Echo Hawk Marine BofM

 In a talk given in October 2012 entitled "Come Unto Me, O Ye House of Israel", Elder Larry Echo Hawk of the Seventy shared this story:

I volunteered for service in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Soon after my arrival in Quantico, Virginia, for basic training, I found myself standing at attention in front of my barrack’s bunk along with 54 other Marine Corps recruits. I met my drill instructor, a battle-hardened veteran, when he kicked open the door to the barracks and entered while screaming words laced with profanity.

After this terrifying introduction, he started at one end of the barracks and confronted each recruit with questions. Without exception, the drill instructor methodically found something about each recruit to ridicule with loud, vulgar language. Down the row he came, with each marine shouting back his answer as commanded: “Yes” or “No, Sergeant Instructor.” I could not see exactly what he was doing, because we had been ordered to stand at attention with our eyes looking straight ahead. When it was my turn, I could tell he grabbed my duffel bag and emptied the contents onto my mattress behind me. He looked through my belongings, then walked back to face me. I braced myself for his attack. In his hand was my Book of Mormon. I expected that he would yell at me; instead, he moved close to me and whispered, “Are you a Mormon?”

As commanded, I yelled, “Yes, Sergeant Instructor.”

Again I expected the worst. Instead, he paused and raised his hand that held my Book of Mormon and in a very quiet voice said, “Do you believe in this book?”

Again I shouted, “Yes, Sergeant Instructor.”

At this point I was sure he would scream disparaging words about Mormons and the Book of Mormon, but he just stood there in silence. After a moment he walked back to my bunk and carefully laid down my Book of Mormon. He then proceeded to walk by me without stopping and went on to ridicule and disparage with profane language all remaining recruits.

I have often wondered why that tough Marine Corps sergeant spared me that day. But I am grateful I was able to say without hesitation, “Yes, I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” and “Yes, I know the Book of Mormon is true.”

I love that he had the courage to boldly proclaim that he was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (a "Mormon" as the sergeant called him) and that he believed the Book of Mormon was true.  That would take courage and faith but it's also so comforting and strengthening to have that testimony, regardless of how others react.

LESSONS LEARNED:  Boldly declare what I know to be true.

I, too, have a knowledge and testimony that the Book of Mormon is true.  I'm grateful every day to have that knowledge and to be a member of the Church.

Christian or Catholic?

 On Sunday (over Zoom) we had a beautiful lesson by Susan Gustafson about the correct name of the Church.  It truly was so beautiful.  While she was teaching, a memory from when I was a young child came to mind.  

I was probably in about 1st or 2nd grade.  A classmate was talking about church and asked me, "Are you a Christian or a Catholic?"  Honestly, I had never heard either of these words before...or at least I didn't think I had.  I said I didn't know, but that I was a Mormon.  I think my friend was unimpressed or even troubled that I wasn't Christian or Catholic (though I think my Catholic friends would be troubled that they were separated out from being Christian!)

I went home and told my parents about it.  I think they were a bit embarrassed that I hadn't known what it meant to be a Christian and explained that a Christian is someone who believes in and follows Christ.  We are Christian, they assured me.

Now I know that some Christians will differentiate members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and say that we aren't Christian, but I think that at least ONE important reason to refer to the Church by its full name is that it helps us to be more fully cognizant of the fact that we are Christian.  And hopefully it makes that more clear to those not of our faith.  

LESSONS LEARNED:  A name is important, including nicknames.  Our names for the church should reflect the fact that we are disciples of Christ.  We are Christian.

Food Storage Organization

 I am not very organized.  And my food storage has been something I have worked on in fits and starts but never with a very good plan or organization in place.  But after October conference, I knew I needed to begin and be more organized and more diligent. 

SO I created a document with everything I currently have in food storage and inventoried it all. I threw away anything old and counted how much of each item I have.  Then every time I go to the store, I update the inventory. And every time I use anything from the food storage, I mark that down so I know what we're going through in a month.  I recognize it's only been 3 weeks...but first, I am impressed with the fact that I got a system set up and inventoried everything I have.

And so far, I have been completely consistent.  Every time I use something from food storage I mark it down.  Every time I have been grocery shopping, I have bought items to add to my food storage and I've marked them on my inventory.  Obviously I haven't made a huge difference in just three weeks. But I have started and I feel a sense of accomplishment and a sense of gratitude that the Lord is blessing my efforts.  Because I know that I'm NOT good at staying organized like this.  And yet--I think because I feel a sense of urgency but also because the Lord is magnifying my efforts, I'm doing better than I thought I would and it really does feel manageable.  And I know there will be blessings from being obedient.

God Prevail Review

 I run a group on Facebook called President Nelson Conference Talk Challenge group.  I started it two  years ago when I was reading every conference talk President Nelson had given...and honestly when I started it I just kind of thought it would be a group for that summer and that would be it.  But then I felt prompted to start another related challenge...and a little over two years later, there are 1,518 members of the group.  I get new requests daily.  And while most members don't actively participate, some do.  And there is obviously a desire to follow the teachings of our prophet.  So I knew we needed to act when President Nelson invited us:  "As you study your scriptures during the next six months, I encourage you to make a list of all that the Lord has promised He will do for covenant Israel. I think you will be astounded! Ponder these promises. Talk about them with your family and friends. Then live and watch for these promises to be fulfilled in your own life."

I developed a plan in which on Mondays I post the Come Follow Me readings for that week and people can comment throughout the week about the promises they notice as they are reading.  On Tuesdays, I post a food storage challenge and a quote related to food storage from conference.  On Wednesdays I post some additional scripture readings related to covenants and Israel.  On Fridays, I post a conference talk related to covenants and Israel.  And on Sundays I invite each member to ponder these promises and watch for how they have been fulfilled in their lives that week and then to record it.  So my plan is to do that recording each Sunday.  I'm glad that I waited until now on this Sabbath day because just as I was thinking about what to write, I realized I saw two fulfillments today.

First, in Inklings Institute on Instagram (which has a very similar plan to mine but NOT the exact same...and I'm really trying to do my plan AND theirs!) Emily Freeman talked about the phrase "the god of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" and what we learn about God from their stories.  We learn that we have a God who keeps His promises from Abraham, a God who provides from Isaac's story and a God that prevails from Jacob's story.  Promises, provides, prevails.

I also love the verses that say that He will be in our midst, that He will go before us and be our rearward.  And I love the promise in 3 Nephi 22:10  "For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee."

And these two verses:  3 Nephi 22:

13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

14 In righteousness shalt thou be established; thou shalt be far from oppression for thou shalt not fear, and from terror for it shall not come near thee.

So I am sure that there have been other evidences of these things in my life this week.  But here are two from today.

Today I had a busy day with several meetings.  Right after my last meeting our ward executive secretary, Gary, called.  I though maybe he wanted me to meet with our Bishop.  But actually he asked about one of our Young Women, one I have been very worried about.  He had an idea about something that he thought might help her.  And it really might if she is willing to go for it (and that's a big IF.)  Boy do I hope it does help because the things I'm doing aren't working.  But here's what I realize tonight...first, I absolutely think Gary was inspired.  Second, I think that is evidence that the Lord is hearing my fervent prayers (and I'm sure the fervent prayers of many others.)  And finally...and probably most important to me right now, it was a reminder to me that our Heavenly Father is aware of my worries but also that he is mindful of this precious Young Woman who He loves far more than I do.  He reminded me that I'm not alone in caring for this young woman...and that He will continue to work to bless her and help her and reach out to her.  He keeps His promises and He provides for His children.  

The election is coming very soon. And I'm struggling.  I don't feel like there is a decent candidate for president.  My ballot sits on the kitchen table, reminding me daily that I need to vote but also causing me anxiety because I still don't know how to vote.  And Alfredo keeps asking me how I am going to vote and is frustrated that I'm struggling.  He really, really dislikes Trump.  He listens to very liberal Trump haters (who often report things inaccurately and who hate/detest/vilify Trump.)  Now I am not a Trump supporter.  I dislike most of what comes out of his mouth.  But I also think that we should be fair and respectful and I feel like I should have the right to make a decision without feeling pressured.  Also, whenever he comes up the things that are said about him by my family aren't kind. So tonight we were reading 4 Nephi 1 and we talked about the people after Christ's ministry among the Nephites and how they had peace and they had all things in common and there were no -ites and they had the love of God in their hearts.  And there never had been a happier people among the people of Nephi...and likely had only ever been one other people, the people of Enoch, that had been as happy as them.   And then we read the second half of Nephi and watch it all unravel.  It starts slow.  It begins with a few people leaving the church and calling themselves Lamanites.  But soon there are dissensions and contentions. And then we read verse 39..."And they were taught to hate the children of God, even as the Lamanites were taught to hate the children of Nephi from the beginning."  Now I know that this is really talking about the unbelievers hating the believers...but when I read this I teared up and fervently explained to my children that I think it is absolutely okay to talk about the things we disagree with (in politics or other aspects), it is okay to point out the ways in which a leader fails to lead in a manner we see fit.  But I think we can quickly cross a line.  Because even though I do not like many of the things Trump does...and I long for better leadership for our nation...I do not hate the man.  Hatred, anger, contention begin to canker our hearts.  They blind us and harden us and make it difficult if not impossible to feel the Holy Ghost.  And so I don't know if it will make a permanent difference or not...though I hope it will...but we all had a little lesson tonight in remembering that every person we meet is a child of God.  And we should be careful in how we speak about them.  Disagreement is fine.  Differences in views is fine.  Anger, hatred, and contention are not.  I do not want to become like the people of 4 Nephi as Satan "did get hold upon their hearts." (verse 28)  This was a moment when the Lord helped me to make sure that my children were "taught of the Lord."

I have moments of discouragement and sorrow, but being reminded that God promises, provides, and prevails gives me such great peace.  He is mindful of me, of my family, of those I love, and of those I serve.  

LESSONS LEARNED:  God promises (and keeps His promises), He provides, and He prevails!  

I can find and feel peace even in turbulent times.

Eubank Crocodile Aid

 Sister Sharon Eubank shared this on her Facebook page yesterday.  I think it is such wise counsel:

The Mara River in Kenya is a place where many wildlife cross at certain times of the year to get to the grasses on the other side. The river is also the home to 15 foot or 5 meter Nile crocodiles, who are always on the lookout for dinner, which often includes antelope.

Like these inexperienced antelope, we may see the dangers in the river but not necessarily recognize them as dangers. Instead, we wade right into the water and the herd follows us. The Lord doesn’t always relieve us of the crocodiles in our lives, but he gives us some helps to get to the other side of the river.

One of these helps is experience. Zebras and wildebeests know what it takes to fight off crocodiles and which parts of the river the crocs don’t like to swim. Who are the zebra and wildebeests in your life? Your list might include parents, friends, ministers, and teachers. I’ve found some of the best “wildebeests” experiences written in the scriptures, and I’m thankful for people who want to help me cross the river successfully.

A second help is a boat. A boat keeps us out of the water, protected, and able to steer and navigate. Our covenants are like protective boats that keep us dry. The gift of the Holy Ghost is a rudder that steers and helps guides the boat. Keeping our covenants so the Holy Ghost can be with us is one of the most important things we can do with our lives.

The third help is a view from above—prophets. From our vantage point, it’s almost impossible to see the wily crocodiles. Prophets can act like a small drone that sees the view from above. The Lord shows them things from a different angle and they tell us about the location and movement of crocodiles.

We have to be spiritually courageous to cross the river. But if you get caught, know this: you are never too far gone. When you repent, the Atonement of Jesus Christ reaches into that croc’s mouth, pulls you out, and puts you back together so that you are once again free.

LESSONS LEARNED: Learn from your experiences (that is a big purpose behind the "3 word journal").

Keep your covenants.

Follow the prophet.

When you make mistakes (and you will), repent. Allow the Atonement of Christ to heal you.

Gardiner God Cares

 Christie Gardiner, an LDS author I follow, shared this story on Instagram today.  I love it so much!!

Here's what she wrote:

"God loves you. He is aware of you specifically. He cares about what you care about. He sends earthly and heavenly angels to minister to us.

....Today is about a miracle. And Jesus. And HEARING GOD. I cannot separate myself like oil and water from my spirituality. I’ve tried but it doesn’t work. My Heavenly Mother, Father, Savior and Holy Spirit are in everything I am.

Before I go on, let me say that this story is about a community theatre play.  I know it's just a play.  We've all lost a lot in 2020 so to talk about the potential loss of a role in a show might seem silly at first.  Believe me, the blows of my 2020 have been much bigger than this play (as they have for everyone) but for some reason  I've handled the big stuff with a lot more grace (which isn't saying much because really, how graceful can one be whilst eating their feelings in their bed for months on end?)  

A  few weeks back, the show I’m in was two days away from opening when a castmate’s wife tested positive for the coronavirus and the show faced yet another uncertain future. After being cast on January 11th in a role I’ve wanted for over six years, having paused production for Corona numerous times and being two tiny days away from finally opening, I felt deflated. It seemed more than my 2020-torn-to-pieces heart could handle. In a moment of emotional desperation I asked a few of my castmates this question: “Do you think God cares specifically about this show?”

One of them replied, “I think God cares about you keeping your covenants. Outside of that, I’m not really sure.”

“You and me both.” I thought.

It took a couple weeks but a two-day miracle helped me know the answer.

After our cast quarantine and another scare from a Gubernatorial announcement requiring 
even more last minute safety measures, we finally opened our show on Oct 17, a full nine months after having been cast. As a result I am currently in the middle of an intense run with lots of shows crammed into a small time.
Hours before Thursday’s show we got some hard news at home which broke my heart. The crying from that news coupled with sheer exhaustion settled itself into my body in the form of intense sinus pressure and congestion. Not great for singing. 
 (Don’t worry. No fever, no cough, no loss of taste, no corona symptoms.) Before leaving I asked my husband to give me a priesthood blessing. (A type of prayer). In this prayer it was said that I would be able to perform and I would be pleased with my performance. I went to the theatre and went about preparing with no change. “Oh well,” I thought, “I’ll just have to do my best.” Then, right before the show started, as the opening announcement was being made, I was walking outside from one side of the stage to the other when I felt my sinuses crack open and completely clear. I gasped and the answer to the question I had asked my castmates weeks ago came to me in these words to my mind, “Yes, I care about this play.” Out in the cold air, my heart soared.


I performed well, with a clear voice and then, just as I bowed at the end of the show I 
felt the sinus congestion settle itself back down in my head. He didn’t take it completely away but He let me have reprieve.

Friday morning, I woke up with no voice. None. I couldn’t even get a word out of my mouth without my voice cracking. What was happening? I tried to have faith remembering my answer from the night before. Heaven cares! I began all the singers protocols: apple cider vinegar/honey/lemon tea, throat coat, entertainer’s secret, essential oils, meditation and personal prayer. I tried to remain calm knowing that panic or tears would not help. I went to a friend’s house for lunch with four women and my beautiful friends ministered to me. They rubbed my feet with oils, they offered words of encouragement, they told me they believed in me. My one friend said, “I see you singing there on stage with the Savior right beside you and it is beautiful.” They were angels.
An hour before I needed to drive to the theatre I tried to sing my songs and there was no 
voice there. I reached out to several other friends and asked for prayers. One friend even extended the request to a prayer circle to which we both belong. Within minutes, at least a dozen dear friends were praying for me. I prayed that my grandmother and great grandmother who loved performing would be able to be with me from Heaven.
Just as the night before, performance time came and my body gave me what I needed to deliver a performance of which I was proud. One friend who came to the show had heard me speak earlier that morning and was in pure shock. “How did you do that?” she asked. I didn’t. It was God. Because, in answer to the question I posed to my castmates weeks ago, Yes, He cares about this show. I think He cares because I care and I matter to him.
Do 
I know why I was given miracles to this little thing and have not been given the miracles I wanted when pleading for much more important things? I don’t. Do I know why God answers “yes” sometimes and “no” others? No. Do I still wonder about the mysteries of God? Every day. I feel like the Book of Mormon prophet Nephi who says, “I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.”

I don’t fully understand any of it. But on this day, I want to testify to what I do know: YOU matter to Him. What you care about matters to Him. You are NOT alone. Our Heavenly family is there in the answered prayers AND the silence. Open your eyes, heart, and ears. See, feel and hear. 



Praise God in the answers. Praise God in the silence. Praise God in all the lessons.
LESSONS LEARNED:  God is in the details of our lives.  Sometimes that is easy to see and sometimes it is harder, but it is always true.


We should praise God in all of the lessons.


We are not alone.  


Prayers are answered.

Nelson Promises Israel

 In General Conference, President Nelson extended this invitation: "As you study your scriptures during the next six months, I encourage you to make a list of all that the Lord has promised He will do for covenant Israel. I think you will be astounded! Ponder these promises. Talk about them with your family and friends. Then live and watch for these promises to be fulfilled in your own life."

As part of my studies, I am also reading conference talks related to covenants and Israel. Last night I read his talk Covenants (given in 2011) and was so touched by the promises he gave:

*Jesus the Christ would be born through Abraham's lineage.

*Through Israel, all the nations of the earth would be blessed.

*Eternal increase and priesthood.

*Turning away every one of you from his iniquities (maybe that doesn't stand out as a promise at first...but the more I think about it, the more I love that promise...He can help us turn from sin and iniquity and weakness and turn toward Him and repent.)

*We can receive patriarchal blessings which give us a vision for the future and a connection with the past.

*Children of the covenant have the right to receive His doctrine and know the plan of salvation.

*We will be joint heirs to the blessings of an eternal family.

*We can/will know who we are and what God expects of us. (I think this is such a precious blessing...closely tied to the blessings of a patriarchal blessing.)

*The Law will be written in our Hearts.

*He is our God. We are His people.

*The sting of death is soothed.

*Our spiritual stamina will be strengthened.

*We can dwell with God in a neverending state of happiness.

Already President Nelson is correct that I am "astounded" by the promises given and how blessed we are! I have already filled pages with notes about what I'm learning.

Also, listening to a podcast entitled Unshaken, I really love what Jared Halverson said about exclusivity that leads to inclusivity. He has a "chosen people" but the intent is that those who have made covenants don't do so just to earn blessings for themselves but invite others to come unto Christ so that all of God's children can and will be blessed. I'm so grateful for these (and so many other) promises that I'm coming to understand a little better.

Harkness Swimming Help!

Sister Lisa L. Harkness shared this story in General Conference:

"When our children were young, our family spent a few days at a beautiful lake. One afternoon some of the children put on life jackets before jumping off a deck and into the water. Our youngest daughter watched with hesitation, carefully observing her siblings. With all the courage she could muster, she plugged her nose with one hand and jumped. She immediately popped up and with a bit of panic in her voice yelled, “Help me! Help me!”

Now, she was not in any mortal danger; her life jacket was doing its job, and she was floating safely. We could have reached out and pulled her back on the deck with little effort. Yet from her perspective, she needed help. Perhaps it was the chill of the water or the newness of the experience. In any case, she climbed back onto the deck, where we wrapped her in a dry towel and complimented her on her bravery.

Whether we are old or young, many of us have, in moments of distress, uttered with urgency words such as “Help me!” “Save me!” or “Please, answer my prayer!”

Just like she was watching her daughter carefully and knew that her daughter was safe,  we have a loving Heavenly Father who is watching over us and making sure that we are safe.  We may feel we are in grave danger (and at times we may even be in danger), but we are never left alone.  Our flailing and panic do little to solve the problem but our trust that God has a plan and is ever near can help us feel peace even in the midst of difficulty.  I love Sister Harkness' reminder that when the disciples were on a storm-tossed sea and cried out in fear, "Master, carest thou not that we perish?"...Jesus was in the boat.  Whatever storm we are facing, Jesus is there in the boat.  

Rio Grange (from Work and Wonder on Instagram) compared this to her husband teaching her daughter to ride a bike.  He'd be right behind her, holding onto the seat but because she was scared and she was looking forward, she would get angry and wonder why he wasn't helping her more. And eventually, he needed to let go and let her try to find her balance without him helping or she'd never learn to ride independently.  Sometimes we are like her daughter or Sister Harkness' daughter...God knows we're capable of ______________ (swimming, riding a bike, serving in a calling, making it through an illness, healing a relationship, etc., etc., etc.) and because He loves us and wants us to grow He allows us to struggle a little bit (or even what feels like to us a LOT) but He's right there to catch us when we fall and He knows exactly what we are capable of and needs us to know it also.

LESSONS LEARNED:  We are never alone.

God knows what we're capable of.

Jesus is in the boat with us.

Sometimes we WILL feel alone so that we can learn what we're capable of.

Freeman Abraham Holy

 In her book, Written on Our Hearts, Emily Freeman tells of 3 holy men appearing to Abraham.  This is in Genesis 18.  When these holy men appear, Abraham hastened to Sarah and asked her to make cakes.  He ran to the herd and hastened to dress a calf.  He was quick to do the will of these three holy men.  Emily points out that we also have holy men in our lives (bishops, stake presidents, prophets and apostles, etc.)  Are we quick to follow their counsel?  Do we hasten to apply their words?  Do we run to them (figuratively) to find answers to our questions (through conference talks)?  Because Abraham hastened to help and serve these men, God promised to bless him and Sarah with a son.  It seemed impossible and Sarah even laughs...and yet in verse 14 these holy men ask, "Is any thing too hard for the Lord?"  But we know that with God, nothing is impossible!  And God wants to send down blessings upon us.  But often these blessings are dependent on our obedience.  So let's be quick to obey.  Let's hasten to heed the word of prophets!

LESSONS LEARNED:   Hasten to heed the words of holy men, especially prophets and apostles.

With God, nothing is impossible.  

Brenda Impressions Wrong

 Sixteen years ago, I sat in our beginning of the year faculty meeting and our principal introduced a couple of new teachers on our faculty and then asked each of them to introduce themselves.  Brenda talked about teaching in the Netherlands and Honduras and I can't really remember what else.  But I remember thinking that we had absolutely nothing in common...she sounded adventurous and like she would probably only stick around for a couple of years.  And it was true that we were very different.  She grew up in California, she was single (though living with a boyfriend), she had lived in a variety of places, and so on.  I got pregnant with Ella that year and Brenda got pregnant with her daughter Aelora.  Aelora and Ella were born a week apart.  And during the year, we became friends.  Then the next year she moved to third grade. So we were teammates, along with Liz Irvine.  We were the best team I've ever worked with (though three or four years later when Brenda and I were on a team with Polly, that was another stellar team!!).  We collaborated and shared work and brainstormed and I learned a great deal from Brenda and Liz.  But more than just being teammates, we truly became friends.  Brenda came to our house for dinners and Ella and Aelora were in the same class at school.  Those girls grew up together until 5th grade when Brenda moved to Japan.  Brenda and I still have many differences.  We see many political issues differently.  Our life experiences and belief systems have differences.  But she is a wonderful friend and a wonderful person.  She cares about others and tries to make the world a better place.  My initial impression was wrong.  Or at least not complete.  I'm so glad that I didn't allow my initial impression to prevent me from forming a dear friendship that has blessed my life.

Lessons learned:  We can be friends with people who are very different from us.

First impressions are often wrong--or at least very incomplete.

Saguaro Ranch Christmas

 As a little girl, my paternal grandparents would host a family Christmas party for all of their children and grandchildren.  Typically my uncle Bruce (who lived in Maryland for several years and then in California) and his family wouldn't be there, but my other aunts, uncles and cousins would.  We would meet at Saguaro Ranch Park in Phoenix.  Because it was Phoenix in winter, the weather was absolutely gorgeous.  We would have a big potluck meal with my grandma's potato salad.  Each of the cousins would have drawn a name for another cousin and would exchange gifts.  And then the adults would have a white elephant gift exchange.  And there would be good natured arguing and stealing.  The white elephant gift exchange always seemed like so much fun.  I loved these times with cousins as a young girl.  It was a little less fun when I became a teenager as I had two cousins that were several years older  and then most of my other cousins were at least 5 years younger than me.  There were several years where it didn't feel like I had anyone near my age to associate with.  But overall these were such great days and it was such a fun tradition.  

As an adult, several  of my dad's siblings have grown distant or even stopped speaking to one another.  Most of my cousins have nothing to do with the church.  It makes me sad that there are so many rifts in my family...especially with aunts, uncles and cousins that influenced my life and that I dearly love and loved as a child.  

LESSONS LEARNED:  Traditions are so important and create happy memories.

It takes continual effort, time together and forgiveness to keep family relationships intact.

France Dumb Decision

After my second year of teaching, my friend Diane and I decided to take a tour through Europe.  It was an incredible experience!  First we spent a week in New York and then 3 weeks traveling with a tour company through 9 countries in Europe.  Some countries we only saw one tiny area and a couple of countries we got to explore more.  Truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.

France was probably my least favorite place we visited.  There were some neat things to see but the people were not always very friendly or kind.  Also, it was at the end of our trip and I'd been away from home for nearly a month so looking back that may have been part of the reason as well.

While we were in Paris, I met a guy in a town square area.  We started talking and flirting a bit.  And then he said he wanted to show me something.  At first I thought he wanted to show me a nearby site and so I went with him but I quickly realized that he was taking me back to his apartment.  I suddenly realized that going with him had been a very foolish, dumb decision and I'd put myself in a precarious position.  On the other hand, I didn't really feel safe to turn around and walk back to my hotel on my own.  I began to pray while talking to him casually and trying to be polite.  He only knew some English and I knew no French so it wasn't even a great conversation...and my fear made it fairly unpleasant.  After a bit of walking, we arrived at his apartment.  He had me sit down and got me a glass of water.  Then he said he'd been right back.  He went to his bedroom and got whatever it was that he wanted to show me (I honestly can't even remember what it was.)  He showed it to me, we talked for a few minutes and then I told him that since we were leaving early the next morning I really should get back to my hotel.  So he walked me back.  Thankfully that was all that happened and I was safe.  I am sure that my prayers helped protect me, and I hadn't intentionally put myself in a dangerous position...However, I realized that I probably needed to be more careful in the future and I don't think I have ever put myself in a situation like that since.  

LESSONS LEARNED:

Think through possible outcomes of a choice before you make the choice.

Prayers are heard and answered.

Fasting Peace Love

 What an unusual year it has been!   I have now been serving in YW for over  5 1/2 years...two years as president.  And I have loved it.  But suddenly, it feels hard.  Due to the pandemic, we weren't able to gather at all for several months.  Then we could gather once per month and now twice.  And starting just last Sunday we can hold second hour meetings. But all of that means that I've had more limited contact with the young women.  Some of them have continued to participate in online activities and respond to texts but many have not.  And some of their testimonies are waning.  I have lately felt very much like maybe I was unqualified to serve the YW now.  What I'm trying isn't working and maybe there is someone out there that could do a significantly better job than I am doing.  And I just have had a lot of doubts.  On Saturday I sent a message to the YW telling them about the lesson on Sunday and how excited I was and a few reasons why I hoped they would join.  I felt like I was prompted to send a similar message to parents expressing my love for their girls and why I thought it was important for their daughters to join our YW lesson.  And then almost immediately after sending the text, I began to doubt whether it was a prompting or just my own thoughts, whether the text sounded loving or judgmental, whether the text would encourage or induce guilt.  So I sent another text and said that my intent was to express love and concern and not to induce guilt or sound judgmental and that I love and miss the YW when they aren't with us.  Anyway, more than at any time I have been serving in YW (except maybe the first 3-4 months), I have really wondered if I had what they needed or if maybe I should ask to be released for their benefit.  Or at the very least, maybe I could get some guidance on how to do a better job.  I received some guidance in conference, but I was still struggling with the practicalities of how to apply it.

So last Sunday I fasted and prayed.  I fasted to know how to help these YW.  I fasted to know what I should do.  I fasted to have the spirit with me as I taught.  And I didn't get really specific answers.  I didn't get a plan in my lap that gave me steps of what I should do.  But I did experience peace.  And this thought came very clearly and has stayed with me all week.  There are many things I'm not good at.  I have plenty of weaknesses.  BUT I can and do love Jesus and teach others about him.  And I can love the Young Women.  (and others).  And for right now that's enough.  Love Jesus and teach and testify of Him.  And love the Young Women.  Love them wholeheartedly.  I felt peace wash over me and for the vast majority of the week, I have continued to feel that peace.  There are plenty of things that are hard for me, but it's comforting that loving Jesus is not one of them.

Today an anonymous friend left a framed picture on my porch for me.  It says "Let God Prevail."  And again peace washed over me.  If I'll let God prevail in my life, if I'll let Him be the greatest influence in my life then tremendous blessings will flow and what I have to offer with His help will be enough.  

LESSONS LEARNED:  Let God Prevail.

Love God.  Love others.

Fasting can bring peace and can increase our love and ability to serve.

Eva Obedience Love

 Eva Timothy is doing presentations in the Inklings study where on Wednesdays we study attributes of Christ.  This week was the first one and I watched the video tonight.

Eva grew up in Sofia, Bulgaria while it was a Communist country.  She said that there was no freedom and there were so many rules.  When she and her family met the missionaries, it seemed at first that the gospel just gave them even more rules.  One morning she and her dad were out for a walk.  As they walked, they were making a list of all the reasons they could not be baptized.  They planned to give the list to the missionaries the next time they saw them.  As they were walking, suddenly there came the two elders out of their apartment, right on time according to mission rules.  The Elders came up to them and greeted them and asked how their most favorite people were doing.   They talked for a few minutes and felt such love coming from these obedient, diligent missionaries.  They tore up the list and realized that the rules were coming from a place of love.

Eva also explained that her parents smoked and drank.  They had tried to quit several times but always ended up picking up their bad habits again.   Their addiction was stronger than they believed they could overcome. It was just too hard to quit.  But as the missionaries taught them of God's love and of the blessing of receiving ordinances, they had a desire to quit to show love and obedience to God.  And suddenly they had the power and ability to quit because it came from a place of love.

Eva pointed out that obedience is us reaching out to embrace Christ and to receive some of His power.  Nature is peaceful and healing and Eva believes that a big reason it is so healing is because it follows the natural laws, it is strictly obedient.  

Christ said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15)  Obedience is a way to show love.  It is an act of love.

And we are promised in D&C 82:10, "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say, but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise."

LESSONS LEARNED:  Obedience is an act of love and gives us greater power.

One of the reasons nature is so healing is because it is strictly obedient.

Gift Gratitude Sadness

 I recently purchased a gift for someone and it was clear they didn't like or appreciate the gift.  It made me feel pretty sad.  I'd tried to buy something the person would like and it hurt that they were so unappreciative.  And then I began to think about how often the Savior and Heavenly Father give me gifts.  Probably significantly more often than I even realize.  I imagine that I'm far too much like the nine lepers that were healed by the Savior but didn't stop to express gratitude for the healing they received.  I am certain that I receive blessings that I don't even recognize.  And I receive blessings that I recognize but don't take the time to give thanks for.  I can do better and I'm going to try.

D&C 59:21 warns:  "And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments."

LESSONS LEARNED:  Take time to express gratitude for gifts, especially the gifts given by my loving Father in Heaven and my Savior.

Notice the blessings I receive. 

Gratitude brings joy to the giver and receiver.

Scott Sorensen BofM

On Real Talk Come Follow Me today, Ganel-lyn Condie and Scott Sorensen bore their testimony of the Book of Mormon.

Ganel-lyn shared this quote from Elder Holland in his talk Safety for the Soul:

"As one of a thousand elements of my own testimony of the divinity of the Book of Mormon, I submit this as yet one more evidence of its truthfulness. In this their greatest—and last—hour of need, I ask you: would these men blaspheme before God by continuing to fix their lives, their honor, and their own search for eternal salvation on a book (and by implication a church and a ministry) they had fictitiously created out of whole cloth?

Never mind that their wives are about to be widows and their children fatherless. Never mind that their little band of followers will yet be “houseless, friendless and homeless” and that their children will leave footprints of blood across frozen rivers and an untamed prairie floor.⁹ Never mind that legions will die and other legions live declaring in the four quarters of this earth that they know the Book of Mormon and the Church which espouses it to be true. Disregard all of that, and tell me whether in this hour of death these two men would enter the presence of their Eternal Judge quoting from and finding solace in a book which, if not the very word of God, would brand them as imposters and charlatans until the end of time? They would not do that! They were willing to die rather than deny the divine origin and the eternal truthfulness of the Book of Mormon."

She said that hearing that quote did something to/for her and she never wants to forget how she felt when she heard those words.

Then Scott shared that when he was a senior in high school he decided to read the Book of Mormon.  He'd never read it on his own before.  He read 4-5 days a week and it took him the whole year.  And he said he doesn't really remember anything specific that he learned.   But THEN he read this quote from President Nelson:  "My dear brothers and sisters, I promise that as you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisions—every day."

And he said that THIS is what happened to him.  He started spending more time with his family and having heartfelt discussions with his parents.  He started getting along better with his brother.  And he had the thought/feeling that some of his music wasn't good for him.  So each week he would look through his CD's and get rid of one CD that didn't serve him well.  And then he started getting rid of two each week.  And that had a tremendous impact on him emotionally and spiritually.  It didn't say in the Book of Mormon "Throw out your CD's" but reading the Book of Mormon allowed him to have the spirit with him so that he could recognize that prompting and have the strength to follow through on it.

I love that story!  I love the way the Book of Mormon blesses my life!  I'm so grateful for it! I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God.  It was translated by Joseph Smith, but it was written by ancient prophets and written for us TODAY.  It was inspired of God and can help me become closer to Christ and become my best self.

LESSONS LEARNED:  Joseph did what he said he did.

The Book of Mormon is the word of God.  The Book of Mormon helps us make better decisions.