Today at work I had an opportunity to do some work that lets me wear my iPod and concentrate on the project at hand. I had nearly 4 hours that I could listen to my iPod and steadily work on my project.
I chose to listen to a podcast call "Enduring it Well". It is a nearly hour long program that involves a conversation with someone (or a couple or family, depending on the situation) that have experienced some really difficult experiences. Some have lost children, some have lost a spouse, some were recovering from a pornography or drug addiction, an eating disorder, a devastating medical situation, or even surviving a horrible natural disaster.
I listened to several episodes of this show today. I felt so grateful to have had this opportunity. It touched my heart. It moved my compassion. And it altered my perspective. And renewed my belief in miracles.
After listening to these inspirational true-life stories, I stopped for a moment. I was overwhelmed with the feeling that I was blessed beyond belief. I have had my own struggles. I have sinned and yet have experienced the actual relief and redemption that comes from Christ's atonement and the miracle of repentance and forgiveness.
But these stories made me cognizant of the precious feeling that I have been spared so many of these other struggles and challenges. Why? What did I ever do to deserve the blessings I have been given? Why have I been given so much? How could I ever deserve this kind of comfort, this kind of blessing, this kind of protection, or this kind of care from my Heavenly Father?
I was so humbled as these thoughts swirled around my mind. I recognize that I don't deserve all that I have been given. I'm so blessed. I know I'm just one person. Yet, I also know that I am a child of God. He loves me. He is the perfect parent, and loved each of us perfectly. He knows the struggles we go through, and listens to our prayers when we plead and beg for His help to endure things.
I hope that I have been diligent enough to survive my own struggles in a way that pleases my Heavenly Father. I do my best each day to be faithful and obedient to the commandments of God. I'm not perfect in that effort, but I keep trying over and over. My greatest wish in all my thinking today is that I have endured my own trials well, and that I will not be required to endure all things. Just those things that are going to prove me to Him, that will give me enough to return to Him, to deserve my blessings.
I know I don't have the blessings in my life that I do because I am extra special, or more deserving than someone else. I really just believe that I'm a beloved daughter of my Heavenly Father and that I have a loving Savior, Jesus Christ. And together, Their grand plan of happiness provides all I need to know to return to Them. My obedience, or my personal will, is the only thing I have to give Them. I know that if I keep making the choice to do just that, I can be all that They intend me to become. And in doing those kind of things, I find the most happiness and even additional strength to continue to do them.
Why me? I think the really question should be: Why Not? As I do what the Lord asks, I know I am blessed. And I am continually, and eternally, grateful. His perspective makes the difference, and I know that it is my responsibility to share His love and His grace throughout my life. Until I get to return to live with Him again. Perhaps, then, I might attempt to thank Them in a more direct way.
Showing posts with label testimony. Show all posts
Showing posts with label testimony. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Tender Mercies
In the Book of Mormon, the ancient prophet Nephi introduces the term "tender mercies" when he speaks of the blessings the Lord kind of sprinkles around us. Sometimes we see them right off. Other times we have to open our eyes, become aware and recognize them for what they truly are. They are definitely blessings, but we don't always see them immediately. Those little coincidences that "just" happen, or the "happenstance" that makes things work out for us, or the "serendipity" that find us better off than we were before are all examples of these tender mercies.
I love this idea of tender mercies, because at times it can feel like a hidden word puzzle--but it is like trying to find blessings the Lord has already given us. Sometimes It is simply a mater of counting the things we notice as blessings, but other times there is no denying that we are blessed beyond what we deserve. I think the Lord is just that generous with us. Plus, He will bless us as we do what He asks.
The reason this came up is that this past weekend we had General Conference. I usually try to ponder some questions that I might have or issues I am struggling with or what have you and spiritual prepare myself to listen for answers to those kind of questions or conundrums. When the kids were younger I felt like I had more questions that conference could even answer, but we all survive that period of family life and every is still speaking. So I guess that worked out fine. Lately my questions have been more inwardly directed. "Am I doing all I can to show my love for God?" "What else can I do to be a good example to those around me?" "How can I use my time better?" "How can I be of better service to my neighbors, friends and family?"
This particular conference, with The Girl out of a full time mission, I had been mulling over how else I can represent my faith to others--on Facebook, on this blog, in my public interactions with people generally? I discovered tender mercies for two days straight this weekend, and they primarily answered these kinds of questions. Here is what I learned:
I need to speak out more boldly in my sharing of my faith with others.
I can put my faith out there without worrying what someone else may think of it, because it is MY faith. I'm not coercing someone to convert or join.
Just because I haven't had great luck introducing my friends to the Church doesn't mean I haven't made any inroads. I haven't heard of anyone agreeing to listen to the missionaries from something I said or wrote, but that doesn't mean my beliefs have gone unnoticed.
I want to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as I understand it, with others because I have felt a joy that comes from living it. It isn't a selfish reason, that is a completely UNselfish reason.
And, if something makes me happy, I would share that something with people I want to see happy--that is everyone I know and care about--so why wouldn't I want to share the doctrines of the Gospel with people when I know that God lives and loves me, and He answers my prayers. His Son, Jesus Christ, is the Redeemer of the world--and my personal Savior as well. He was resurrected and gives each of us the chance to live again as well. there is more to this life than just getting through it and He makes that possible for us. Because we have the restored priesthood of God--His power on the Earth today--we can be together forever with our families.
These are the things that my faith has helped me recognize and unearth as tender mercies. I see blessings all around me. Why wouldn't I want to share this with others? I want other people to be happy too? Recognizing that was a blessing too.
Living the gospel of Jesus Christ may not look or sound easy from the outside looking in, but I wouldn't have it any other way. It is the source of happiness and joy to me--and I hope to my family. But the best part is each person is able to ask and can receive and answer for themselves--if they sincerely ask, with real intent and having faith in Christ, God will make that answer known to them. I have nothing to do with them finding their own answer. You really can't get any more merciful than that.
I love this idea of tender mercies, because at times it can feel like a hidden word puzzle--but it is like trying to find blessings the Lord has already given us. Sometimes It is simply a mater of counting the things we notice as blessings, but other times there is no denying that we are blessed beyond what we deserve. I think the Lord is just that generous with us. Plus, He will bless us as we do what He asks.
The reason this came up is that this past weekend we had General Conference. I usually try to ponder some questions that I might have or issues I am struggling with or what have you and spiritual prepare myself to listen for answers to those kind of questions or conundrums. When the kids were younger I felt like I had more questions that conference could even answer, but we all survive that period of family life and every is still speaking. So I guess that worked out fine. Lately my questions have been more inwardly directed. "Am I doing all I can to show my love for God?" "What else can I do to be a good example to those around me?" "How can I use my time better?" "How can I be of better service to my neighbors, friends and family?"
This particular conference, with The Girl out of a full time mission, I had been mulling over how else I can represent my faith to others--on Facebook, on this blog, in my public interactions with people generally? I discovered tender mercies for two days straight this weekend, and they primarily answered these kinds of questions. Here is what I learned:
I need to speak out more boldly in my sharing of my faith with others.
I can put my faith out there without worrying what someone else may think of it, because it is MY faith. I'm not coercing someone to convert or join.
Just because I haven't had great luck introducing my friends to the Church doesn't mean I haven't made any inroads. I haven't heard of anyone agreeing to listen to the missionaries from something I said or wrote, but that doesn't mean my beliefs have gone unnoticed.
I want to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as I understand it, with others because I have felt a joy that comes from living it. It isn't a selfish reason, that is a completely UNselfish reason.
And, if something makes me happy, I would share that something with people I want to see happy--that is everyone I know and care about--so why wouldn't I want to share the doctrines of the Gospel with people when I know that God lives and loves me, and He answers my prayers. His Son, Jesus Christ, is the Redeemer of the world--and my personal Savior as well. He was resurrected and gives each of us the chance to live again as well. there is more to this life than just getting through it and He makes that possible for us. Because we have the restored priesthood of God--His power on the Earth today--we can be together forever with our families.
These are the things that my faith has helped me recognize and unearth as tender mercies. I see blessings all around me. Why wouldn't I want to share this with others? I want other people to be happy too? Recognizing that was a blessing too.
Living the gospel of Jesus Christ may not look or sound easy from the outside looking in, but I wouldn't have it any other way. It is the source of happiness and joy to me--and I hope to my family. But the best part is each person is able to ask and can receive and answer for themselves--if they sincerely ask, with real intent and having faith in Christ, God will make that answer known to them. I have nothing to do with them finding their own answer. You really can't get any more merciful than that.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
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.
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.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
The Big WHY?
Sunday we had our ward conference and I was touched by the talk given by our Stake President. Now, having worked with him closely in my years with the Young Women's presidency, I admire and love this man. I know he seeks God's will first and foremost. But I was still impressed by what he taught us in that meeting.
Gordon B. Hinckley once said thta we need to look to Christ and come alive. President A first asked "Why?" Why do we look to Christ, and why to we need to look to Christ to come alive?
Why do we have The Living Christ?
It is a testimony of Who He is.
Why do we "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies...?"
So our children will know who to look to for redemption.
Why do we want our "bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith...? and to "let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly...?"
So our confidence will wax strong, that the Holy Ghost might be our constant companion and that the Holy Ghost will testify to us that Jesus is the Christ.
Why can we trust in the Lord?
He will direct us for good.
Why must we "press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men...?"
If we do, feasting on the words of Christ, we will have eternal life.
Why did Christ take upon Himself death?
So He'd know what we need.
Why does He invite us "forth, [to] thrust their hands into his side, and...feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet..?"
So we can remember what He did for us, so we can repent and feel His love and His forgiveness.
Why are were asked to build "upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation..?"
So we can survive the whirlwinds of the devil and the storm of life and will be found standing strong in the end.
Why do we labor to persuade others to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him?
So we can enter into His rest.
Why "be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works...?"
So that we may be sealed His.
Why does He invite us to come unto Christ?
So He can show us our weaknesses--which are not the same as our rebellions--and then He can make them our strengths.
What manner of "men ought ye to be?"
Even as He is. we need to prepare to meet God.
Everything we do is to come unto Christ. All we teach is to lead us to Christ. Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. All things testify of Him. Are we listening to that testimony? Are we adding ours to it? Are we moving closer to Him? If not, WHY?
Gordon B. Hinckley once said thta we need to look to Christ and come alive. President A first asked "Why?" Why do we look to Christ, and why to we need to look to Christ to come alive?
Why do we have The Living Christ?
It is a testimony of Who He is.
Why do we "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies...?"
So our children will know who to look to for redemption.
Why do we want our "bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith...? and to "let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly...?"
So our confidence will wax strong, that the Holy Ghost might be our constant companion and that the Holy Ghost will testify to us that Jesus is the Christ.
Why can we trust in the Lord?
He will direct us for good.
Why must we "press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men...?"
If we do, feasting on the words of Christ, we will have eternal life.
Why did Christ take upon Himself death?
So He'd know what we need.
Why does He invite us "forth, [to] thrust their hands into his side, and...feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet..?"
So we can remember what He did for us, so we can repent and feel His love and His forgiveness.
Why are were asked to build "upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation..?"
So we can survive the whirlwinds of the devil and the storm of life and will be found standing strong in the end.
Why do we labor to persuade others to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him?
So we can enter into His rest.
Why "be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works...?"
So that we may be sealed His.
Why does He invite us to come unto Christ?
So He can show us our weaknesses--which are not the same as our rebellions--and then He can make them our strengths.
What manner of "men ought ye to be?"
Even as He is. we need to prepare to meet God.
Everything we do is to come unto Christ. All we teach is to lead us to Christ. Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. All things testify of Him. Are we listening to that testimony? Are we adding ours to it? Are we moving closer to Him? If not, WHY?
Monday, December 30, 2013
Electronically Sharing the Gospel
Yesterday I had the chance to attend two wonderful sacrament meetings. The first, in our ward, the speakers were a young husband and wife (she is from Wales and has the most darling accent) who spoke on making our homes Christ-centered. They did a great job and were quite delightful speakers.
The second was in another ward in our stake where a young man was leaving for his mission this week. The topic of their speakers was Building the Kingdom of God. From these talks I got the strongest feeling that I needed to say something to a pair of old friends from high school.
Both of these two HS pals posted pictures of them with their significant others--a husband and fiance--with friends in San Fransisco seeing the Book of Mormon musical. I had seen their posts and the thought that these two would come away from the show thinking they knew what I believed and held dear based on what they saw made my heart sink. But until I sat in that sacrament meeting, I wasn't sure what to do.
By the end of the meeting, my heart was pounding and I knew I had to message them and at least tell them a little of what I believe and that if they were ever really interested in knowing about the Book of Mormon, they ought to ask me.
So, I messaged them this morning and this is what I told them:
Hey, you two! Glad you got to see the Book of Mormon musical in SF. I've heard it is a pretty funny show. However, if you are ever interested in what the Book of Mormon actually teaches, please ask me. I've read it and believe it is a wonderful companion to the Bible in teaching us of Jesus Christ and just what God's plan of happiness is for us as His children. The South Park guys see silly and different as funny--and a lot of time it is really is. But any one they take under their microscope is going to be made to sound more than bizarre.
Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior and the Son of God, that we are all one big eternal family of God's children and therefore need to treat one another as such. We believe that we can continue our family relationships after death as we obey His commandments and stay faithful to the covenants we make with God. I don't mean to preach anything to you, but I'd just ask, as old friends, that if you ever were really interested in what Mormons believe, that you'd ask one of us that does believe and lives our faith. I have read the Book of Mormon many times and have felt the love of God in my life as I do. He loves His children on earth now just as much as He did the people in Bible times. I'm glad you had a great experience with the show, but please understand that there is much more depth to this faith that I love than some silly songs and funny lyrics.
I wish you both a very Happy New Year and hope you have a terrific 2014 with your beautiful families!
I just hope it is enough without being preachy. My heart feels better this morning, so I feel better just saying this much.
The second was in another ward in our stake where a young man was leaving for his mission this week. The topic of their speakers was Building the Kingdom of God. From these talks I got the strongest feeling that I needed to say something to a pair of old friends from high school.
Both of these two HS pals posted pictures of them with their significant others--a husband and fiance--with friends in San Fransisco seeing the Book of Mormon musical. I had seen their posts and the thought that these two would come away from the show thinking they knew what I believed and held dear based on what they saw made my heart sink. But until I sat in that sacrament meeting, I wasn't sure what to do.
By the end of the meeting, my heart was pounding and I knew I had to message them and at least tell them a little of what I believe and that if they were ever really interested in knowing about the Book of Mormon, they ought to ask me.
So, I messaged them this morning and this is what I told them:
Hey, you two! Glad you got to see the Book of Mormon musical in SF. I've heard it is a pretty funny show. However, if you are ever interested in what the Book of Mormon actually teaches, please ask me. I've read it and believe it is a wonderful companion to the Bible in teaching us of Jesus Christ and just what God's plan of happiness is for us as His children. The South Park guys see silly and different as funny--and a lot of time it is really is. But any one they take under their microscope is going to be made to sound more than bizarre.
Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior and the Son of God, that we are all one big eternal family of God's children and therefore need to treat one another as such. We believe that we can continue our family relationships after death as we obey His commandments and stay faithful to the covenants we make with God. I don't mean to preach anything to you, but I'd just ask, as old friends, that if you ever were really interested in what Mormons believe, that you'd ask one of us that does believe and lives our faith. I have read the Book of Mormon many times and have felt the love of God in my life as I do. He loves His children on earth now just as much as He did the people in Bible times. I'm glad you had a great experience with the show, but please understand that there is much more depth to this faith that I love than some silly songs and funny lyrics.
I wish you both a very Happy New Year and hope you have a terrific 2014 with your beautiful families!
I just hope it is enough without being preachy. My heart feels better this morning, so I feel better just saying this much.
Monday, March 25, 2013
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.
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.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Change of Attitude?
Today my Primary teaching partner and I will meet and "pow-wow" about our first lesson with our new class. I sent the 6 little girls an "invitation" to join our class on Sunday and a message that we look forward to learning together with them. I have created a "getting to know you" sheet for each of them to take home and fill out so we know their favorite treats, talents, goals, and struggles and with that knowledge help them understand and know the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The lesson itself isn't a difficult one. We are teaching about Joseph Smith's first vision and what he learned about our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus. Since the whole theme of Primary this year is "I am a Child of God" this is a pretty good starting point.
I remember learning about the First Vision in my seminary class. I must have been a junior or senior in high school and, while I knew the story and it's importance before, I never had the Spirit confirm it's reality to me like it did that day. I vividly remember sitting in the classroom, have just re-read the verses in the Joseph Smith history section of the Pearl of Great Price and listening to our wonderful teacher--I believe it was Brother Dickson at the time--bear a sweet simple testimony that he knew what Joseph said was true. Someone had prayed that morning to begin class that we'd have the Spirit of the Lord there with us to teach us and testify to us. Like a huge wave of warm water, the Spirit washed over me as Brother Dickson testified to our class. I knew it too. I had always known it, but now the Spirit confirmed that belief and made it knowledge. It was a powerful class period. And that feeling has stayed with me as I've grown up. That piece of testimony is the foundational block of the the rest of my faith, belief and knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I admit that when this new calling came, I wasn't thrilled with it. I really didn't like that first assignment in Primary I had with Genius Golfer the first year we were married. It was devastatingly distracting and, besides the birth-control factor, did little for my attitude about Primary. The class was full of a bunch of cute-when-silent-and-still hoodlum-monkeys who were never still not silent. I don't remember much from that year except the feeling of disliking my time there.
The other 25+ years of adulthood--if you can call it that--I have spent either in Relief Society or Young Women, both places I feel I have some acumen and talent. I love to teach but prefer to lead discussions and involve the women--old and young--that I teach. I feel I have been blessed with some leadership skills and have been able to develop those talents in presidencies in both other auxiliaries. Primary children don't learn the same way as adults--both older and younger sets. And I feel I have no natural skill set to pull out of my spiritual toolbox with this new assignment. And maybe that is why I have been so hesitant.
But my feeling is shifting, ever so much, as I inch nearer to our first day of "our" new class. My teaching partner, Cassie, and I are developing a personal relationship, to which I am really looking forward. The lesson this week has reminded me of my own testimony development all those years ago in seminary. And I feel more excited about our little group of junior-aged young women.
From my YW experience, I know that God has saved His most valiant and faithful children to come to earth at this time--to prepare for Christ's second coming. It can't be long now,considering the messed up world we live in, but these kids have spend their premortal lives learning spiritually all that they will need. We have the challenge of teaching them, and then keeping up with them. This year I will just get moved up in the line of teaching and guiding a little earlier than the 12-18 year old spot. When I think of it like that, I feel more excited about it overall.
Change isn't easy for me, as it isn't for many people. But I know this is Christ's church on the earth today and this Gospel is TRUE. I know it,I live it and I love it. But wish me luck, just the same.
The lesson itself isn't a difficult one. We are teaching about Joseph Smith's first vision and what he learned about our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus. Since the whole theme of Primary this year is "I am a Child of God" this is a pretty good starting point.
I remember learning about the First Vision in my seminary class. I must have been a junior or senior in high school and, while I knew the story and it's importance before, I never had the Spirit confirm it's reality to me like it did that day. I vividly remember sitting in the classroom, have just re-read the verses in the Joseph Smith history section of the Pearl of Great Price and listening to our wonderful teacher--I believe it was Brother Dickson at the time--bear a sweet simple testimony that he knew what Joseph said was true. Someone had prayed that morning to begin class that we'd have the Spirit of the Lord there with us to teach us and testify to us. Like a huge wave of warm water, the Spirit washed over me as Brother Dickson testified to our class. I knew it too. I had always known it, but now the Spirit confirmed that belief and made it knowledge. It was a powerful class period. And that feeling has stayed with me as I've grown up. That piece of testimony is the foundational block of the the rest of my faith, belief and knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I admit that when this new calling came, I wasn't thrilled with it. I really didn't like that first assignment in Primary I had with Genius Golfer the first year we were married. It was devastatingly distracting and, besides the birth-control factor, did little for my attitude about Primary. The class was full of a bunch of cute-when-silent-and-still hoodlum-monkeys who were never still not silent. I don't remember much from that year except the feeling of disliking my time there.
The other 25+ years of adulthood--if you can call it that--I have spent either in Relief Society or Young Women, both places I feel I have some acumen and talent. I love to teach but prefer to lead discussions and involve the women--old and young--that I teach. I feel I have been blessed with some leadership skills and have been able to develop those talents in presidencies in both other auxiliaries. Primary children don't learn the same way as adults--both older and younger sets. And I feel I have no natural skill set to pull out of my spiritual toolbox with this new assignment. And maybe that is why I have been so hesitant.
But my feeling is shifting, ever so much, as I inch nearer to our first day of "our" new class. My teaching partner, Cassie, and I are developing a personal relationship, to which I am really looking forward. The lesson this week has reminded me of my own testimony development all those years ago in seminary. And I feel more excited about our little group of junior-aged young women.
From my YW experience, I know that God has saved His most valiant and faithful children to come to earth at this time--to prepare for Christ's second coming. It can't be long now,considering the messed up world we live in, but these kids have spend their premortal lives learning spiritually all that they will need. We have the challenge of teaching them, and then keeping up with them. This year I will just get moved up in the line of teaching and guiding a little earlier than the 12-18 year old spot. When I think of it like that, I feel more excited about it overall.
Change isn't easy for me, as it isn't for many people. But I know this is Christ's church on the earth today and this Gospel is TRUE. I know it,I live it and I love it. But wish me luck, just the same.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Seeking Transparency
My post from Monday instigated a couple of comments. One of those came from an unidentified commenter. So in the quest for full disclosure...at least on my part...and seeing that this person's opinion differs from mine, I opt today to post that comment. After all, when you leave an essentially anonymous comment on someone else's personal blog, you really must want to have your voice heard. So I am pleased to accommodate. Here is the comment as was left Monday afternoon:
Crow said... quite the self righteous comments you make. You seem to know all the truth about somenone elses story. Your poor sister appears to be perfect along with you. Climb down out of your rameumptum tower sometime and keep your mouth shut. Perhaps if you did that things would at least not get worse. Just an opinion of a friend that knows the other half of the story.
February 8, 2012 12:40 PM
Since many of you don't read the comments generally, I thought I would just help this commenter out and put it out here in the open where all can see.
The really funny thing is, if they indeed felt my opinion voiced in Monday's post was damaging to whatever their version of the "truth" is, then why would they want to even mention it to either one of the nephews involved in our family drama? But they must have done that, as my older nephew (Hi, J!!) reported that he has apparently been reading my blog for ages and this post Monday crossed the line.
Really? I see where my readers--all 12 of you, by the way--come from in the stats behind the scenes here on the 'ole blog reports.
But if I'm somehow mistaken, and he has been reading then I hope he has also read among the years of posts here of the hope I have in the Savior's atonement and the reality it is in my life and many others. I hope he has read of the faith I have in eternal life and the justice that comes in the next life. I hope he also had read that he has family that loves him, whether he accepts us at this point of life or not. I hope he recognized from past posts that I believe that even when we make mistakes, if we humble ourselves we can also make changes. sometimes those changes require the Lord's help, but the change is possible nonetheless. And most importantly I hope he knows that blame is a dangerous game. And it is sometimes best to sit back and watch what happens when the rules are followed and respect given for the authority placed over us. I also hope that while some people believe they are entitled to their idea of fair, or to a free ride, or a plethora of other whiny requests, I do not. I believe in working hard and taking care of one's family. And in serving others to find a sense of joy and happiness. Finally, I can see the difference between the Gospel of Jesus Christ--which I know to be true--and the Church of imperfect people. My testimony is not of the the people, it is the of the Gospel. And I do my best to live what I recognize as His Gospel, come what may. I will answer to God for whatever my actions bring me. And I am happy to do that. I know we all will eventually.
Crow said... quite the self righteous comments you make. You seem to know all the truth about somenone elses story. Your poor sister appears to be perfect along with you. Climb down out of your rameumptum tower sometime and keep your mouth shut. Perhaps if you did that things would at least not get worse. Just an opinion of a friend that knows the other half of the story.
February 8, 2012 12:40 PM
Since many of you don't read the comments generally, I thought I would just help this commenter out and put it out here in the open where all can see.
The really funny thing is, if they indeed felt my opinion voiced in Monday's post was damaging to whatever their version of the "truth" is, then why would they want to even mention it to either one of the nephews involved in our family drama? But they must have done that, as my older nephew (Hi, J!!) reported that he has apparently been reading my blog for ages and this post Monday crossed the line.
Really? I see where my readers--all 12 of you, by the way--come from in the stats behind the scenes here on the 'ole blog reports.
But if I'm somehow mistaken, and he has been reading then I hope he has also read among the years of posts here of the hope I have in the Savior's atonement and the reality it is in my life and many others. I hope he has read of the faith I have in eternal life and the justice that comes in the next life. I hope he also had read that he has family that loves him, whether he accepts us at this point of life or not. I hope he recognized from past posts that I believe that even when we make mistakes, if we humble ourselves we can also make changes. sometimes those changes require the Lord's help, but the change is possible nonetheless. And most importantly I hope he knows that blame is a dangerous game. And it is sometimes best to sit back and watch what happens when the rules are followed and respect given for the authority placed over us. I also hope that while some people believe they are entitled to their idea of fair, or to a free ride, or a plethora of other whiny requests, I do not. I believe in working hard and taking care of one's family. And in serving others to find a sense of joy and happiness. Finally, I can see the difference between the Gospel of Jesus Christ--which I know to be true--and the Church of imperfect people. My testimony is not of the the people, it is the of the Gospel. And I do my best to live what I recognize as His Gospel, come what may. I will answer to God for whatever my actions bring me. And I am happy to do that. I know we all will eventually.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Do Your Homework Before You Shoot Off Your Mouth
Recently a friend posted this essay on Facebook. I liked it well enough that I would like to share it with you. I agree with her. I just wish those in the media's spotlight would do their homework before they mouth off about something that is hurtful to many and wrong above all. This essay is from Heather Pack:
It seems that every time a Mormon runs for public office, the question as to whether the LDS faith is cult arises. I thought that before I quickly say, "Of course we're not a cult." I'd do some looking to find out what a cult actually is defined to be. A quick Google search of "define cult" yields too many definitions to list here. So I thought I'd use the most common ones as my criteria for determining whether I'm a member of a cult. These are my own opinions and do not represent the official views of my Church.
1. In religious cults the leader is the central focus of belief. In mainstream religions, God is the central focus. The head of our church is Jesus Christ, that's why the official name of our church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
2. Cult recruitment includes deception and concealment of identity and requirements of affiliation. Mainstream groups use no deception and new members are fully aware of the teachings and expectations before they make a commitment. Official missionaries have black tags that identify both their legal name and the name of our church. When proselytizing they are required to have these tags in plain view. In order to be baptized, a new member must answer a series of questions so that it is clear they understand the teachings of our Church.
3. Cults use mind-control techniques and forms of hypnosis to indoctrinate followers. Emotional needs are exploited and people are held psychological hostages through peer pressure, guilt, and fear. Mainstream groups do not resort to unethical means to persuade members. I have never been under hypnosis or had mind-control techniques used on me. I learned the doctrine by reading scriptures and modern-day revelation. I have never felt peer pressure, guilt or fear to join or to continue my membership in the Church.
4. Leaders of cults make their own rules and laws which are often contrary to the rules and laws of society. They often reframe criminal acts (cheating, lying, stealing, even murder) as the will of God. Mainstream groups uphold and value the laws of society. One of our Articles of Faith states, "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."
5. Cults separate and alienate people from family, friends, and society. Mainstream groups value healthy involvement with family, friends and society. Our religion teaches the opposite of this. Our view on the family and society is best outlined in a document titled, "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" Which can be read here: http://lds.org/languages/proclamations/Proclamation_35602_000.pdf
6. Cults are self-serving, often amassing financial fortunes for the leaders at the expense of the followers. In mainstream groups, leaders serve the people and contribute to the welfare of society in general. My church is well-known for its worldwide humanitarian efforts. The leaders of our church may be independently wealthy, but no leader has become wealthy from serving in the Church.
7. A relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister. As of October 2010, 13.8 million people in the world were members of the LDS Church--13.3 million are Jews. So relatively we are not a small group of people. Our religion is well-respected by other religions and people around the world. Being accused of being a cult is definitely the exception, not the rule.
It seems that every time a Mormon runs for public office, the question as to whether the LDS faith is cult arises. I thought that before I quickly say, "Of course we're not a cult." I'd do some looking to find out what a cult actually is defined to be. A quick Google search of "define cult" yields too many definitions to list here. So I thought I'd use the most common ones as my criteria for determining whether I'm a member of a cult. These are my own opinions and do not represent the official views of my Church.
1. In religious cults the leader is the central focus of belief. In mainstream religions, God is the central focus. The head of our church is Jesus Christ, that's why the official name of our church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
2. Cult recruitment includes deception and concealment of identity and requirements of affiliation. Mainstream groups use no deception and new members are fully aware of the teachings and expectations before they make a commitment. Official missionaries have black tags that identify both their legal name and the name of our church. When proselytizing they are required to have these tags in plain view. In order to be baptized, a new member must answer a series of questions so that it is clear they understand the teachings of our Church.
3. Cults use mind-control techniques and forms of hypnosis to indoctrinate followers. Emotional needs are exploited and people are held psychological hostages through peer pressure, guilt, and fear. Mainstream groups do not resort to unethical means to persuade members. I have never been under hypnosis or had mind-control techniques used on me. I learned the doctrine by reading scriptures and modern-day revelation. I have never felt peer pressure, guilt or fear to join or to continue my membership in the Church.
4. Leaders of cults make their own rules and laws which are often contrary to the rules and laws of society. They often reframe criminal acts (cheating, lying, stealing, even murder) as the will of God. Mainstream groups uphold and value the laws of society. One of our Articles of Faith states, "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."
5. Cults separate and alienate people from family, friends, and society. Mainstream groups value healthy involvement with family, friends and society. Our religion teaches the opposite of this. Our view on the family and society is best outlined in a document titled, "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" Which can be read here: http://lds.org/languages/proclamations/Proclamation_35602_000.pdf
6. Cults are self-serving, often amassing financial fortunes for the leaders at the expense of the followers. In mainstream groups, leaders serve the people and contribute to the welfare of society in general. My church is well-known for its worldwide humanitarian efforts. The leaders of our church may be independently wealthy, but no leader has become wealthy from serving in the Church.
7. A relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister. As of October 2010, 13.8 million people in the world were members of the LDS Church--13.3 million are Jews. So relatively we are not a small group of people. Our religion is well-respected by other religions and people around the world. Being accused of being a cult is definitely the exception, not the rule.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Uplifted, Just in Time
I have been asked to give the benediction at Dear Friend Tammy's funeral service today. I am a little stressed about that. I know, it is just a prayer, and I pray every day, so it shouldn't be that big of a deal. But it feels like it is.
That said, I received the most lovely email this weekend from a dear friend, who also happens to be a former teacher, a mentor, and a kind, wise friend. For my post today, I'd like to share our email exchange. Her words made me feel better and gave me a chance to share my own feelings in a different way:
S--I didn't want to post this on facebook, but I am in the same place you are - sad and dismayed over Jenn's passing, only you have had a double loss. Though I question why someone so young was taken, I have to lean on my faith and trust that all is as it should be. With love, T
T--
Thanks for the kind words. It has been a difficult week. Like you, I feel the need to rely on my faith. But even that is not always easy.
Intellectually, I know that years of suffering are over for each friend that has passed from us. And I feel strongly that both families will continue to feel the love of their wife and mother. But there is always that nagging hole in a heart when one we have loved is gone. I certainly don't understand either case--what was to be learned by each situation, each disease? Why did two such good women have to be strickened with such debilitation and pain? Why must they be taken so young form their families who need them yet?
For my case with Tammy, I have felt an increased capacity to offer care and compassion to another. That is a lesson I was too immature to recognize when my own grandmother was suffering through the last 18 years of her life dealing with MS. There was much more I should have felt to do for her, and for my mom who cared for her. I did not, and I have felt some guilt about that ever since. My determination to serve my friend Tammy and her family was, early on, motivated by that guilt, but eventually I came to feel that my Gram had forgiven my stupidity and I felt that she knew I loved her in my own immature and selfish way, regardless of my lack of action toward caring directly for her.
In Jenn's case, I know how much her family loves and cares for her. She lived too far away to be of direct service to her this time, but I feel for her husband and children after seeing what Tammy endured here. Jenn's little brother Stephen, and his family, live in our same small town and occasionally I run into them. I know Jenn has suffered a long time, doing the best she could with this awful disease. Knowing Jenn, too, I am sure she was putting on a brave face until the end. I am sure she passed away with few regrets about her life or her family. I guess some peace can come from having the time to say everything you want to say and to correct any past offenses.
Still, my heart has been heavy with these two friends dying this past week. I have had so many kind words offered to comfort me, and in my heart I feel some level of peace about both friends. The reality of mortality is one we probably would prefer not to deal with--to be reminded that we are only here for a short while, and not really in charge of how long that is. I don't like to force my religious views on others, as my beliefs are pretty personal to me, but I believe that I will see my friends again. A loving God is in charge and knows far better than I do what this is all for and I believe that He is only going to give us what we can withstand. I know He loves us as His children. I look forward to a time when my hope for understanding will be realized, and I see as He does.
In both Jenn's and Tammy's cases, I know they both knew and loved Jesus Christ as their Savior, and that offers me some comfort as well. They were each trying to live lives patterned after Jesus and to do good wherever they went. Their examples strengthened me and encouraged me to be a little better too.
T, I hope you won't see this as preachy or overly zealous, as my faith has been my primary source of comfort and peace during what is otherwise a rotten situation. I appreciate that you are feeling the loss of Jennifer too. I am glad to know she affected you for the better too. She was a lovely woman and great friend. And I don't think that will change--she spirit, her personality, her essence isn't changed by her mortal location. We will recognize her when we meet her again someday.
I hope you will continue to feel some of the peace our united faith can bring, whatever the faith and however we exercise it. It is all the same, and comes from the same source. I didn't mean this to be so long winded, but thanks again for your kindness and compassion to me at this difficult time.
Much love--
S
S, thank you for your sweet and comforting words; your response means a great deal to me. Our churches may be different, but we believe in the same Christ.
To me, our life here is a time of learning and growing as you have done in caring for your friend Tammy. I believe you were deliberately provided with this opportunity. Certainly you have grown in compassion and understanding, and you will never be the same because of this experience.
There is a lot of comfort in First Corinthians, Chapter 13, especially verse 12. I believe it addresses our imperfect knowledge of what is yet to come.
My great grandfather died some years after my great grandmother. As was the way in those days, the family was gathered near his bedside in his last hours. Just as he passed away, he said for all to hear, "I see Ma coming for me." I hope for you and for me, that there is someone to welcome us home when our time comes as well.
Love, T
T--
Thank you. You said it beautifully. And you are right: the Corinthians verse is quite telling. Now to press forward with faith, and trust His love in the meantime.
With much love--
S
My hope today is that we each find the peace that comes from knowing our Savior. There is no other way to find it. Pleasant Monday, my friends.
That said, I received the most lovely email this weekend from a dear friend, who also happens to be a former teacher, a mentor, and a kind, wise friend. For my post today, I'd like to share our email exchange. Her words made me feel better and gave me a chance to share my own feelings in a different way:
S--I didn't want to post this on facebook, but I am in the same place you are - sad and dismayed over Jenn's passing, only you have had a double loss. Though I question why someone so young was taken, I have to lean on my faith and trust that all is as it should be. With love, T
T--
Thanks for the kind words. It has been a difficult week. Like you, I feel the need to rely on my faith. But even that is not always easy.
Intellectually, I know that years of suffering are over for each friend that has passed from us. And I feel strongly that both families will continue to feel the love of their wife and mother. But there is always that nagging hole in a heart when one we have loved is gone. I certainly don't understand either case--what was to be learned by each situation, each disease? Why did two such good women have to be strickened with such debilitation and pain? Why must they be taken so young form their families who need them yet?
For my case with Tammy, I have felt an increased capacity to offer care and compassion to another. That is a lesson I was too immature to recognize when my own grandmother was suffering through the last 18 years of her life dealing with MS. There was much more I should have felt to do for her, and for my mom who cared for her. I did not, and I have felt some guilt about that ever since. My determination to serve my friend Tammy and her family was, early on, motivated by that guilt, but eventually I came to feel that my Gram had forgiven my stupidity and I felt that she knew I loved her in my own immature and selfish way, regardless of my lack of action toward caring directly for her.
In Jenn's case, I know how much her family loves and cares for her. She lived too far away to be of direct service to her this time, but I feel for her husband and children after seeing what Tammy endured here. Jenn's little brother Stephen, and his family, live in our same small town and occasionally I run into them. I know Jenn has suffered a long time, doing the best she could with this awful disease. Knowing Jenn, too, I am sure she was putting on a brave face until the end. I am sure she passed away with few regrets about her life or her family. I guess some peace can come from having the time to say everything you want to say and to correct any past offenses.
Still, my heart has been heavy with these two friends dying this past week. I have had so many kind words offered to comfort me, and in my heart I feel some level of peace about both friends. The reality of mortality is one we probably would prefer not to deal with--to be reminded that we are only here for a short while, and not really in charge of how long that is. I don't like to force my religious views on others, as my beliefs are pretty personal to me, but I believe that I will see my friends again. A loving God is in charge and knows far better than I do what this is all for and I believe that He is only going to give us what we can withstand. I know He loves us as His children. I look forward to a time when my hope for understanding will be realized, and I see as He does.
In both Jenn's and Tammy's cases, I know they both knew and loved Jesus Christ as their Savior, and that offers me some comfort as well. They were each trying to live lives patterned after Jesus and to do good wherever they went. Their examples strengthened me and encouraged me to be a little better too.
T, I hope you won't see this as preachy or overly zealous, as my faith has been my primary source of comfort and peace during what is otherwise a rotten situation. I appreciate that you are feeling the loss of Jennifer too. I am glad to know she affected you for the better too. She was a lovely woman and great friend. And I don't think that will change--she spirit, her personality, her essence isn't changed by her mortal location. We will recognize her when we meet her again someday.
I hope you will continue to feel some of the peace our united faith can bring, whatever the faith and however we exercise it. It is all the same, and comes from the same source. I didn't mean this to be so long winded, but thanks again for your kindness and compassion to me at this difficult time.
Much love--
S
S, thank you for your sweet and comforting words; your response means a great deal to me. Our churches may be different, but we believe in the same Christ.
To me, our life here is a time of learning and growing as you have done in caring for your friend Tammy. I believe you were deliberately provided with this opportunity. Certainly you have grown in compassion and understanding, and you will never be the same because of this experience.
There is a lot of comfort in First Corinthians, Chapter 13, especially verse 12. I believe it addresses our imperfect knowledge of what is yet to come.
My great grandfather died some years after my great grandmother. As was the way in those days, the family was gathered near his bedside in his last hours. Just as he passed away, he said for all to hear, "I see Ma coming for me." I hope for you and for me, that there is someone to welcome us home when our time comes as well.
Love, T
T--
Thank you. You said it beautifully. And you are right: the Corinthians verse is quite telling. Now to press forward with faith, and trust His love in the meantime.
With much love--
S
My hope today is that we each find the peace that comes from knowing our Savior. There is no other way to find it. Pleasant Monday, my friends.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
28th
28) I am grateful to day for the Holy Ghost. I am thankful that I can feel His promptings and have a sensitivity to the spirit. I recognize that the Holy Ghost is available to tell me things I need to know, testify to me of truth as I hear or read or feel it and bring things to my remembrance. I am grateful for the feeling I have when I feel the Spirit. I don't even mind the weeping that comes with that feeling anymore. Lately I feel like I can weep at the drop of a hat, but I sense that it is the Spirit I feel that brings the tears. I am grateful that my spirit is receptive enough to His spirit that I can feel a difference. I am grateful that my heart is not so hardened that I am past feeling that. Each day I get a sense of the nearness of the Holy Ghost in my life, I give thanks. I am learning to discern the Spirit in my daily life, and I am grateful for the re-dos, the do-overs and the try-agains when I miss a prompting and the Lord sends me another one. I am grateful He trusts me enough to prompt me to do or say something by sending His spirit. I hope to someday be in tune with that Spirit all the day long that I might lift those around me and help them to also feel His love and His spirit in their lives.
Friday, November 27, 2009
27th
27) Today I am grateful for the knowledge I have that God lives and loves me; that I am His child and He had a plan for me. I am grateful that He sends us prophets to direct His work on the earth today and that we have lessons recorded by prophets long ago in the scriptures to teach us the things we can do to become what God wants us to become. It isn't an easy life, but it is the best chance we have to learn what matters most and how we can master ourselves by obedience to His commandments. That obedience brings us freedom as we recognize the blessings offered to us as we obey Him. His love is complete and unconditional. His promises are sure. He is our Eternal Father and he want us to choose to return to live with Him again as an eternal family.
Friday, October 9, 2009
It's About Time
This morning I was listening to a talk on my iPod by Sister Camille Fronk Olsen. I believe she gave it at a women's conference in the last year or two. For a while now, I have been pondering some ideas in terms of what I need to teach at a Standards Night for our stake's young women and what thought to share at our stake leadership meeting--both opportunities coming this month. Her message gave me some more ideas, but nothing concrete yet.
One thing that did come to mind, however, is that on this blog I have an opportunity to bear testimony of what I believe and what I knowt o be true. Yet, I have never done that formally. So today, it is about time to do that.
After listening to Elder Holland's powerful witness of the Book of Mormon, I recall the first time I read that book all the way through and took the challenge Moroni issues at it's conclusion--to ask if it is true. I was in high school and a seminary student. I was proud that I had read it all the way through on my own and while I had always felt it was true, I wanted to know for sure myself.
The witness I received was not a powerful or overwhelming event. It was simply a thought and a feeling that told me "You already know it is true." I was comforted to feel that in a simple way and yet I knew I knew it now.
I had a similar experience in coming to know Joseph Smith was a prophet called of God. Again, I was a seminary student. I didn't even get to praying over this one however. I was sitting in our classroom--the Primary room on Sundays--and as I listened to the teacher talk of the Prophet Joseph the Spirit told me very gently that I was hearing the truth. Joseph was called of God to translate the Book of Mormon and the he was the prophet of the restoration. It simply made sense. I felt it was true.
I have never doubted the Christ is the Son of God or that I was a child of God. Those, likewise, just made sense to me. The Spirit doesn't usually give me a big, dramatic sign or evidence. It come gently and without fanfare. But the witness I received of the atonement was a little different. That testimony came after making some dumb mistakes that I knew better to make, but being stupid and young (a dangerous combination) I did them anyway. Luckily, I wasn't beyond feeling the Spirit at that point in my life, because something sparked a thought in me to get things in line or I'd never want to later.
With the guidance of a kind and patient bishop, I was walked through the steps of formal repentance. Some of those steps were not comfortable, but I believed it would help me forsake my wrong behavior and I trusted that following the bishop;s guidance was the way I had to go. He urged me to spend more time in the scriptures, more time and effort and thought in prayer. He urged me to reflect on what I really wanted and what I was going to do to get that.
Through that directive, my prayers became more sincere. My scripture study became more personal. I had felt the Spirit return to me and in feeling that realized I never wanted to be without it again. The difference was startling, and yet I had wandered away from it willingly, and without recognizing the change at first. Now I knew the difference and could feel the loss of it and the return of it. I felt me heart soften and felt a willingness to to what I knew was right. I felt a desire to be obedient to the commandments, like I had never felt before.
In one visit with the bishop following several months of this gradual shift back to God's path, he stopped speaking to me and just looked at me. I felt his gaze go right trough me, but unlike the times that had happened before I was not ashamed of what he might sense in me. Then he smiles and told me I was good. I had done what was necessary to repent and the Lord was pleased. I was in the good hands of the Spirit and the Lord.
Many, many months later, I felt so pleased because I knew I was truly worthy to be in the temple and worthy to receive my endowment and to be married. I was pretty proud of the changes I had made and the opportunities that worthiness was providing me with then.
The only way that change could have happened, was due to the atonement. It is real. I have felt the burden lifted and the lightness that comes from giving it over to the Savior. It is a real affect of understand, in some small way, what the Savior offers us. I know the atonement is real. I know it applied to me and it still does.
If that was the only thing someone learned from knowing me, it would make me feel like I was useful in the Lord's plan. I know now happiness comes from obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. Long term happiness, even into the eternities, can be ours as we covenant with Him and live worthy of those blessings now. Families CAN be together forever. That is the way He planned it to be. I don't understand everything that happens here to mess that up, bu I know that God loves His children and He will make things right someday. That is enough for me.
I sincerely hope people around me can see the knowledge and testimony I have of the Savior, the prophet, the Book of Mormon and of our Heavenly Father just by the way I live my life. I know I am not perfect, but I am perfected in Christ as I utilize the atonement regularly and live the gospel as I understand it. That, I hope, is what people sense when they see me and the way I try to live my life. The Gospel makes me happy. Living the Gospel makes me happy. And so long as I am doing everything I can to be obedient to God, I am making Him happy too.
The simplicity of the Gospel and the love I feel from my Heavenly Father as I live it prove to me over and over again of it's truth. It is about time I let you all know that too.
One thing that did come to mind, however, is that on this blog I have an opportunity to bear testimony of what I believe and what I knowt o be true. Yet, I have never done that formally. So today, it is about time to do that.
After listening to Elder Holland's powerful witness of the Book of Mormon, I recall the first time I read that book all the way through and took the challenge Moroni issues at it's conclusion--to ask if it is true. I was in high school and a seminary student. I was proud that I had read it all the way through on my own and while I had always felt it was true, I wanted to know for sure myself.
The witness I received was not a powerful or overwhelming event. It was simply a thought and a feeling that told me "You already know it is true." I was comforted to feel that in a simple way and yet I knew I knew it now.
I had a similar experience in coming to know Joseph Smith was a prophet called of God. Again, I was a seminary student. I didn't even get to praying over this one however. I was sitting in our classroom--the Primary room on Sundays--and as I listened to the teacher talk of the Prophet Joseph the Spirit told me very gently that I was hearing the truth. Joseph was called of God to translate the Book of Mormon and the he was the prophet of the restoration. It simply made sense. I felt it was true.
I have never doubted the Christ is the Son of God or that I was a child of God. Those, likewise, just made sense to me. The Spirit doesn't usually give me a big, dramatic sign or evidence. It come gently and without fanfare. But the witness I received of the atonement was a little different. That testimony came after making some dumb mistakes that I knew better to make, but being stupid and young (a dangerous combination) I did them anyway. Luckily, I wasn't beyond feeling the Spirit at that point in my life, because something sparked a thought in me to get things in line or I'd never want to later.
With the guidance of a kind and patient bishop, I was walked through the steps of formal repentance. Some of those steps were not comfortable, but I believed it would help me forsake my wrong behavior and I trusted that following the bishop;s guidance was the way I had to go. He urged me to spend more time in the scriptures, more time and effort and thought in prayer. He urged me to reflect on what I really wanted and what I was going to do to get that.
Through that directive, my prayers became more sincere. My scripture study became more personal. I had felt the Spirit return to me and in feeling that realized I never wanted to be without it again. The difference was startling, and yet I had wandered away from it willingly, and without recognizing the change at first. Now I knew the difference and could feel the loss of it and the return of it. I felt me heart soften and felt a willingness to to what I knew was right. I felt a desire to be obedient to the commandments, like I had never felt before.
In one visit with the bishop following several months of this gradual shift back to God's path, he stopped speaking to me and just looked at me. I felt his gaze go right trough me, but unlike the times that had happened before I was not ashamed of what he might sense in me. Then he smiles and told me I was good. I had done what was necessary to repent and the Lord was pleased. I was in the good hands of the Spirit and the Lord.
Many, many months later, I felt so pleased because I knew I was truly worthy to be in the temple and worthy to receive my endowment and to be married. I was pretty proud of the changes I had made and the opportunities that worthiness was providing me with then.
The only way that change could have happened, was due to the atonement. It is real. I have felt the burden lifted and the lightness that comes from giving it over to the Savior. It is a real affect of understand, in some small way, what the Savior offers us. I know the atonement is real. I know it applied to me and it still does.
If that was the only thing someone learned from knowing me, it would make me feel like I was useful in the Lord's plan. I know now happiness comes from obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. Long term happiness, even into the eternities, can be ours as we covenant with Him and live worthy of those blessings now. Families CAN be together forever. That is the way He planned it to be. I don't understand everything that happens here to mess that up, bu I know that God loves His children and He will make things right someday. That is enough for me.
I sincerely hope people around me can see the knowledge and testimony I have of the Savior, the prophet, the Book of Mormon and of our Heavenly Father just by the way I live my life. I know I am not perfect, but I am perfected in Christ as I utilize the atonement regularly and live the gospel as I understand it. That, I hope, is what people sense when they see me and the way I try to live my life. The Gospel makes me happy. Living the Gospel makes me happy. And so long as I am doing everything I can to be obedient to God, I am making Him happy too.
The simplicity of the Gospel and the love I feel from my Heavenly Father as I live it prove to me over and over again of it's truth. It is about time I let you all know that too.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Angels Among Us
Dear Friend Jan put a thought in my head recently and I spent this morning reading the words of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland from last fall's General Conference. In light of all I have been stressing out over and worrying about and keeping my heart heavy with fear and despair over the past several weeks, this was exactly what I needed to hear.
Elder Holland's talk was titled "The Ministry of Angels" and here are a few highlights I gleaned this morning that made me feel better.
Elder Holland's talk was titled "The Ministry of Angels" and here are a few highlights I gleaned this morning that made me feel better.
- In the course of life all of us spend time in “dark and dreary” places, wildernesses, circumstances of sorrow or fear or discouragement. Our present day is filled with global distress over financial crises, energy problems, terrorist attacks, and natural calamities. These translate into individual and family concerns not only about homes in which to live and food available to eat but also about the ultimate safety and well-being of our children and the latter-day prophecies about our planet. More serious than these—and sometimes related to them—are matters of ethical, moral, and spiritual decay seen in populations large and small, at home and abroad.
- I ask everyone within the sound of my voice to take heart, be filled with faith, and remember the Lord has said He “would fight [our] battles, [our] children’s battles, and [the battles of our] children’s children.”10 And what do we do to merit such a defense? We are to “search diligently, pray always, and be believing[. Then] all things shall work together for [our] good, if [we] walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith [we] have covenanted.”11 The latter days are not a time to fear and tremble. They are a time to be believing and remember our covenants.
- I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face. “[N]or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man [or woman or child] upon the face thereof to be saved.”13 On occasions, global or personal, we may feel we are distanced from God, shut out from heaven, lost, alone in dark and dreary places. Often enough that distress can be of our own making, but even then the Father of us all is watching and assisting. And always there are those angels who come and go all around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal.
While I have never been visited by heavenly angels that I could see, I know that I have local, friendly angels who attend me regularly, and probably more than I deserve. I had a sense last night that I was protected by an unseen angel of the heavenly sort when I especially needed it as well, and while others were praying for me. This doesn't change the knowledge I have that God loves me, that I am His daughter and He will help me as I try to do what He has asked me to do. But it makes me feel better in between moments of strength and doubt.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Called to Serve....
In October, our stake's youth (ages 12-18) participate in a month long series of activities and events to help the kids feel the Missionary Spirit and get a vision of what missionaries do and (hopefully) excite them to want to serve church missions when the time comes.
Last night was the MTC Kick Off. MTC (for those who don't know) stands for Missionary Training Center, and is the physical center where missionaries are trained prior to being sent out to teach the Gospel around the world.
At the real MTC, located in Provo near BYU, the new missionaries and their families come in together and sing a song, have a prayer, and listen to a little instruction then the missionaries are instructed to say goodbye to their families. The missionaries go out one door, and the parents go out another--and the missionary is on his or her way.
Last night, we brought all the kids and their parents into the chapel and had a song and prayer. We watched the instructional video they show at the real MTC and then the kids were instructed to go one way and the parents were asked to stay where they were. Our Stake President spoke to the parents about preparing kids for missions and what we can do to help the kids get ready, in more ways than just getting enough dress shirts and the right kind of shoes. He taught that the preparation the kids really need begins long before the paperwork to go starts.
It was a good meeting. The Girl came back home with me at the end and seemed to be in a good mood. She has always talked of serving a mission, and I hope she does.
A little part of me wishes I did when I was 21, but I know the way I did things was right for me. Besides I have had two little investigators that I have tried to teach the gospel for 11 and 13 years so far. We are making progress--they WERE baptized--but we continue to teach them so their testimonies will be strong.
I'm sure grateful for missionaries that found my grandparents many decades ago. The missionaries who taught them and helped them develop a testimony, and decide to join the Church. I am grateful for a home teacher who was sensitively doing his job and continued to teach my parents the Gospel and loved them and helped them see that the blessings of the temple were important to a their family. And I am so grateful to my parents who have taught me what was right with their words and more powerfully with their actions as they lived the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They give me a lot of strength, knowing that they love God and they trust Him. They showed me how to serve in the church--and it wasn't convenient or easy, at times. But you do what you need to and the Lord makes up for what you can't do. I am the beneficiary of all the testimonies that were developed before me. I am blessed because the Gospel was taught to my family before I was born. I am blessed now to have the Gospel to teach my children and to show them what the Lord has done for them in preparing a Plan of Happiness for them. My deepest wish is that they both "get it" and hold to it as tight as they can. If The Boy and the Girl can develop their own testimonies to be the kind that are unshakable and completely sure, I could ask for nothing more. I can do all I can to see that happen, and then, I have to let go and let the Lord fill in where I have missed. I think they are on the right track now, and I hope they continue. Having a testimony is what makes it possible to go on every day in the face of troubles and trials. Without a knowledge that the Lord has a plan and His plan is just and merciful, it would be really easy to fold and give up. That is the kind of security that lasts, and that is what we are trying to give our kids. Luckily we aren't doing it alone. Thanks to all of you who help us do this massively important job. And I thank a loving Heavenly Father who has given us the tools to do our best, with His children.
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