What I'm Thankful For ...

....knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The past year has been extremely heartbreaking, challenging and difficult. I never knew a person could have SO MANY TEARS and that they could come out during a variety of experiences (ie: grocery shopping, a lesson about Eli and Samuel in the Old Testament, going to the park, etc). The past couple of weeks have been quite heart-wrenching and I wanted a TIME-OUT from life, then came that "Heavenly Lifeline". Today, I was checking out a couple of blogs, when I came across this video and this testimony and talk.

I especially love Elder Holland's thoughts:

"Yet in my mind’s eye, for just an instant, I thought perhaps I saw on that side road an old car with a devoted young wife and two little children making the best of a bad situation there. Just ahead of them I imagined that I saw a young fellow walking toward Kanarraville, with plenty of distance still ahead of him. His shoulders seemed to be slumping a little, the weight of a young father’s fear evident in his pace. In the scriptural phrase his hands did seem to “hang down.” 15 In that imaginary instant, I couldn’t help calling out to him: “Don’t give up, boy. Don’t you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead—a lot of it—30 years of it now, and still counting. You keep your chin up. It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come.”

Their words reminded me how grateful I am for a Heavenly Father who throws me a lifeline, just when I'm ready to say "I QUIT!"

THANK YOU!!!!

Faith

I had a good friend post a talk given by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in a BYU Devotional this past January. I finally read it and it was just what I needed.

Isn't amazing how you feel hope slipping away and then something reminds you to hold on a little longer. I love how my Heavenly Father knows me and gives me just what I need.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

I received three emails this afternoon regarding the Elder Wirthlin's passing. I loved listening to his talks and feeling of his spirit at conference time. I will miss his cheerfulness and joy for life. I am saddened by his passing, but find joy in the fact that he is with his beloved wife, Elisa. He can also see President Hinckley. I am sure he is so happy to see family and friends.

Sunday in Relief Society, we discussed his talk from last conference, Come What May, and Love it. I remember him giving the talk and the laughter and tears I shed as I listened. Hearing and discussing his thoughts during church brought similar emotions. I wanted to share some of my thoughts and feelings. In the talk he gives us four points to focus on during trials and adversity. They are:

1. Learn to Laugh
2. Seek for the Eternal
3. The Principle of Compensation
4. Trust in the Father and the Son

I laughed when I read about their family adventures and getting lost on road trip - something Reed and I struggled with until we purchased our GPS. :) I also loved the story of his daughter and her blind date.

One of the things I remember from college was something a friend of mine said. I was having a difficult time and her reply was, "Will this effect your Eternal Progression?" That is a question that constantly come to mind when I have a choice before me or if I am struggling with something. Typically my problems will not halt my progression, it is the attitude I have toward those problems and how I react to them that can hinder my eternal progression.

I have noticed that how the Lord blesses me so much even when I am about to give up. His love sweetly enters my heart and the pain and hurt are removed. How grateful I am for His love.

I loved the end of his talk:

"Although my mother has long since passed to her eternal reward, her words are always with me. I still remember her advice to me given on that day long ago when my team lost a football game: “Come what may, and love it.”

I know why there must be opposition in all things. Adversity, if handled correctly, can be a blessing in our lives. We can learn to love it.

As we look for humor, seek for the eternal perspective, understand the principle of compensation, and draw near to our Heavenly Father, we can endure hardship and trial. We can say, as did my mother, “Come what may, and love it.” Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

Mommy, Tell Me a Story

Ms. A has a tendency of waking up around midnight lately. She is normally inconsolable for about five minutes. My typical way of calming her down is by telling her a story about her. She loves to hear how she was when she was a tiny, little baby. How she learned things. How she did things. It's wonderful to relive those sweet memories. She also adores stories I make up involving "My Little Ponies."

Two nights ago, she woke up and I tried by usual tactics, but they didn't work! I had to try something else. We spoke about how much mommy and daddy love her. we talked about the temple and then Ms. A mentioned she had a picture of the temple in her room. We talked a little about that and she stated she didn't have a picture of Jesus in her room. I quickly grabbed the picture on her bookcase that was out of her sight and told her the story of Jesus blessing the Nephite children.

Last night the same thing happened, inconsolable crying, cuddles. asking if she wanted to her at story about her, ponies or some other thing. Finally she looked at me and asked for a story about Jesus. I told her about my favorite part in The Book of Mormon, Christ's visit to the Nephites. I told her about the best part within that story of Christ blessing the children. She closed her eyes and started to drift off to sleep. When I finished, her eyes popped open and she said, "Tell me another story about Jesus." As she lay down and started to sleep, I told her about the birth of Christ and what a special baby he was, how he grew up and taught the people and he was the same man who blessed those little ones. I told her how much He loves her. It was the perfect mommy, daughter goodnight story/experience.

Stand and Be Counted

I went to a Relief Society Board meeting on Sunday to discuss the needs of the sisters in our ward. Our Relief Society Presidency gave us the theme for next year: "Stand and Be Counted."

As I have thought about those words and the meaning behind them, I have realized even more the necessity to STAND.

STAND for what is TRUE.
STAND for what is RIGHT.
STAND for what is GOOD.
STAND UP for your BELIEFS.

Throughout the scriptures and especially in The Book of Mormon, we read countless experiences where a person or people stand. I love the story of Chief Captain Moroni and his willingness to stand up to the wickedness of his day and to stand for truth. One of my favorite scriptures describing Moroni are found in Alma 48:11-13 and 17

Can you imagine a world filled with people and leaders who had the characteristics of Moroni -

Strong and mighty.
A perfect understanding.
Did not delight in bloodshed.
Found joy in the liberty and freedom of his country and brethren.
Full of thanksgiving to His God.
One who labors exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.
Firm in the faith of Christ.

Surely, "if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto ^aMoroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men. " verse 17

I love the scriptures found in Doctrine and Covenants 27:15-16

Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand.

Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have sent mine angels to commit unto you;

My favorite line in this scripture is "...having done all, that ye may be able to stand." I love the picture that comes to my mind. Having a foundation built upon my Savior and His teachings will give me the strength to stand, no matter what is happening in the world. I know that is true. When the world seems to be falling apart, Jesus Christ is our refuge, our shield, our strength. We need only to stand. Be an example. Be true. Be righteous. Be like our Savior.

Last month we had a lesson in Relief Society from the teachings of Joseph Smith, the prophet. The lesson was entitled Stand Fast through the Storms of Life. Below is my favorite quote.

“Stand fast, ye Saints of God, hold on a little while longer, and the storm of life will be past, and you will be rewarded by that God whose servants you are, and who will duly appreciate all your toils and afflictions for Christ’s sake and the Gospel’s. Your names will be handed down to posterity as Saints of God. (Joseph Smith)

It is my hope and prayer that we each will have the courage and strength to STAND and be Counted. Stand for what is true. Stand for what is right. stand for what is good. Stand up for your beliefs.

Standing as a Witness

With the past two weeks I have been reminded how fragile life is. What do I want my family, my daughter and my friends to remember about me if something should happen. I am saddened by the way so many people are pulling away from the teachings of Jesus Christ. Our ward Relief Society, my church women's group, has been challenged to write down our testimony of Jesus Christ. I thought I would share what I wrote. I wanted to STAND and STATE what I KNOW!

I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior, the Son of God, my King, my friend and my brother. I know He lives. He died and on the third day He was resurrected. Because He was resurrected, I can be also. I look forward to the day when I can bend on my knees before Him and with tears of joy, reverence and love; I can express my gratitude for His love, His sacrifice and His perfect example.

I am so grateful for His Atonement, he overcame death through His resurrection and created a way for me to be forgiven of my sins in the Garden of Gethsemane. I am grateful for His willingness to take upon Him all of my sins, mistakes, pains, and heartaches. He is the one I can turn to when I feel alone, sad, scared or happy. It is such a miracle to me that He willingly took my sins and died for me. When I think of His Atonement I am in awe at His great love for me and all of Heavenly Father’s children. Thinking about His love helps me focus on how I should act and how I should treat others. It also brings my heart back where it should be. Because He took upon Him my sins, if I repent and follow His teachings I can live with my Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, my family and my friends.

I know that Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father appeared to Joseph Smith and ushered in this the last Dispensation of Time. I am so grateful for the knowledge revealed to Joseph. I know that he restored the Gospel to the earth through the Holy Ghost. I know the Book of Mormon is true. I know that it testifies of Christ and His gospel. No better source of Christ’s teachings can be found anywhere else. I love reading in 3 Nephi when the Savior visits the Nephites and Lamanites. I especially love the passage where He blesses the children. I feel His love for the people and for me. I am grateful for the blessings the Gospel brings to my life and to my family.

What a blessing to have a friend and elder brother like Jesus. He knows me better than I do. He knows my potential and the intents of my heart. He will be my advocate with my Father. I know He loves me. I love Him and will be eternally grateful for His sacrifice and love.