I Just Did A thing

I just hit "send" on an email to my Alma mater's alumni magazine. Each quarter they publish short first hand stories of former students on a particular theme.This edition requested submissions fro a theme of "students-ward stories".  Here's what I submitted:

Fall semester in the late 80s-early 90s was drawing to a close but before our ward broke up to go home for the Christmas break, we had one more Sunday to meet together. One more Sunday school lesson I had to prepare. But this was going to be the Christmas lesson. Everyone knew the Christmas story, so how could I make this very familiar story mean something more to my ward-mates?

Gathering inspiration from the likes of popular talk show divas of the day, Oprah and Sally Jessy Raphael, I went WAY out of my comfort zone and prepared a Christmas Lesson the likes of which this ward had never seen. I called on a dozen or so friends in the ward—family home evening brothers, roommates, and a few other good friends who probably just felt sorry for me and knew I needed some help. I asked each person to study the Christmas chapters in the scriptures and be prepared for questions posed as if to a specific participant in the story. I then prepared what I thought were thoughtfully angled questions to ask the Innkeeper, or a shepherd, or one of the angels, or Joseph or Mary.

I started our lesson with a question to each character that belonged in that story. What I imagined would be little lighthearted, fun, end-of-semester lesson turned sincere and spirit-filled series of testimonies of each of these ward members. Each took the assignment to heart.  Each bore testimony of Who Jesus is, how much He means to them, and their gratitude for Him. The Spirit bore powerful witness that Sunday to each of us there—participants and listeners alike-- of His birth, His life and His atoning sacrifice and what a wonder and blessing He is to us.

Catching Up Is Hard To Do

It seems like yesterday we took The Girl tot he airport and she headed off to her missionary adventure.  the intermediary time has been spent catching up--in every facets of my life.  I worked an 8 hour day last Saturday trying to get caught up.  I taught a Relief Society mini-class Tuesday about freezer meals for their provident living night.  Wednesday I met with one of my PTA cohorts and taught a quick lesson about keeping our PTA website--thus offering my first of many PTA bequests this year as I calmly withdraw myself as The Boy gets ready to graduate. I attended the temple in preparation for the stake and regional conference sessions we had this weekend.  And I spent about 4 hours cleaning up my house which had taken over by gross and filthy neglect. 

In fact, I need to insert a special apology to my parents--who, while they were here last weekend, shared the bathroom with the kids.  Prior to them arriving here, I asked both The Girl and The Boy to clean the bathroom and make it "clean enough for Grandma".  You know, that is a different level of clean than the run-of-the-mill weekend chore kind of clean.  Yesterday, I checked the kids' bathroom since The Boy was taking the ACT for the umteenth time, I thought I'd clean his bathroom for him.  EWWWW!  The shower curtain liner, while actually cream, was orange from the knee level down.  EEEEW!  I apologize.  I hadn't thought to check that before Mom and Dad got here.  That was thoroughly disgusting and I apologize that it was that nasty for your visit.  It is bleached and washed and disinfected but good now.

The other bit of the last ten days that I need to comment upon is Tuesday evening.  The Girl has her preparation day--only one day a week that give a missionary chance to email home, do their laundry, shopping and any other "preparation" for the week ahead--on Tuesday while she is in the MTC.  when she left, I knew that getting news fro her would be important--but I had assumed it was more for her to write home and give me direction for things she forgot--or needed somehow--as well as quick update on her doings and her safety.  Little did I realize that I would become absolutely giddy in hearing from The Girl.  I was thrilled to hear that she loved her compañera, that the food was good and she was enjoying her classes and language lessons.  I can only hope her letters will be as fun-filled and widely anticipated the duration of her mission.

In other news, our darling friend, Zack F.--the son of my best friend from high school--received his mission call this week as well.  He'll be serving in the Taiwan, Taichung mission beginning January 7th.  Another dear friend, well prepared and willing to serve The Lord.  It is invigorating to know all these friends serving simultaneously all around the world to bring God's children the hope and peace and happiness that is found in the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Another dear friend, Josh V., entered the MTC in Provo--instead of the Mexico City MTC, as he was originally planning--due to a problem with his visa for leaving Mexico and serving in Ecuador.  This made some of The Girl's "plan B" of sending her forgotten items with him to give her impossible.  But his mission service was touching nonetheless.  I'm thrilled for him.  The afternoon his family took him to the MTC, I stopped by to visit with his mom, my dear friend, Wendy.  these two little pucks--the Girl and Josh--have been in school together for years.  Wendy and I served in the PTA for those same years, and since they both also swam for the team in the city and the HS, we have had a lot of common interests to support our kids.  I love my friend and her darling family.  I had a wonderful and enjoyable visit with her about her boy and The Girl and the adventures before them--and our families.

The other big event this weekend was our Stake Conference.  Six congregations met Saturday evening where we heard some wonderful messages.  It started out with a powerful musical number from the youth (12-18 year old Young Men and Young Women) of one of the congregations.  I love the youth of our stake.  That feeling hasn't left me even though I haven't served in the YW for two years now. 

The meeting was a wonderful reminder of our part in sharing the Gospel too.  While I have had missionary work on my mind lately, I forget that I can be part of that effort beyond sending The Girl out to serve full time.  I was prompted to do more to share what I believe.  That is a scary thought sometimes, but I know it is important to do.  Sometimes I just need a little more courage to share what I know.  I have it in me, but I get pretty comfortable where I am and take for granted I need to share that feeling of love and acceptance as a child of God  and the happiness that comes from obedience to God's commandments and in honoring the covenants I have made with Him.

Things don't really slow down this coming week.  I have things on the calendar every day this week, and that is what I already know.  Things will fill in even more as the week progresses.  I guess that is one way to pass The Girl's absence from us faster than it feels.

Let's hope the week teaches the good lessons I need to fulfill all that I need to be doing.  Where there is a will, there is a way.  And The Lord's way is better yet.

Sheep Lesson

How much are we like this sheep?I saw this online and couldn't resist sharing.  so true.  Sadly.

This is Shrek the sheep. He became famous several years ago when he was found after hiding out in caves for six years. Of course, during this time his fleece grew without anyone there to shorn (shave) it. When he was finally found and shaved, his fleece weighed an amazing sixty pounds. Most sheep have a fleece weighing just under ten pounds, with the exception usually reaching fifteen pounds, maximum. For six years, Shrek carried six times the regular weight of his fleece. Simply because he was away from his shepherd.

This reminds me of John 10 when Jesus compares Himself to a shepherd, and His followers are His sheep. Maybe it’s a stretch, but I think Shrek is much like a person who knows Jesus Christ but has wandered. If we avoid Christ’s constant refining of our character, we’re going to accumulate extra weight in this world—a weight we don’t have to bear.

When Shrek was found, a professional sheep shearer took care of Shrek’s fleece in twenty-eight minutes. Shrek’s sixty pound fleece was finally removed. All it took was coming home to his shepherd.

I believe Christ can lift the burdens we carry, if only we stop hiding. He can shave off our ‘fleece’—that is, our self-imposed burdens brought about by wandering from our Good Shepherd.

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Wow. Just, Wow.

This weekend was our Stake conference weekend.  Normally, that is a good thing, but this weekend, we had stake conference, attended by Elder M. Russell Ballard.  He is an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ and a member of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles.  THAT was a really good  and quite a remarkable thing!

Her presided at our stake conference.  He spoke to the adults on Saturday night,  then he spoke to the youth of the stake on Sunday morning and then he spoke to the entire stake in the general session after that.  We are so lucky!

I don't remember any other stake conference that I felt so powerfully.  I have attended a lot of good meetings where doctrines of truth were taught.  I have had the Spirit confirm teachings with power before, but this weekend was different.  The only thing I can account for this difference is that we literally sat the the feet of the apostle and were taught by him.

Most conferences I can usually sense a theme that ran through the speakers' messages.  But this weekend the only real thread that ran throughout the messages was that of the Divinity of Jesus Christ, of his teachings, His love, His Gospel, His Atonement. Maybe because today was Palm Sunday and my mind has been leaning to the final week of the Savior's earthly life simply because of the pre-Easter time of year, I felt an overarching renewal to my testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ.  And that holds a power unto itself.

I do "stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me."  This time of year especially. But we were taught about Charity, and learned what we can do each day to be a little more like the Savior in the ways we care for those around us.  We learned that regardless of what the outside world says about us and our church, Jesus Christ IS the central focus of our worship and this is His church, restored to the earth once more.  We learned as we are obedient to the Lord's commandments we increase in faith which, in turn, gives us power and a desire to keep covenants. We learned that joy, contentment ad peace come from being worthy of, and having the companionship of the Holy Ghost. We learned that "women are the Lord's secret weapon".  We learned that we must avoid complaining about the "why ME?" situations in our life and instead focus on the strengths and growth we gain as we endure whatever challenges we have well. 

We learned that our youth must develop spiritual roots long before they leave our homes.  We learned that we can be strengthened as we seek to understand the scriptures and the doctrines of Christ. We learned that having a great DESIRE to know the mysteries of God will drive us to search the scriptures, pray with real intent and listen closely to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and as we do these things, the Lord will visit us with his spirit and we will learn more of what we want to know.

We learned that we do, indeed, have a Savior who loves us and that our discipleship cannot be a spectator sport. We learned that we can't expect God to make our decisions for us, but He will confirm righteous decisions we bring to Him for approval.  We learned that when we repent and are forgiven, the final step is to forgive ourselves. We learned that we must give our best efforts in order to be prepared to serve and influence others within our individual spheres of influence to become more like our Heavenly Father.  We learned that our callings within the organization of the church are so we can help others mature spiritually and if we do this together we will be tuned into the promptings of the Spirit.

And finally, we learned that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer and He loves us.  He lives and wants us to choose to follow Him.  His Atonement is more than just a way for us to change and repent of our sins and do better--though it is that for sure!  His Atonement gives us the ability to forgive ourselves, heals our heartaches, mends our souls and soothes our hurts that are caused by others. 

I knew that before, but now?  Wow.  Just, wow.  Easter commemorates Jesus's resurrection and victory over death but also His ultimate triumph over sin and sorrow.  And for that, I am forever grateful.  For the messages this weekend that reminded me that all I knew, I'm grateful.  What I comprehend of His sacrifice for me is still overwhelming in the effect it plays in my life and all the opportunities He has offered me by that perfect  love He shows me.

I'm humbled and so very blessed.  Wow.

We Need a Little Christmas....

I wish the world would take a deep breath, and remember WHY we are celebrating this season, after all.

The World Is A Hard Place

This week we have been meeting with our local ward Young Women presidencies.  We have been doing this to have an opportunity to do some leadership training as well as some more intimate visiting about how we can help them fulfill  their callings better.

One night, however, we met with one ward and in the course of the evening learned there are some of our Young Women that are dealing directly with hard things, worldly issues that can damage their spirits and even issues that leave them in physical danger.  It was difficult to listen to these good women tell us their worries about the YW in their care.  But as difficult as it was to listen, I was so grateful they shared their concerns.  We worry about these girls too, but they have more regular contact with them and can have a more direct impact for their well being and spiritual good.

I don't want to write much more about specifics of this part of the evening, but I felt the heaviness of their reporting.  These leaders have had this on their hearts for a while--and even longer without knowing just what the matter was, but knowing something was not as it should be.  God knows these girls and was prompting their good leaders to watch them more carefully, with an open heart and the Spirit prepared a way for the leaders to understand more what these girls are going through, so they can help them through it.  Not only that, but these particular leaders have had their own experiences with similar things as they grew up that has given them strong sympathy and understanding for their young women.

The Lord knows each of us.  He will put others in our lives to help us learn what we must and get through the things we will face.  That doesn't always make those things easier, but knowing you aren't along in it is better than the alternative.  It was made plainly obvious to me last night that as leaders we may have had experiences in our lives simply to give us the basis to help others.

I also know that the world is becoming a more wicked place.  Much of what these young women are having to deal with is not of their own making. They are facing the consequences based on other people's choices.  In some cases, the world's influence and Satan's tactics have caused these girls' heartbreak without them making a bad choice.  That is what is so hard to see.  And it is becoming all too common to hear or see things where innocents suffer from decisions made by someone who doesn't seen to have any consequence at all.

My heart left this particular meeting very heavy.  My prayers since have been very specific and more sincere than they have been for a while.  And my gratitude has increased when I see the goodness around me in my family, friends, volunteer work and within the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I know that it is through the Lord, Jesus Christ, that all hurt and sorrow and suffering can be handled.  In fact, it can be handed over to Him, and He will take it from us and strengthen us to get through it.  Boy, we all need a little more of that around here.

Polar Express, Locally

Last night we were lucky enough to be invited to ride the Polar Express.  Did you know the Polar Express runs in Lindon, UT?  Yeah.  Me neither.  But it does.



One of my PTA colleagues and dear friends invited us to come to their family's annual Christmas activity.  Her parents, siblings, their spouses, and the kids work together and put on quite a production.   We showed up and checked in--we had reservations for the 9:05 ride.  We watched a portion of the Polar Express movie in their "barn" (the classiest, nicest barn I have ever seen...even better than many a 'shop' I've been in).

Then our names were called and we were boarded on the train.  The train travels all around their family compound...they have their homes all around with a central family recreation area.  It was like a grand children's heaven! 

After a short ride we made it to the North Pole where we met the jolly old elf himself, along with several helpful and cheery elves.  We chatted briefly with Santa, and took a family picture together.

After our photo and chit-chat, Santa gathered all the riders together and asked the children to help their parents to believe.  Then he had a chance to tell us that while he loves celebrating Christmas, the best reason to celebrate isn't just his anticipated visit but that Jesus's birth makes all the difference.  Then he invited the children to listen closely to the music on the return trip and to watch the pictures we would see.

On the return trip, we passed many, many illuminated posters of Jesus's birth and life and atonement and resurrection.  It reminded us that the reason Christmas is so joyous and wonderful is that Christ's mission on the earth provides us with the assurance of our own resurrection and the chance to live with God again.  It was a lovely culmination of the evening.

On a side note:  Happy Birthday today to Jane Austen!  Even Goggle was celebrating:

Realization and Gratitude

Since my accident last Wednesday, I have been thinking a lot of the way things were handled immediately following that momentary bad decision.  I feel like I have been humbled and taught something far more important than just recognition for the safe keeping God gives me each day.

I watched a woman show me kindness, forgiveness and generosity.  She could have easily, and quite understandably, been bitter, hateful and vengeful.  She, instead, showed me just what a faithful Christian should have.  I am humbled to think that I might have acted very differently if the shoe was on the opposite foot.  And I am ashamed of that realization.

I am anxious to deserve that kind of Christ-like treatment and, in turn, want to treat others the same way.  I hope that I can practice what I watched her do and follow her model in my dealings with PTA volunteers, tired and worn-out parents, underpaid and still excelling teachers, moody teenagers and sometimes spastic little children, and, perhaps--most importantly--with my own family and loved ones.  I have much to learn.

And with all this thinking, I've resolved that I am even more grateful for the process of repentance that helps me figure out how to improve and follow my Savior's example--and the examples of those who follow Him.  I know I have much to learn.

PS--Just see if you don't agree that she handled this whole interfering, inconvenient and irritating event with kindness and grace.  Here is her take on the accident: 
http://hurstfamily88.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-first-car-accident.html

Video Sunday

I realize that Easter was last week, but today while I sat in a beautiful church meeting, where I felt the love God has for me, an announcement was made that a young man, only 22 or so years old, in our congregation had just died. This follows only a year after his father 's death. This young man had just attended an earlier meeting this morning. He came home and did not feel well, laid down on the bed while his mom took a shower to get ready for church services and when she tried to rouse him to go he had already stopped breathing. No attempts at resuscitation were successful.

Recognizing Jesus Christ as the Redeemer and Savior of the world fills me with hope, even when all other things cloud me with despair. So a week after Easter, it is the testimony that I have too, that Jesus is the Christ and that He lives. It is the Good News He offers. There is no better comfort.

Two Week Reminder

With the Big Day only two weeks away, I thought I'd share a lovely email I got from a friend this week. While you may be stressing out trying to get it all done before Christmas Eve, take a minute and see if this doesn't help put this month's activities into perspective for you too.


Letter from Jesus about Christmas --

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15:1-8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up.... It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary--especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember:


I LOVE YOU,

JESUS

Mistakes

Ever wonder what it must be like to be a Santa this time of year? I do. I wonder if they hear stuff that PTA moms and parent helpers hear when we are in the classrooms, or Sunday school teachers get wind of each Sunday. Kids volunteer some amazing, otherwise embarrassing information at times. I am sure Santa is not immune from hearing some of those things

At the same time, Santa's lap can be a pretty fervent point of self reflection for the truly honest child. I loved this comic from the local paper this weekend. Zoe is a mischievous little girl, so it makes me smile to see her have reason to pause as she talks to the Man in Red.

Luckily, when we have mistakes that were made, and we all have them, there is always hope for redemption. That is the beauty of the Savior's atonement. That is the reason for the joy and celebration as we commemorate the birthday of Jesus Christ. I am grateful to know that second chances are always available as I turn to Him, who offers forgiveness of my mistakes as I humble myself to His will.

12th Day of Christmas...12 Options, plus some

Throughout the scriptures we are told that there is just one prescribed method of returning to Heavenly Father..."and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God..." (2 Nephi 31:21).

I have a framed print hanging in my front room during Christmas that reminds me of this, yet provides many options to look for. This is what it says:

And His name shall be called:
Wonderful, Counsellor, Lord of Life, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, Messiah, Governor, Jehovah, Christ, Redeemer, Word of Life, the Firstborn, the Good Shepherd, the Light and Morning Star, the Only Begotten of the Father, the Savior, the Lamb, Stone of Israel, Horn of Salvation, Eternal King, Emmanuel, Alpha and Omega, the Resurrection, Beloved Son, our Lord and God, JESUS.

No matter what you call Him, it is His birth we celebrate in the morning. It is His life we rejoice in knowing. It is His atoning sacrifice that causes us to kneel before Him and adore Him.

God bless us, everyone! Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!