respond?

"What if you decided to be cheerful tonight at the dinner table, and in spite of what others might do or say, hold to your course. See how long you can lift your whole family."

A Case of Bad Luck?

2011-03-02T18:54:00.011-07:00

Do ever get feeling when life is hard that you are getting picked on? Have you ever wondered, "Why me? What is happening? What have I done to deserve this? Why do I always seem to have the bad luck?"

I was thinking about the sons of Mosiah the other day. All four of them were stalwart young men and yet only one of them really gets the "fame" in the Book of Mormon. They all went to preach the gospel to the Lamanites and yet it seems that it was Ammon who had all the fun and good fortune. He met up with King Lamoni and cut off arms and converted probably hundreds of Lamanites. His brothers, on the other hand, were not so fortunate. Aaron, Omner, and Himni ran into what seemed to be serious bad luck. They were cast into prison and suffered greatly at the hands of the Lamanites (see Alma 20). Why? Were they not equal in goodness and equally deserving of success and good fortune?

In my pondering, I realized that the whys aren't nearly as important to mortals as the hows. How did they respond to such affliction? Did they turn their backs on God? How did they use their affliction? Did it help refine and humble them? Were they patient and trusting of the Lord's promises to help and protect all who put their trust in Him?

Deliverance did come for these men but not after much suffering. As soon as Ammon learned that his brothers were in serious trouble, he went with the newly converted King Lamoni and rescued them from prison. Alma 20:29 reads: "And when [Ammon and King Lamoni] did meet them, [Ammon] was exceedingly sorrowful, for behold they were naked, and their skins were worn exceedingly because of being bound with strong cords. And they also had suffered hunger, thirst, and all kinds of afflictions. . . "

But what were the mindsets of Aaron, Omner, and Himni? They were at peace! They seemed to understand the Lord's workmanship. Verse 30 reads, "And, as it happened, it was their lot to have fallen into the hands of a more hardened and a more stiffnecked people; therefore they would not hearken unto their words." Verse 29: "Nevertheless, they were patient in all their sufferings."

"As it happened, it was their lot," is another way of saying "bad luck." Sometimes we have "bad luck" because the Lord understands the value of trial, testing, and affliction. He knows that through hard times, we can understand better of our absolute dependence and need for Him, if we will humble ourselves and surrender our will to Him. Sometimes bad things happen but with patience and trust we can be strengthened and sanctified, magnified and refined. Perseverance, a lot of determined prayer, and a faithful, positive attitude can serve us amazingly when life seems to hand us a bad card.

It excites me to know that we can do it as we trust and surrender our will to Him! I know that!!

Gospel Beliefs Require Action

2011-03-02T11:01:00.002-07:00

Loved these quotes by President Howard W. Hunter:

"Real Christians must understand that the gospel of Jesus Christ is not just a gospel of belief; it is a plan of action. His gospel is a gospel of imperatives . . . a call to action" (That We Might Have Joy, Conference Report, Apr. 1967).

"Merely saying, accepting, and believing are not enough. They are incomplete until that which they imply is translated into dynamic action of daily living. . . . This, then, is the finest source of personal testimony. We know because we have experienced. We do not have to say, 'Brother Jones says it is true, and I believe him.' We can say, 'I have lived this principle in my own life, and I know through personal experience that it works" (same reference as above).

The gospel is filled with action words:

"Ask, and it was be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Matthew 7:7).

"Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you" (Matthew 5:44).

The Word of God

2011-02-25T16:19:00.002-07:00

This was a meaningful reminder to me--thought you might enjoy looking up these scriptures as well:

Why is studying and pondering the word of God so important?

Jacob 2:8

1 Nephi 11:25

Jarom 1:12

Alma 32:14

Jacob 4:6

Helaman 3:29

Alma 31:5

"Do we know there is power in the doctrine of Christ to change and overcome weakness? Do we realize that the scriptures contain the answer to every question to life dilemma? Do we know enough about our doctrine to discern the skillful, even artful, packaging of transgression so blatant in the world today? A casual understanding of the gospel will not sustain us through the days ahead, which is why it is imperative that we immense ourselves in the word of God" (Sheri Dew).

"True doctrine, understood, changes attitude and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior" (Boyd K. Packer).

"Words of doctrine [have] great power. They can open the minds of people to see spiritual things not visible to the natural eye. And they can open the hearts to feelings of the love of God and a love for truth. The Savior drew on both those sources of power, to open our eyes and open hearts. . . . Doctrine gains its power as the Holy Ghost confirms that it is true" (Henry B. Eyring).

"Failure to study the word of God is to be spiritually malnourished" (Neal A. Maxwell).

"Those who either don't have or ignore the recorded word of God eventually cease to believe in Him and forget the purpose of their existence. . . . There is a growing scriptural illiteracy because people will not open the books. Consequently, they have forgotten things their grandparents knew" (D. Todd Christofferson).

"Regular reading of and talking about the [word of God] invites the power to resist temptation and produces feelings of love" (David A. Bednar).

Faith Is the Answer

2011-02-08T13:18:00.008-07:00

In Sunday School on Sunday, we had an interesting lesson on faith. I came in late and saw that on the board was written "Faith=hope, believe." During the lesson we were discussing what faith is good for. I referred to the story found in Matthew 17, starting in verse 14, about a man who brought his son to Jesus. He said his son was a lunatic and that he'd taken him to the disciples but they could not cure him. Jesus then rebuked the devil and cast out the bad spirit. The disciples were troubled and wondered why they couldn't do what Jesus just did. Jesus answered: "Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." I pointed out that faith is not only a thought or a feeling, but it can also be a power with which we can control and even change the circumstances around us. Faith is an actual element of power!

The teacher accepted the comment with full enthusiasm and then referred us to James 2:17: ". . . faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." He then spoke of our need to put our faith into action and that we need to be action oriented.

But then I had another thought. I spoke up again and said that the night before I attended a seminary activity with an EFY speaker. He asked a series of questions about commandments given to Nephi and Laman and Lemuel: Did Nephi leave Jerusalem as commanded? Yes. Did Laman and Lemuel? Yes. Did Nephi go back to get the brass plates? Did Laman and Lemuel? Yes. Yes. Did they all help build a ship? Yes on both again. All of them obeyed the commandments given. If actions only were needed in honoring the commandments, then Laman and Lemuel passed as well as Nephi. But what was the difference between them? Action alone is not enough. Faith alone is not enough. We must do as Nephi did by going to the Lord and ask Him to change us, to soften our hearts, to help us be what we are not. (See 1 Nephi 2:16 for an example but others are found throughout of Nephi seeking the help of the Lord, pleading for heavenly intervention to cure his heart.)

I love the many layers of the gospel. Truly it does heal the wounded soul (Jacob 2:8)! Faith, true faith, accompanied with action and humility, IS the answer.

Come unto Me

2011-02-03T14:56:00.005-07:00

I really felt enlightened and grateful for my friend Laura's understanding and mental image of Matthew 11:28-30:

28¶Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

So, a yoke is meant for two animals and was usually for the more experienced one and then attached to one that was learning and needed guidance. Because the little one was not as big and strong, the big one would carry the bulk of the load. The little one walked beside him which is important because it represents them walking and working together. On a personal level, I get so busy with life and then overwhelmed. And then it just goes down from there-not praying, reading scriptures, not being Christlike in any way, shape, or form. Everything seems to run amok-sort of like it does now more often than I would like for it to. Then I think of this verse. I am weary, burdened and I really need rest. I imagine myself walking with Jesus, linked to Him by the yoke. He is walking beside me—not pushing me forward as to put me on display nor making me walk behind Him. He is allowing me to walk beside Him and to learn from Him as He carries the bulk of the load of the yoke – giving me guidance. It gives me rest because I regain perspective and get things back in order.

Thank you, Laura. You are a good example to me. I needed this beautiful and timely message today.

The Lord's Pattern

2011-01-26T14:00:00.001-07:00

I really enjoyed Elder Bednar's article in the September 2010 New Era.

He said: "I believe many of us unknowingly accept a faulty assumption about the Lord's pattern. And this faulty assumption then produces expectations about how we receive spiritual knowledge. And that faulty assumption and our misinformed expectations ultimately hinder our ability to recognize and respond to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Let me suggest that many of us typically assume we will receive an answer or a prompting to our earnest prayers and pleadings. And we also frequently expect that such an answer or a prompting will come immediately and all at once. Thus, we tend to believe the Lord will give us A BIG ANSWER QUICKLY AND ALL AT ONE TIME. However, the pattern repeatedly described in the scriptures suggests we receive 'line upon line, precept upon precept,' or in other words, many small answers over a period of time. Recognizing and understanding this pattern is an important key to obtaining inspiration and help from the Holy Ghost."

Later, he said: "The process of discerning between our will and God's will becomes less and less of a concern as time goes by and as we strive to rid ourselves of worldliness--and thereby cultivate the spirit of revelation in our lives. That is, as we mature spiritually, we begin to develop sound judgment, a refined and educated conscience, and a heart and mind filled with wisdom. It is not just that we have grown older, nor have we simply become smarter and had more experiences on which to draw, as important as those experiences are. Rather, the Holy Ghost has over time been expanding our intellect, forming our feelings, sharpening and elevating our perspective, such that we increasingly think and feel and act as the Lord would under similar circumstances. In short, we have made steady progress in obtaining 'the mind of Christ' (1 Corinthians 2:16).

The Kona Hawaii Temple

2011-01-21T10:21:00.004-07:00

The Kona Hawaii Temple is so adorable! Here are a few pictures:

I had a few vertical pictures but I'm amateur enough to not know how to rotate them. Anyway, it was the first of the small temples I've been to, and boy, did we feel loved and appreciated! We even had to ring a bell to get in. I loved it all.

Forgiveness

2011-01-18T20:58:00.003-07:00

I'm cramming for seminary tomorrow after spending a week of bliss in Hawaii. In my mad search, gratefully I came across this story. Loved it and wanted to share in case you haven't already seen it. After this reminder of the need to forgive and love, may we find the strength through God to love a little more!!! We all need it so why not seek the True Source with greater purpose so we can give it more freely and sincerely?

Complacency

2011-01-11T13:32:00.003-07:00

This morning I was emailing my dear, sweet, adorable friend, Laura, and commending her for not being lukewarm, as the Lord doesn't want us to just not care one way or the other, or in other words, be complacent. I didn't know the reference but just decided to find it: "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth" (Revelation 3:15-16).

It reminded me of a quote by President Monson: "Lest we become complacent, may I quote from 2 Nephi in the Book of Mormon:

"'At that day shall [the devil] . . . lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well--and thus the devil cheateth their souls.'

"Someone has said that our complacency tree has many branches, and each spring more buds come into bloom.

"We cannot afford to be complacent. We live in perilous times; the signs are all around us. We are acutely aware of the negative influences in our society that stalk traditional families. . . .

"Remember that ofttimes the wisdom of God appears as foolishness to men, but the greatest single lesson we can learn in mortality is that when God speaks and a man obeys, that man will always be right" (Ensign, May 2005).

Thank you for helping me remember this, Laura! I love you oh-so dearly!

P.S. Today's date is pretty neat: 1/11/11!

Axes, Work, and Timing

2010-12-29T16:20:00.002-07:00

I really like a quote that my friend, Diane, sent me a while ago. She knows I'm a fan of Abraham Lincoln! Old Abe said: "If I had eight hours to cut down a tree, I'd spend six hours sharpening my ax."

Hum. I like it. Profound. Though not directly related, it reminds me of a story of a man who wanted to shine up his speckled ax. Have I told it before? The story goes that the man took his ax to a blacksmith and asked if he could make it shiny. The blacksmith looked it over and said, "It'll take some work, but we can do it. I'll hold the ax against the wheel and you turn the wheel." The man agreed and started to turn the wheel. He was amazed with how hard it was and after only a few turns, he stopped to check the progress. He was discouraged when he saw little progress had been made because he was already worn out. He voiced his discouragement to the blacksmith but the blacksmith said, "Oh, it's OK! We can do it! Let's keep at it." Again the man turned the wheel a few times and looked at the ax. Seeing little improvement, this time the man took the ax and said, "Nevermind. I prefer a speckled ax anyway."

The application can be made to becoming spiritually fit. It takes work. It's hard and we can easily become discouraged and give up on the Lord's plan.

That reminds me of another story. This one's true.

One time in a concentration camp during WWII, the people got together and decided to put God on trial for failing to protect and help them during their times of need. Three rabbis were appointed judges. A lawyer was assigned to represent the people and another one to represent God. After hours of deliberation, a decision was made: God was guilty for failure to help His people. The people were silent--stunned by the verdict. Finally, one man said, "What do we do now?" The only thing they could think of, the only thing that made any sense, was to pray.

Moral to it all: We cannot, we must not give up on God. Trust Him--He knows what He's doing even though the reasons thereof many not become apparent until long after events have transpired, even if it takes a lot of work and faith to see the workmanship of God in our lives. Let us ever resolve to follow Him NO MATTER WHAT!

Look to the Light

2010-12-11T13:57:00.001-07:00

When you need a little more courage to press on, watch this.

There was a time in my life when the verse sited by Jeffrey R. Holland (D&C 122:8) kept me pressing on. It was a direct revelation from on high that the trial I was undergoing was in the Lord's hands and that He would deliver me in His own time and in His own way. And He has. Powerfully. Miraculously. With healing in His wings. He is true and can be trusted. I know this. I have tested and tried His words.

Reflections on Katie's Passing

2010-12-03T21:14:00.010-07:00

Some of the things within my heart are begging to be shared. I've hesitated because they aren't really mine--but what is? It all comes from God. With this understanding, I attempt to share a piece of my soul with you.

Katie's passing was one of joy. Can that be comprehended? It's difficult for even me to understand--it's a peace and joy that passeth all understanding, as it says in Philipians 4:7. But what I experienced when I was at her home when she passed away was sweet and beautiful. It was a time of testimony-strengthening that the plan of salvation is a reality and not just a nice story to believe. It still brings tears to my eyes as I reflect on that morning. Much cannot be expressed because words do not supply.

But that morning there was joy in the home! I stood by Camille when she smiled so happily and exclaimed, "I feel happy!" Dennis hugged her and said, "So do I, Camille!" I believe much of Camille's radiance came from earlier when as a family, the Hansens gathered around Katie's bed after she'd died for a family prayer. After the prayer, Camille hugged Katie. As she did so, she heard Katie whisper to her, "I love you, Sweetie." Katie was right there ministering to her children! We all could feel her presence that day and we were filled with joy!!! The Spirit was in abundance and we could all feel it. These words by George Q. Cannon speak what we felt perfectly: "When we are filled with the Spirit of God we are filled with joy, with peace, with happiness, no matter what our circumstance may be; for it is the spirit of cheerfulness and of happiness."

The day before Katie died, she had us laughing instead of crying. Her humor was in tact. (We are rich with humorous stories about Katie's last day!) We marveled at the Spirit we felt. I also felt so loved by Katie that day. I felt it so powerfully that it brought tears to my eyes. She said to me more than once, "Danna, I love you. Thank you so much." It was as if the Lord Himself was testifying of His love and appreciation for me. How blessed I am to have been there and to have shared such tender moments with her, her family, and my other two sweet sisters.

I've pondered much on the events of Katie's passing. It's probably not a surprise that it's been the primary thought in my mind. I've pondered on why our experience has been so rich with peace and joy. (I've contrasted it with the months and years prior when I would get so sick and anguished over the thought of Katie dying that I even vomited once.) A scripture keeps coming to mind. I came across this scripture on the morning that Katie passed away. I think it might contain the answer. The scripture is Hebrews 1:8: "Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." It's my reflection that we have been so blessed because of Katie's love for righteousness and as a result we have been anointed with an oil of gladness. In Katie's own words, her passion in life was "doing what's right." Isn't that beautiful?

In closing, I want to mention that I have also found so much comfort in knowing that Katie was not perfect. And she didn't pretend to be. I love that. I love it that she was imperfect and freely shared her imperfections. She told me more than once that she felt she had more imperfections than most people. She and I discussed our struggles with our multitude of faults often. We have much in common in personality. It has been very comforting to know that if Katie made it, being imperfect but simply pressing forward in her passion for doing what's right, then I can make it too!

I feel to rejoice and marvel over our Savior's love and goodness! The plan He has set before us is true--it's a reality--it works!! How grateful I am for Katie's life and example! I love Katie!! And I love the Lord and His marvelous plan!

Two Comforting Quotes

2010-11-29T12:38:00.011-07:00

"Irrespective of age, we mourn for those loved and lost. Mourning is one of the deepest expressions of pure love." --Russell M. Nelson

"While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet [her] behind the veil." --John Taylor

It's so beautiful to know that Katie's mission has been beautifully fulfilled and that she's so happy and peaceful now. But man, it can hurt at times to be left behind! Still, there has been so much peace! I just want to say thank you for all of you that have reached out to me and my family at this time. Your love means more than can be expressed. You are loved.

My Tribute to Katie

2010-11-12T14:41:00.007-07:00

Katie's friend, Shannon, is putting a book together for Katie, her husband, and her children. You can write a tribute to her too by visiting Katie's blog for info. Much of mine is excerpts from her own letters to me, which display her noble character and huge heart:

In many ways, Katie has been a mother figure to me. When I was going through a hard time a few years ago, Katie was very attentive to me. She called me weekly; she sent me packages and cards; she prayed for me. I knew without a doubt that she cared deeply about my wellbeing and that alone helped carry me through because I knew how much she loved and believed in me. She truly suffered and anguished with me, so deep was her love. During this time, she even came to visit me, even though she was six-months pregnant with Mary. She is one of my dearest, truest, most treasured friends.

This is painful to write. I will miss her so much. I’ll write about lighter things for a bit.

I have often told my daughter, Ellie, that I want her to be the kind of sister that Katie was to me. Growing up, Katie was always so kind and inclusive. I remember she used to take me on dates with her and other fun places. She loved to cuddle and would climb into bed with me while we cuddled, laughed, and talked. She never looked down on me or treated me like I was too young or insignificant.

Katie was always one for a good laugh. One day she, Andi, and I got the crazy idea to go to D.I. in Pocatello and find wild clothes. After getting all decked out, we went to visit Darcee at work. Darcee worked at a hotel cleaning rooms. We showed up quite obnoxiously in the room where Darcee was cleaning. The three of us (Katie, Andi, and I) laughed and laughed at our silliness.

Katie has always been deeply concerned about unity within our family. In many ways, she has been the glue and the healer. I’ve always been deeply touched by her vision and understanding of the importance of unity. Here is an excerpt of one of her letters to me. It was written when she was in college and I was in high school. It’s dated November 9, 1989: “Danna dear, the main reason for this letter is because I’m very worried about our family. Darcee told me Mom is very discouraged because she feels like she is the only one who ever helps out around the house. Being away from home makes me realize that taking care of the house isn’t just Mom’s job. Everyone has to pitch in. I’m asking you straight out—will you please help out all you can?! I know you do a lot already but Mom needs a lot of help right now. Okay? Let’s keep this family together forever because I sure love it a lot and would hate anything to happen to it. This is the first step!” This letter is consistent to her life-long quest in seeking to unite our family and smooth rifts.

Katie also has always had a deep concern for others and really took her baptismal covenants seriously. She was in tune to the Lord, deep in testimony of His love and awareness. Again, I will record her own words in a letter to me:

“October 5, 1993: Yesterday Dad took the day off and he and Mom came up. I told Mom that I had been thinking about Aunt LaRue for the past week and really felt like I should go visit but I was nervous about going by myself. Aunt LaRue and Uncle Dallas, Aunt Karma and Uncle Ken and family came to the open house in Hamer. This was the first time I’d seen Aunt LaRue since she’s been sick. (Aunt LaRue died of cancer shortly thereafter.) Danna, my heart ached! She had to be held up and when she sat down it took her husband and Grandpa B. to help her. She just clung to us kind of like she didn’t want to go. It was almost like she didn’t know what to say but she wanted us to talk. I almost cried. Although I don’t know Aunt LaRue all that well, I love her very much. I can tell she is a very special and very strong lady. Then yesterday when we went to see her I was on the verge of tears. She was sitting on the couch talking to us. She seemed better able to talk although it’s slow. She started rubbing her face with her shaky hands. Uncle Dallas said, ‘Are you okay, Honey? Do you want to lay your head on my shoulder?’ He went over and sat by her and stroked her head and her arms. It was so incredibly tender. Then he helped her lay her head on his lap. He would say things and then say, ‘Isn’t that right, Honey?’ Or she would say things and say, ‘Isn’t that right, Honey?’ They always agreed. He was so sweet with her. I was overwhelmed by the love between them. Uncle Dallas doesn’t go to work. He spends all his time caring for his wife.

“Oh, Danna, I have been so emotional! I’m overwhelmed by the blessings of our Heavenly Father. I’ve just been thinking that there couldn’t be anyone in the history of the world that has been given more than we have. To begin with we were born into this free country, with the gospel. We have been blessed with righteous parents who taught us the truth since we were born. We owe much thanks to our earthly parents alone. We were born in a time when we have full knowledge of our God who has given us so many things. We have been blessed with rich associations of friends and family. Think of what valiant grandparents and great-grandparents we have! We are blessed to know them (Dennis’s are all dead). I wrote a letter to Grandma and Grandpa Porter yesterday and felt the Spirit so strongly as I expressed my appreciation to them for their faith and righteous living. I hope I can endure to the end as they have.

“Well, Danna, I want you to know that I love you and I pray very fervently for you. I know Heavenly Father loves you. Mom told me about a blessing Dad gave her when Jonny was born saying that Jonny was a very valiant and noble spirit but not any more noble and valiant than the other spirits that were sent to our home. When Mom told me that I cried. Sometimes it’s hard to see that in myself but I can see it in each of my brothers and sisters!”

I will share an excerpt from one more of her testimony-infused letters. It is dated June 26, 1993:

“Can I share an experience with you? When John broke up with me I was so incredibly hurt, so depressed. Life lost meaning . . . briefly. The only peace I found was in prayer, humble, tearful, mighty prayer. God was the only person who knew how I felt. I could tell everyone in the whole world what I was going through, but He was the only one who really, really knew. I learned through the Spirit that there were others who needed me, who needed to talk, who needed to get out of themselves. I started pouring myself into service for others. Danna, believe it or not, I have fond memories of that painful experience because I learned a wonderful lesson I hope I never forget: Heavenly Father and Jesus love us SO much. Danna, they love you and wait for you to come to them to be healed from your incredibly heavy burden. They understand. They are aware of you. You must take the first step and go to them with a humble heart. Listen to what they will tell you through the Holy Spirit. Obey whatever it is they whisper to you to do. . . .

“Yes, you are right. Dennis is wonderful for me. I pray every night and morning that I will be able to treat him the way he deserves to be treated. I know he will treat me special. He says I’m his queen. I know it won’t be easy, Danna. But we’re best friends and we’ve vocally committed to always treat each other as such. We deserve each other. We’ve both prayed our whole lives for each other. I really love him and our love will continue to grow.”

Oh, Katie, thank you for your words, for your valiant and noble soul, for your heartfelt testimony and example! They will help carry us through without you. How you are loved, loved, loved!!!! You have raised a wonderful, righteous family unto the Lord. May He strengthen and bless them and us as you move onto a higher realm. You have fought a good fight. It’s so painful to say good-bye. But we must be ever so grateful to have known you. You are leaving us so much. We have been so enriched and blessed because of your righteous leadership and example. May we so follow!!!

The Lord Works in Mysterious Ways

2010-11-06T13:56:00.015-06:00

Last night a nonmember friend, Susan, called and said she was in the hospital. She wanted me to come. She thought she was dying, as she has many times due to her very poor health. I have sat on Susan's bed more than once as she has said good-bye and given me bedside confessions. She's so afraid of dying. She asked if I thought she was going to die. I told her that I think she's the Energizer Bunny and that I think she's going to live forever with her record. Doctors cannot even explain why she's still alive. I asked her if she remembered the time that a doctor sent her a dozen roses as an apology that he couldn't save her life, thinking she was about to die? That was years ago. She remembered well as do I. I also know that she wouldn't be alive if it weren't for the priesthood. So does she. The story goes like this:

The morning after the doctor sent her the roses, I was suddenly awakened from sleep. I remember I sat up very quickly. I had a strong impression that David needed to stop by the hospital that day and give her a priesthood blessing or she would die. It was no coincidence that on that day David was driving to Loveland for an appointment. And that is also where Susan was in the hospital--1 1/2 hours away. He stopped and gave her a blessing and in the blessing, he said that the doctors would be inspired to find a way to prolong her life. That happened. That afternoon the doctor who'd sent her the roses, called and said he'd had a flash of inspiration. There was a new procedure using a vacuum to suck out the pus in her body. That vacuum saved Susan's life and soon she was home again.

About a year later, I witnessed another miracle in Susan's life preservation. She was at our house visiting. We were decorating Easter eggs. When she was leaving and going down the front steps with her husband, she suddenly lost her balance and fell face first to the ground. She's a large woman but strangely, it wasn't a hard fall and it wasn't straight down on the cement. It was the most amazing fall I have ever seen. It was like her body was being guided by unseen angels over to the grass and she fell very gently and gracefully--with no steps taken on her part. Still, we were, of course, shocked and concerned. We and her husband rolled her over and she wasn't breathing. I ran into the house and called an ambulance. While we were waiting anxiously for the ambulance, who should walk by but the missionaries! They had developed a relationship with Susan. Elder Hansen, in particular, had won her heart. He bent down next to her and saw that indeed her breathing had stopped and was very sad and concerned. The ambulance took her to the hospital. That night I received a shock--a phone call from Susan! She said, "I know I died. I was going toward the light and then I saw Elder Hansen. The pull to him was stronger than the pull to the light so I went toward him." I said, "Susan, Elder Hansen was there! He walked by our house when we were waiting for the ambulance!" She was amazed and said, "What does it all mean?" Elder Hansen told her straight out at Easter dinner that it meant he was supposed to baptize her! Susan just laughed--a bit uncomfortably. I have never pushed her on the subject and felt the timing was not right due to her response.

Fast forward to last night. I told her that the Lord obviously cares deeply for her and has a purpose yet for her on this earth. She said she didn't know what that purpose was. Then she paused and said, "Can I ask you a question?" I said, "Of course." She then proceeded to ask me about the Church. Obviously, this wasn't our first discussion as we talk very openly about everything. She wanted to understand the teachings and purposes of the Book of Mormon and where she should start in her reading of it. She said that in times past she's just opened it up and started reading and didn't really understand and wanted better direction. I explained the setting and purpose of the Book of Mormon. I then told her to try starting in 3 Nephi 8 or 11 and told her it was when Christ came to the Americas and ministered to the people here. She said she wanted to come to our church but was afraid she would be "jumped" and everyone would expect her to join. A very legitimate concern although she's come to many activities before and a few meetings and I know she felt so good and welcomed and no one pressured her. She also feared hurting her pastor and church associates because they have done so much for her. That is also a very legitimate concern. When she said that, she then wanted to understand why people are so opposed to our church. We talked about Satan's mission and his reality and that despite it all, truth can stand examination. I assured her, as I have many times, that there isn't a question she can't ask me--that I would never be offended by her questions or concerns. More importantly, she doesn't have to take my word for anything, that the Lord has promised that He will give us answers as we humbly seek. At the end of our discussion, she said she wanted to get well enough to come to church with us and really examine things fully for herself. I am amazing and thrilled, naturally, as we have longed for her to truly open her heart for years--and be well enough to really examine for herself the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Primary Program

2010-10-31T19:00:00.005-06:00

K.J. shared a great story:

"I have seen miracles in my life. One warm summer day when I was about two and Ellie was four, my mom, Ellie and I accidentally locked ourselves out of the house. My dad was in the Front Range and wouldn’t be home until night. No neighbors were home and my mom didn’t have a cell phone. We tried all the windows and doors but they were shut tight. We were outside for hours and hours. Ellie and I even ate green tomatoes for lunch! Finally, Ellie said, “Mom, we should say a prayer.” My mom hadn’t thought of that. After the prayer, she had the thought to go try the back door. Ellie said, “But it’s locked! We’ve checked it many times.” Still, we checked the back door and this time it was unlocked."

I was also proud of little Hope reciting her part and Ellie did a great job on the violin (as well as on her speaking part). It was also SO nice to have David sit with the family (well, Sarah and me). I've missed that! Sarah was extra good with him beside her. It was a great program!!

If Thou Art Merry

2010-10-20T14:50:00.003-06:00

This talk is definitely a good reminder of the need for laughter! I love Mary Ellen Edmunds! And I love to laugh and when my family and others laugh with me!

Thanks for sending it a while ago, Mom! I needed this reminder very much today!!

Mindy Knows the Right Way!

2010-10-18T21:23:00.012-06:00

This morning in seminary I paid tribute to my friend, Mindy Woolf (Gull). I told about when we were in Germany during an exchange program. The Germans had invited us Americans to a movie in English. They were so excited that they found a movie in English for us to see. When we got to the theater, however, I realized it was not a movie I needed or wanted to see. I still remember the title: Julia Has Two Lovers. I laugh now at the title as did the seminary kids. But here stood a moment of truth for me. Would I rationalize or would I choose the right?

Well, as it were, I kind of stood back to watch my other American (all LDS) friends, hoping one of them would say they didn't want to attend the movie--thus, giving me the courage I lacked. But to my surprise, they all seemed very eager to attend. I was disappointed in them but oh-so much more disappointed in myself for not having the courage to say no. So I entered the theater and was right in the middle of a long row, sandwiched between friends. I contemplated many times about leaving but feared. (I wonder how many others were also looking for someone with courage.) But there I sat, miserably. I did not watch the movie but had my head down the whole time, trying to block it out. When the movie was over and we left the theater, I discovered Mindy outside the theater. I was so impressed with her courage and conviction--and ashamed that I had not stood likewise. It never left me. I determined from her example that right then and there I would never be afraid to stand up and do what was right, even if I stood alone. Her example taught me volumes about being a leader.

Thank you, Mindy. You are still a light for great good and I will always be grateful for your example in my life. And I tell others all about you--you're a household name here!

Gossip: Don't Pass It On

2010-10-15T16:11:00.001-06:00

I liked the good reminder from Saturday, May 22, 2010's Church News:

A New Era magazine's "Mormonad" is illustrated by a line of hands dripping with black paint. It is obvious that as the tainted hand touches a clean hand, the clean hand is instantly stained.

The message, titled "Gossip, don't pass it on," is simple: If you come in contact with harsh words spoken about another, wash your hands before you inadvertently – or even deliberately – pass those words to another and leave your hands stained by the experience.

In essence, we must watch what we say because our words will leave a mark – for good or ill – on those with whom we come into contact.

The scriptures are clear on the subject. The Psalmist taught, "keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile" (Psalm 34:13). The Savior, in establishing the laws of the Restored Church, said, "Thou shalt not speak evil of thy neighbor, nor do him any harm" (Doctrine and Covenants 42:27).

And Solomon noted that ill-spoken words become the kindling of contention:

"Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no tale bearer, the strife ceaseth.

"As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife" (Proverbs 26:20-22).

It's a principle we should all take to heart.

"It seems common practice for people to talk about their friends and neighbors and to criticize their seeming peculiarities and weaknesses," said President N. Eldon Tanner, then second counselor in the First Presidency in 1972. "In fact, it is so general that one would think that gossiping about and judging others was the thing to do. …"

But, he explained, "gossip is the worst form of judging."

"The tongue is the most dangerous, destructive and deadly weapon available to man. ... We never gain anything or improve our own character by trying to tear down another" ("Judge Not, That Ye Be Not Judged," Ensign, July 1972).

President Tanner said when he witnessed harsh words spoken, he often turned his thoughts to a hymn:

Let each man learn to know himself;
To gain that knowledge let him labor,
Improve those failings in himself
Which he condemns so in his neighbor.
How lenient our own faults we view,
And conscience's voice adeptly smother;
Yet, oh, how harshly we review
The selfsame failings in another! …
So first improve yourself today
And then improve your friends tomorrow (Hymns, no. 91, 1950 printing).

President Thomas S. Monson said it takes courage to avoid gossip and judging others.
"Oh, you may ask, 'Does this really take courage?' " he said. "And I would reply that I believe there are many times when refraining from judgment — or gossip or criticism, which are certainly akin to judgment — takes an act of courage.

"Unfortunately, there are those who feel it necessary to criticize and to belittle others. You have, no doubt, been with such people, as you will be in the future. … We are not left to wonder what our behavior should be in such situations. In the Sermon on the Mount, the Savior declared, 'Judge not.' At a later time, He admonished, 'Cease to find fault one with another.' It will take real courage when you are surrounded by your peers and feeling the pressure to participate in such criticisms and judgments to refrain from joining in" ("May You Have Courage," General Young Women Meeting, March 28, 2009; Ensign, May 2009, 123).

President David O. McKay said the process needs to start in our homes.
"But there are destructive termites of homes, and some of these are backbiting, evil-speaking and faultfinding on the part either of parents or of children," he said.

But the greatest problem with gossip is illustrated effectively in that Mormonad. Like the black paint, once words have left us to be passed to others by the people we taint, they cannot be reclaimed.

In the Miracle of Forgiveness, President Spencer W. Kimball wrote: "Lies and gossip, which harm reputations, are scattered about by the four winds like the seeds of a ripe dandelion held aloft by a child. Neither the seeds nor the gossip can ever be gathered in. The degree and extent of the harm done by the gossip is inestimable" (page 54).

Avoiding gossip is a simple way to ensure that our words will not leave stains on the hands of another.

Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes

2010-10-08T13:51:00.008-06:00

Last year I did a presentation for a group of Christians, many of whom believed I wasn't Christian. At the end of the presentation, I had an opportunity to share with them my testimony of Christ. In context to the presentation, I had everyone stand and do a fun rendition of "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes"--forward, backward, and all. After everyone was seated, I shared some of the following sentiments:

The song "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" has become symbolic to me of Christ's ministry and suffering.

The head reminds me of the crown of thorns that was pressed down on His head as He was mocked with the taunting words "Hail, king of the Jews."

The shoulders remind me that He was strong and able. His shoulders were tender enough to carry a lamb and steady enough to carry His cross to "the place of the skull," as John called it, or Golgotha. He shoulders were strong enough to carry all of my sins and yours.

The knees remind me that at the Last Supper, Christ knelt and washed the disciples' feet. In Getheseme He kneeled down and prayed, and being in agony, he prayed all the more earnestly as great drops of blood poured from every pore onto the ground.

The toes remind me of His feet. His feet walked many dusty miles; they climbed mountains, they walked on water; they wandered in the wilderness for 40 days. In the end, it was His feet that carried His bloody body to the Hill of Calvary. Nails were driven through His feet. Because of the weight of His body on His arms, He lifted His body on the nails of His feet so He could draw air into His lungs.

I have also thought of how the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth are representative of the Savior's life:

His eyes were ever seeing the need for a Savior of the world. With His eyes He saw His city from the Mount of Olives and He wept, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem!"

The nose reminds me that when He was suffering on the cross, he said, "I thirst." And it was with His nose that He smelled the mocking smell of vinegar offered Him.

His ears heard the disbelief and scorn. With His ears He gained wisdom and often chose to remain silent and held His peace.

With His mouth, He cast out evil spirits and healed the sick. He spoke the truth. He prayed for sinners--you and me. He calmed the waves. He called Lazarus to come forth from the dead. He preached repentance, faith, baptism, forgiveness, and love. In the end, He said, "It is finished. Thy will be done." Then on the third day, He revealed His resurrected body to a weeping woman, as He spoke one word from His mouth: "Mary."

I have a testimony that He lives! He lives for me and for you. He knows us and He loves us individually and completely.

Millipedes and Bumble Bees

2010-10-07T20:16:00.000-06:00

There's a story of a millipede who was walking along merrily and happily. Suddenly he was stopped by a man. "HOW do you do that? How do you walk on so many legs? It doesn't make any sense," the man said. The millipede had never thought about HOW he walked. He just knew he could but then he started thinking about it. As he thought, he realized that the man was right! It didn't make any sense! How did he do it? He tried walking again and this time he concentrated on each one of his many legs and tried to make them move just right and by so doing, he struggled and struggled along. What he had always been able to do suddenly became nearly impossible because it was pointed out that he SHOULDN'T be able to do it.

Then he one day in his terrible struggle, a bumble bee flew by him. He noticed the bumble bee's large body and its tiny, fragile wings. How was it able to fly? And so beautifully and confidently? He realized he didn't need to question it but just marvel and appreciate that the bumble bee was actually DOING IT--a miracle! It didn't make any sense but it worked! As he pondered on the miracle, he felt his old confidence in himself come back--he didn't know HOW he walked but he knew he could and that he was meant to do so.

The moral is that God can make the seemingly impossible possible. I love this because it is actually working in my life as well. How merciful and marvelous is our Lord!!!

Sacrament

2010-09-28T05:49:00.000-06:00

This picture is powerful. Thanks for sending it, Dad.

A Few Family Home Evening Ideas

2010-09-24T07:02:00.005-06:00

I thought I'd share a few ideas I've done for seminary that could possibly be adapted into FHE lessons:

This week we talked about John Taylor (I am following a lady's advice in our stake by studying a prophet a week rather than all at the end of the year.). Anyway, with the brainstorming help of my three wonderful sisters, I implemented the following idea that was very fun and effective: To help bring home the fact that sometimes the commandments are not always easy or popular or convenient, I gave each kid a big chocolate cookie at the beginning of the lesson. I told them if they held it the entire time and returned it to me undefiled, I would give them a reward well worth their wait. Prior to class, I told one of the kids what I was doing and asked if he would wait awhile and then eat the cookie and then taunt the others, trying to get them to eat the cookie. (Maybe that wouldn't be good with a family but for seminary, it worked great!) Throughout the lesson, we did various activities such as write in our journals and tell things we are grateful for by throwing a ball around--hard to do with a cookie in hand! But the message got through--do what is right even when it's not convenient or popular or easy and perhaps especially when we don't understand all of the whys--"Now these mysteries are not yet fully made known unto me; therefore I shall forbear" (Alma 37:11).

This next one we are doing tonight for supper as a family: For seminary we had Elijah come and visit when we studied D&C 2. We set a place for him and had breakfast. (I set the stage that the date was 3 April 1836 and we were in a Jewish home.) When we drank the 3rd cup talked about in the D&C Student Manual (I am including the quote below then it should all make sense), we opened the door for him to enter. He brought with him the sealing power (glue) and glued, chain-like, a husband, wife, sister, and brother together. When we talked about how the priesthood of Elijah influences couples and families to stay together, the visual of the chain-linked family beside four that were not linked, really made sense to the kids. We also "planted" in individual tin hearts their righteous eternal desires at the end of the lesson, pointing out that there is no eternal plan without families and our hearts need to be pointed toward the temple where families are sealed forever.

Quote: "President Joseph Fielding Smith noted an interesting aspect of Elijah's return to the earth on 3 April 1836: 'Edersheim in his work, The Temple, says: 'To this day, in every Jewish home, at a certain part of the Paschal service [e.i.when they drink the "third cup"]--the door is opened to admit Elijah the prophet as a forerunner of the Messiah, while appropriate passages are at the same time read which foretell the destruction of all heathen nations. It is a remarkable coincidence that, in instituting his own Supper, the Lord Jesus connected the symbol, not of judgment, but of his dying love, with his "third cup.'"

President Joseph Fielding Smith continues: "It was, I am informed, on the third day of April, 1836, that the Jews, in their homes at the Paschal feast opened their doors for Elijah to enter. On that very day Elijah did enter--not in the home of the Jews to partake of the Passover with them--but he appeared in the house of the Lord, erected to his name and received by the Lord in Kirtland, and there bestowed his keys to bring to pass the very things for which these Jews, assembled in their homes, were seeking." (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:100-101.)

I have more but that's enough for now.

Amazing!

2010-09-22T15:56:00.005-06:00

I heard a story I liked at our adult session of stake conference. It went something like this:

There was a father and mother who named their child Amazing because they wanted him to live up to his name and do amazing things with his life. But he didn't. He was quite ordinary and did ordinary things--he didn't do outstanding work at school or with sports or in his career or in the community but led a quiet, simple life. All of his life he was taunted because of his name and when he was about to die, he asked his wife to not put his name on his gravestone. When he died, his wife wanted to honor his wishes but she still wanted to put something on his tomb so she had the following inscribed: "Here lies a faithful, loving husband all of his life." It was read by many people and when they would read it, they would point to it and say, "That is Amazing!"

Heart-Centered Testimony

2010-09-15T14:20:00.000-06:00

I LOVED this quote that my friend, Diane, sent me a while back. It's by Richard G. Scott:

"[As a young man], I had an intellectual understanding of some of the gospel principles that I recognized needed to be converted into a heart-centered, Holy-Ghost-inspired, burning testimony of truth. I struggled to communicate to the Lord my feelings of gratitude for the privilege of service, of the blessing of righteous parents, and for the love of one of His most precious handmaidens. I asked Him to help me become an effective servant in His hands. I strained to forget self, struggled to help others, and in the process, the skeleton of the teachings I had received took on the flesh and blood of new life and meaning."

This is so key!! Elder Scott ACTED after recognizing a need for change. He begged the Lord for help and then did his part that it might be fulfilled. It brings together the saying "pray as though everything depends on the Lord (pray with great earnestness) and then work as though everything depends on you." That's when our skeleton takes shape. I love this real-life experience from Elder Scott because it reminds me how to get the gospel working again when I get to feeling that I'm all bones.

Safety

2010-09-11T16:35:00.004-06:00

Lately I've been thinking a lot about safety--about how important it is that others know that who they are is safe with you--safe to be completely what they are and that you are not going to take advantage of their words, their shortcomings, their struggles--that their name is completely safe with you.

Safety. It's something I've long recognized that I need to flourish. And if me, then surely others too are in need of safety. Keeping one's name safe is a manifestation of the pure love of Christ, I think.

A Must-Read

2010-09-02T19:07:00.003-06:00

Here is a must-read from my sister, Katie. Please pray for her! I love you, Katie.

We Are Perfectly All Right!

2010-08-28T08:41:00.007-06:00

A flower is a flower from the time it is a seed to the time it dies. Within it at all times, it contains its full potential. At each stage, at each moment it is perfectly all right as it is.

And so it is with us--A child of God is a child of God. From the time we are babies to the time we die, we are children of God. Within us at all times, we contain our full potential. And just like a flower, we may not always look, or behave, up to our full potential but we always have within us the potential to become great--especially if special attention is given to help that process happen. (Mary Ellen Edmunds)

Like a flower, if we are trying to grow and trying to become--as most all of us are--we are perfectly all right as we are. Do you think our Heavenly Father stands back in awe as He watches the process of our growth and development, as we do that of a budding flower? Do we appreciate the growth, as He does, that comes from painful effort to improve and develop? Surely, He smiles upon us!

Emma

2010-08-22T20:44:00.000-06:00

I have long believed Emma Smith was a misunderstood woman. I love this tribute to her.

Marriage Works

2010-08-17T19:24:00.001-06:00

When I was visiting my parents this last week, David and I attended the temple. We decided to do sealings to celebrate our wedding anniversary in the same temple where it all began as my grandfather sealed us sixteen years ago. The temple sealer was a friend of my grandfather's, Keith Jorgensen. In the sealing room with us was a couple that was getting married in two days. Brother Jorgensen took the time to counsel them. I loved what he said and wanted to share a part of it with you.

He said that many people are being deceived by some statistics about marriage. He said that statistics don't lie but sometimes the people giving the statistics do. He explained that it's been said that 50% of marriages end in divorce. He said this is a lie and explained why: Last year 4 million people entered into marriage and last year 2 million people divorced. It looks like 50% of marriages fail and Satan loves to use that to discourage young people from entering into marriage and encourage those struggling to divorce. But he explained that what we forget is that of those 4 million that marry, they go into a large pool of already married people. Of that large pool of couples, 2 million divorced last year. The actual percentage of people that divorced last year is 17%. Satan often uses the tactic that if everyone else is doing it and it's failing for everyone else, then we can also rationalize our sins. But the truth is and always will be that marriage works--(if the two people primarily involved determine that is should be, that it must be, that it will be--Spencer W. Kimball). Marriage takes work and time and sacrifice and divorce is not as popular as the media makes it sound. Cohabitation is not the answer. The Lord's ways are eternal and marrying the right person, in the right place, at the right time is the true means for finding happiness--here and now and then and there--forever.

Slow Down!

2010-08-08T14:18:00.004-06:00

The timing of an article in the June 2010 Ensign was so perfect for me. Did you read it? It's called "Don't Be in a Hurry" by John C. Thomas. It came during a time when I haven't felt I've had enough time, when my husband is also heavily booked--when we are both showered with responsibilities and expectations with family, church, work (for David)--and more on the horizon for me in the fall as an early-morning seminary teacher and a home-schooling mother. On several occasions, I have shouted in my mind, "HOW? How are we supposed to juggle it all?!" Yet, I know they are all God-directed courses in which my husband and I are involved.

The subject of busyness has been an interest of study for probably six months now, as I've recognized the tendency for "our hurry to meet the relentless demands of the clock tears away at our inner peace" (James E. Faust). I have really pondered on the hurried life about us. The article reaffirmed what I've found in my search: that in the midst of all the busyness, we can and must turn it over to the Lord and trust Him to magnify us and teach us what is most needful among all the demands. We need to RELAX. Indeed, we do "move faster if we hurry less" (Spencer W. Kimball). It's in our hurry that we forget God and lose perspective. We try to do it all and forget for what cause we are working. During our busyness it becomes all about us--we become self-absorbed and uptight, or at least I do. We lack faith and forget that when there seems to be no way, God will make a way (Gordon B. Hinckley).

On a day when my natural man was heavily overpowering my spiritual attempts to feel the gospel working, I came across the following scripture in 2 Nephi 28:30: "I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my percepts, and lead an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more." It hit me like an unexpected flood that in order to have the path open, I had to have FAITH that the path could actually be OPENED even though I couldn't see how it could possibly happen--line upon line, here a little, there a little. How impatient I can be! I often am tempted to think that because I can't see it, it won't work out. Well, if I lack faith and turn to apathy and disbelief, then that may well become the truth. And so it is with those that believe and stay on the path even in darkness--it WILL open up. As Elder Holland said, "If it was right when you prayed about it, then it is RIGHT right now. Don't turn away when the going gets tough." (That's paraphrased.) But I find myself recalling dear Elder Holland's words often and they have helped me plug on in the darkness. Then when the "scales of darkness begin to fall from [my] eyes" (2 Nephi 30:6), I feel so grateful and awed.

The bottom line is trust. Trust that he really does have a solution. Trust that it's all in His hands and His timing is always perfect--that He really does know what He's doing. Trust that "when God speaks, and a man obeys, that man will always be right" (Thomas S. Monson). The Lord will reveal the way bit by bit, "for unto him that receiveth He will give more" (2 Nephi 28:30).

Words to myself: Slow down. Trust. Don't be in a hurry. Everything will work out. :o)

Pretending Isn't Pleasing to God

2010-08-06T10:40:00.014-06:00

Yesterday afternoon I was feeling bad about myself. I had gone to a meeting with some other ladies. At the meeting we were asked to go around and talk about some of the things we were doing pertaining to the subject. I hadn't expected to be asked to share but was candidly honest and expressed some of my personal struggles and concerns. After I spoke, I felt bad because I felt what I said was judged and that my weaknesses were taken advantage of--that others after that really built themselves up, sounding so perfect and put together. I left feeling like I should have just pretended so I could sound great and legitimate too. I kicked myself because of my tendency to be so this-is-how-it-is. "When will I ever learn?" I wondered and chided myself. And THEN I chided myself for feeling bad at all! "Why do you have to be so sensitive?"

And so the day went with me feeling like a loser. To pass the night (David had a meeting), the kids and I walked to the park. ("I'll try to do something fun with them to get my mind off myself," I thought.) While there, I ran into a sweet, radiant, happy friend who is also from this group. She was not in attendance at this meeting. I told her I missed her. She said, "I don't go to meetings when that subject is being discussed because I don't like to feel bad about myself and I've learned I can't compete and it's not needful for me to try." Being fairly new in the group, I didn't know what to expect. I was suprised and comforted knowing that she EVER feels bad about herself (oh, please, there I go attributing immortal qualities to mere mortals!). I told her that while I was in the meeting, I got teary but tried SO-SO hard not to let anyone see I was crying and how I felt that maybe I should just pretend. She said, "Danna, you might not ever be told but your honesty helped someone today in their struggle. You might not hear about it but you helped someone come closer to Christ because of your realness." She then spoke the language of my soul by reminding me that we must recognize our need for the Savior and that we do and always will fall short and pretending isn't pleasing to the Lord because when we do, we deny our need for Him. She said we need to be real and that when we are, it's healing to both us and the humble hearer. She told me that when she lets herself, she goes from feelings of pride--"I've got that one down; I'm better than you on that"--to feelings of complete despair--"I'm NO good; I do everything wrong!" She reminded me that both are Satan's tools to turn us from God. The Lord wants us to be happy and to believe in ourselves BECAUSE we have Him!

I just loved every word she spoke and told her I believed the Lord had put her in my path--that she had answered my prayer for comfort! I left her presence feeling comforted and loved--by her and the Lord. I rejoice in the goodness of God and for those that have the courage to open their hearts and share in their struggles and shortcomings, their faith and their perseverence!

Good Deeds

2010-07-30T07:53:00.001-06:00

This month we had our credit card number stolen and my husband was pick-pocketed while we were at Denver's Nature and Science Museum, losing $150. Sometimes it's easy to think that nearly everyone is out for themselves. But the other day, I was at a small-town grocery store with my son. When we got up to the check out, I remembered I didn't have the checkbook and my credit card was no good. I said, "Oh, . . . (and explained what I just wrote and then . . .) I might not have enough cash." I started looking through my cart to see what I could put back. The bagger (there's a novelty right there--a bagger!), who was a kind elderly man said, "No, no. Just ring it all up and see what it comes to." I had $25 in cash and it amazingly only came to $24.41. I looked over and the bagger was right by my side. He had money in hand and asked, "How much more do you need?" I was very touched by his kindness and thanked him for being willing to cover for me! He took my groceries out to the car and we talked for a minute in the parking lot. He said he's never been out any by helping someone in need because it always comes back to him. It's beautiful to see such kindness still exhibited in today's world of greed! It made me want to go out and do the same . . . so the powerful Light of good can spread on . . .

Two Minutes of Fame . . .

2010-07-27T08:34:00.000-06:00

Featured here in the Church News are some of my dearest friends! Love you guys in the Havana and Canton Branches and Morton Ward!

Paying Tribute to the Pioneers

2010-07-25T14:44:00.013-06:00

My heart soars around the 24th of July. I feel such a stirring as I remember the sacrifices the pioneers made. Yesterday I was asked to share a pioneer story at our ward social. I shared a story I told during our ward's trek to Martin's Cove in 2004. Since it's fresh on my mind, I will share a watered-down version with you all (I usually tell it in first person but will change it here):

Mary Hurren walked in the Willie Handcart Company when she was seven years old. She traveled with her parents and three younger sisters. At first the journey was so much fun. She and her sisters loved running around the handcarts and going exploring. One day Mary and her friend, Agnes Caldwell, found a pit that was inhabited with rattlesnakes. They thought it would be great fun to jump over that pit so they jumped again and again. It seemed as though they jumped an entire mile each time. It wasn't until years later that they realized the danger they had put themselves in and that the Lord has magnified their jumps so they were not harmed by the snakes.

Soon the journey became difficult. The snow fell and with it, the temperatures dropped. They had little clothing and no shelter. To make matters worse, they only had a handful of flour to eat every day (4 ounces). One day Mary's father was out collecting sagebrush to build a fire and found a piece of rawhide. He brought it back and boiled it into rawhide soup! They thought it was delicious! But it did very little to care for the ravenous hunger in which they were experiencing.

When they reached Rocky Ridge, there was eighteen inches of snow on the ground. Mary walked up Rocky Ridge with her best friend, Bodil Mortensen. They trudged hour after hour in the deep snow. When they finally reached the top, Bodil collasped and died! Twelve other people died that day. The men dug a common grave and placed the bodies side by side into the frozen ground. Mary's father lifted her up over the heads of the people and there she saw her best friend dead in the grave. She thought her heart was going to break! But she realized that Bodil was no longer cold or hungry. Mary, however, had a very real journey ahead of her. So she gathered all of her seven-year-old courage and continued to walk and walk to the Salt Lake Valley.

When they finally arrived in Salt Lake, her parents number-one concern was Mary's frozen feet, for she could no longer walk. Her father took her to a doctor. The doctor took one look at her feet and said her legs would have to be amputated or else she would die. Her father looked that doctor square in the eyes and fervently proclaimed: "This little girl did not walk a thousand miles to have her legs cut off! If she dies, she dies with her legs on!"

Soon after that her family moved to Brigham City. They moved in with an old lady, Mrs. Snider. Mrs. Snider looked at Mary's rotted feet and told her father to buy some fresh meat and place them on her feet for three days. But there was no fresh meat to be found in Brigham City so he walked twenty miles to Ogden, bought some fresh meat, walked back, and lovingly placed the meat on Mary's feet. After three days, the meat was removed. Eventually, the old, rotted flesh fell off and new skin began to grow. Two years later, Mary was able to walk again but her feet hurt her for the rest of her life.

When Mary grew up she married Joseph Wight. They had thirteen children! She also took in a little girl who was ten. She had tuberculous. Mary cared for her like her own until she died.

On Mary's 88th birthday, President Heber J. Grant came to her birthday party! On that day, she was able to say that she had shaken the hand of every latter-day prophet, except for Joseph Smith: Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, Joseph F. Smith, and Heber J. Grant!!

On the pioneer line, my friend, Jay, sent me this tear-jerker clip--in a strange way, the places shown in the video seem like "home" to me--Nauvoo area and Martin's Cove--as many months and years were dedicated to these locations. Thank you so much for sending it to me, Jay! I'll use it for seminary!

A Strait Path

2010-07-21T16:49:00.004-06:00

A few weeks ago I attended the baptism of our bishop's eight-year-old girl. I loved the bishop's remarks as he welcomed her into the ward. He talked about what it means to enter into the "strait and narrow path." He pointed out the spelling of the word "strait." He said it doesn't mean a straight course, as the spelling for "straight" means but that "strait" is more like a narrow canyon with steep walls. There may be rocks and other difficult objects in and about our path--the sky may look ominous at times--but if we do not flee the path, it will lead us to where we want and need to go. He said that we can expect problems and difficulties as we travel along the "strait and narrow path."

I was reminded of a quote by Neal A. Maxwell: "The life of a disciple cannot be both faith-filled and stress-free."

Yet, we can take courage because the Lord has promised that we CAN do it! The beauty of the gospel is that the "strait and narrow path" isn't just for superstars but for the weakest among us.

Putting God First

2010-07-14T06:50:00.004-06:00

Two things have happened this summer that have borne witness to me of the truthfulness of this quote by President Benson: "When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives."

I took a leap of faith recently with a new church calling, not seeing how it would all work out with my schedule and demands but accepted the calling, believing (hoping against hope) that the Lord would provide all the lacking factors in the equation.

Following my leap into the dark, two witnesses came that putting God first works:

First, I had enrolled in two BYU independent-study courses to renew my teaching certificate. After I enrolled, I obtained the paperwork for recertification and realized that because I have only taught in Illinois, I have not entered the Colorado teacher-induction program so my Colorado certificate is renewable again and again without taking classes until I go back to classroom teaching. I was able to cancel the courses I didn't have the time to take with a very demanding calling!

Second, my children were invited (strongly encouraged) to audition for a play through a neighboring-city library. We deliberated over it a lot, considering it required daily rehearsals for six weeks straight. After much family discussion, we decided they would do it. At auditions, I was also roped in although I tried to refuse but the director and the librarian kept coming up with solutions to my dilemmas. Again, I wondered how we would make time for it all. Then two days after auditions, we got a call saying the play was canceled due to numbers. I rejoiced and marveled at the Lord's interest and involvement in my family. Even my children were not disappointed. I think the positive experience of the audition served the purpose it needed to serve and we all felt edified.

Indeed, when we put God first, everything else falls into place and He provides a way when there seems to be no way!!!

Paying the Price to Teach by the Spirit

2010-07-08T07:45:00.011-06:00

I came across a gem of wisdom the other day that I desire to share:

"There is a price that must be paid to qualify for the Spirit's help. . . [Oliver Cowdery] thought he could sit back and the Lord would just tell him what to say. He failed to put forth the required effort to qualify for the Lord's help . . . Some want to run to the internet and get a quick idea; a cookie cutter lesson idea that can be taylored to any block. They fail to put forth the required effort to qualify for the Lord's help . . . There is a price of study and pondering and prayer that must be paid, even by a busy volunteer. If we provide teachers with too much material, we often hurt them more than help them. We create a welfare system. They don't need to turn to the Lord for help; we have given them more ideas than they can incorporate . . ." (Author Unknown).

I am grateful for the Spirit and for some of the lessons I have be taught (still learning them) in seeking Him and not looking to the opinions of "men" for solutions or approval. I am also so grateful for this reminder to turn to Him in trust. I seem to need reminders constantly, which is why I study the word of God so much--because of my constant need for renewal.

In our efforts to be led by Him, let us remember Doctrine and Covenants 111:11. Look it up and ponder it.

The Beauty within a Storm

2010-07-05T07:54:00.007-06:00

The following story told by President Harold B. Lee touched a chord of truth and caused my heart to rejoice in black clouds and hardship:

"I was in Manti, Utah, some years ago. As we came out of the Saturday night leadership meeting, there was a heavy snowstorm. As we drove to the home of the stake president, he stopped his car and turned back to temple hill. There the lighted temple was standing majestically. We sat there in silence for a few moments, inspired by the sight of that beautiful, sacred place. He said, 'You know, Brother Lee, that temple is never more beautiful than in times of a dense fog or in times of a heavy, severe storm.'

"Just so, never is the gospel of Jesus Christ more beautiful than in times of intense need, or in times of a severe storm within us as individuals, or in times of confusion and turmoil" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1972).

I thought of Paul when I read this and with him, I proclaim: "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake, for when I am weak, then am I strong. . . . Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (2 Cor. 12:10, 9)!!!

The Silent Sermon

2010-07-01T08:55:00.004-06:00

This story came on a day that I'd been praying about a few "unreachables" and felt it was an answer to my prayer. Thanks for sending it, Diane!

A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the pastor decided to visit him.

It was a chilly evening. The pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his pastor's visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited.

The pastor made himself at home, but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the pastor took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone.

Then he sat back in his chair, still silent. The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead.

Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The pastor glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow, once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.

As the pastor reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, 'Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the firey sermon. I'll be back in church next Sunday!'

Sometimes the best sermons are the ones left unspoken.

We live in a world today, which tries to say too much. Consequently, few listen.

As I read this story, I remembered a quote that Elder Ballard used in his last conference talk: "What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say" (Ralph Waldo Emerson). Sometimes it's our actions that are the only thing that can reach the spiritually "unreachable."

Waiting on the Lord

2010-06-30T07:53:00.000-06:00

These last few months I have been agonizing over a new calling. I felt so uncertain that it was right, considering the timing in my life and the time it would require of me. I prayed; I read my scriptures; I got a humongous cold sore (a sure sign of stress!); I lost sleep--all in an effort to get confirmation that this calling was right. Nothing. Still, with great uncertainty, I accepted the call. When I was set apart, I was told in the most certain terms I've ever received that it was from the Lord--that there was no doubt. Yet, I was full of doubt and uncertainty and I was frustrated! Did I just lack faith? Or was it simply not right? With these questions, I attended a training course. While there, I became even more convinced that this calling was just not for me at this time in my life.

I went home very frustrated. In my room, I begrudgedly opened the manuals and started reading. As I did so, a peace started to come over me. "I can do this," I thought. "This is right down my alley. I've been preparing for this my whole life, even if I didn't know it." Then I came across a story told by Henry B. Eyring and my confirmation came very powerfully. The story was about a meeting Elder Eyring had with Harold B. Lee. The last paragraph said this: "Then [President Lee] gave me the lesson, which I now give to you . . . 'Hal, when we have done all we knew how to do, when we had our backs to the wall, then God gave us the revelation. Hal, if we want to get revelation, do your homework.'" When I read those words, I was flooded with assurance that this calling came from God--that there indeed was no doubt.

I realized from that story that I hadn't received revelation yet because reading from the manuals was my homework. I needed to read and study the material to receive an answer that it would be OK and that it was from the Lord. I had done all I could do in seeking for an answer and finally the Lord revealed His will to me. All of my anguish diminished, and peace and confidence filled my soul. How awed and grateful I am for personal revelation!