heartfelt thanks

 I received two such thoughtful emails from parents on the last day of school:

We just wanted to send a heartfelt thank you to you again for this year. We couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful 3rd grade experience for our daughter.  She felt supported, seen and loved by you all year.  She learned so much and it has been the most incredible thing to watch her grow. Thank you for your kindness and dedication to her and the rest of your class.  We hope you have a wonderful and RELAXING summer! 

❤️ The Hines Family   (this was sent by the student's mom)

And this same student's dad sent the following email:

I can not thank you enough for your service this year. Our daughter has been excited to come to school every day and I know you play a huge role in this. It means a lot to me to know that the classroom is a place where she finds peace and happiness. I Hope you have a wonderful summer.

All Thirteen Meditation

 I mentioned in my last post how much I loved the book All Thirteen.  So much!

And there were so many great lessons in the book.

Soontornvat wrote in her author's note: "There are so many lessons to be learned from this rescue.  The lesson I wanted to share the most comes from Coach Ek and the boys, who-like their rescuers-defied impossible odds.  They taught me that 'impossible' exists only in your mind.  You are capable of so much more than you can even imagine." (page 222)

I walked away from this book with such gratitude for the sacrifices made by so many to rescue these boys.  But also with such admiration for these boys.  Also in the author's note, Soontornvat writes that she wondered how their fame would affect the boys.  The boys were invited to attend the Youth Olympic Games as guests of honor.  The team were to walk out into the crowded station.  They gathered in a huddle to decide how to enter.  Should they wave?  Should they wai (bow to the audience)?  The boys quickly agreed that heroes wave.  They were not the heroes--their rescuers were--and so they would they would walk out and wai to show their respect and humility and gratitude.  (page 225) 

The boys were in the cave with their coach for nearly 10 days before anyone found them.  10 days in the dark.  10 days with no food. (They did have fresh water dripping into the cave.)  10 days of not knowing if they would be found or if they would get out.  10 days of cold.  How did they do it?  I am sure I don't know all the answers, but the book explained that Coach Ek has always encouraged the boys to make decisions together on and off the field.  That has developed an ability to problem solve and a closeness with one another.  Coach Ek is determined to keep the boys calm and safe.  He is Buddhist, has spent time as a novice monk, and practices meditation.   The team typically begins each practice with meditation.  Coach Ek has them spend time meditating while in the cave.  About the only thing they can control while in the cave is their own mind.  They focus on their breathing and become aware of their body's discomfort and pain without letting these concerns overwhelm or control them.  This mental toughness and exercise in mindfulness allow them to stay calm and to be resilient despite the obvious difficulties.  

I am also impressed with the boys humility and gratitude.  I am impressed by the respect they show their teammates, their coach, and others.  When the rescue finally begins, only 4 boys can be rescued on the first day.  The coach again has the team make the decision together.  No one really wants to be first.  Coach Ek suggests that the boys who live farthest from the cave be evacuated first so they can go through town and tell people that the team is safe and coming out.  The team agrees.  I imagine this discussion going much differently if this had been American children, though perhaps I am wrong.

These boys and their coach are impressive.  They are normal children, and also very special and impressive children.

THINGS LEARNED:

1.  If I can master my mind, I can survive better in stressful situations and accomplish so much more than if I allow doubts, panic or other negative emotions to control me.

2.  Teamwork and group decision making often yields far better outcomes. It isn't easy to work together, to agree, to take one another's counsel and to consider others' needs but it is a much more powerful way to reach decisions.

3.  Gratitude and humility...these are characteristics that I need to master much better.  I'm so impressed by the gratitude and humility these boys displayed over and over.

4.  Mindfulness or meditation is powerful!

Simple Sources of Happiness

 My friend Veronica posted a list of things that make her happy on Facebook.  It was so fun reading her list.  So I decided to create my own!

Things that bring me joy or happiness:

Feeling the spirit 

Fresh pine/mountain air

Time spent on water in boats (any kind)

Waterfalls 

Helping others

Talking with friends 

Reaching a goal

Watching the sunset 

Fresh baked bread 

Holding babies 

Reading a good book while drinking hot chocolate and snuggled under a blanket

Reflecting on happy memories

Attending the temple 

Learning new things

Snuggling with Alfredo 

Kayaking 

Seeing a student make progress 

Connecting with someone new

Recognizing an answer to prayer

Singing a song that brings me peace

Writing in my journal 

Sunrises and sunsets

Making a child smile or laugh

Playing games if we don’t get too competitive 

Discussing the scriptures or gospel 

Looking through photos of past happy moments 

Having people over for dinner 

Traveling somewhere new

Girls camp

Flowers 

Being at church 

Partaking of the sacrament 

Bearing testimony of truth 

Being forgiven 

Getting my hair cut and styled

seeing my children succeed at something 

Spending time with family 

Watching plays and musicals

Hiking by rivers

Delicious food 

Smelling fragrant roses

Seeing tulips

Rainbows

The smell after a rain storm

Looking at the stars when camping

Sitting around a campfire

Fresh fruit

Dessert

Taking a long bubble bath

Seeing animals in nature 

Seeing a variety of plants and animals 

Walking

Watching snow fall from inside the house

Being reminded of who I am as a precious daughter of God

Teaching, especially teaching the gospel

Listening to the All In podcast or podcasts about Come Follow Me

Having summers off with my children

Seeing that I'm improving at something...right now that's playing the piano.  (I started taking lessons in January.  I'm not very good, but I'm slowly making progress.)

Trying a new recipe and having others love it.

Knowing that something I did genuinely helped someone else.

Looking at art that speaks to me.

Hearing others' gospel related experiences

Sending and receiving hand written notes 

Resume Church Gratitude

 Elder Ashton once spoke of less conspicuous gifts in October 1987 conference.  He said:

From the Book of Mormon, particularly 3 Nephi, chapters 11 through 26 [3 Ne. 11–26], when the Savior Jesus Christ showed himself to the people on the American continent, many gifts are referred to as being very real and most useful. Taken at random, let me mention a few gifts that are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important. Among these may be your gifts—gifts not so evident but nevertheless real and valuable.

Let us review some of these less-conspicuous gifts: the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost.

We must remember that to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. It is our right and responsibility to accept our gifts and to share them. God’s gifts and powers are available to all of us.

I have the gift of being able to weep.  It has always been a gift I've had, but it seems like it has become even more prominent lately.   And today, my tears flowed pretty freely.  It was our first week back for 2 hours of church in over a year.  The first Sunday in months that I didn't open a zoom meeting for Sunday School or Relief Society or Young Women's.  (We're still having zoom meetings for our classes for those unable to attend in person, but I didn't have to run it today since it was Sunday School.)  Our beloved President Carlson (our former Bishop and now a member of our stake presidency gave the most beautiful talk about the sacrament.  His wife Julie talked about "sparking joy" and how we can find joy in simple things even during hard times.  It was such a beautiful meeting.  Seriously so wonderful. And our discussion in Sunday School was great too.  But mostly it made me feel so happy to look around and see so many of my beloved ward members there today.  I have missed that.  I have missed them.  Still many of my ward members weren't there.  I hope they will be soon!

But oh how grateful I am for the blessing of being able to gather.  For the opportunity to join with other believers to worship Christ.  For the opportunity to watch young men bless and pass the sacrament--and to have enough young men to bless and pass the sacrament!  

I am so grateful for this gospel.  It means everything to me.  I hope to never have to close churches again.

In related but not the same news, the CDC released new guidelines about mask wearing:

“Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities, large or small, without wearing a mask or physical distancing,” Walensky said. “If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic. We have all longed for this moment, when we can get back to some sense of normalcy.”

Walensky said unvaccinated people should still continue to wear masks, adding they remain at risk of mild or severe illness, death, and risk of spreading the disease to others. People with compromised immune systems should speak with their doctor before giving up their masks, she said.

Those who aren't vaccinated are still supposed to wear masks but I don't know how they will enforce that, and I hope they won't.  Not because I don't think you shouldn't wear a mask if you're unvaccinated but because I don't want anything that will create more division.  And for the meantime, I still plan to wear mine in public most of the time until the pandemic is closer to ending.  Alfredo and I are fully vaccinated, and Michelle and Ella have received their first dose.  And the FDA just approved it for children from age 12 and up, so Gabby will likely receive it soon.  I am grateful that it is nearing an end here in the US, but my heart aches for countries (such as India) that are still suffering mightily from this pandemic.  

Ward Council Breakfast

 About 7 or 8 years ago I was serving as RS President in my ward.  Laurel King was the Primary President and I think Heather Bankhead was the YW President. A week or two before Father's Day, discussion turned to whether we should hold ward council that day. I don't remember the details, but we felt like we should hold ward council...there were things to discuss.  So we decided to hold ward council but the three of us female presidents decided we would bring breakfast.  We brought yogurt and muffins and I think juice.  It was a beautiful morning and while I am sure we could have cancelled ward council it was nice to have a small opportunity to serve the wonderful brethren that served on ward council.

LESSONS LEARNED:

Small acts can lead to happy memories later on and can be a means of expressing gratitude and love to others.

Emily Orton Heart

I bought tickets for my mom and I to attend TOFW this year...but thanks to Covid it was transferred to a virtual event.  You got access to the videos to watch at home at your convenience (as well as some other items.)  I've been watching them and was really touched by Emily Orton's message (among others).  Her message was all about "How's your heart?"  She compared our hearts to play dough...they can be soft and pliable and easy to mold into whatever the Lord needs it to be or hardened and unable to be molded. 

She told a couple of stories about keeping  our hearts soft.  I was really touched by these three stories:

A friend of hers named Ally got married and soon her husband began to be sarcastic and demeaning.  Time passed and things became worse and worse.  He was dismissive, demeaning and abusive.  She didn't like how he treated her, but she also didn't like who she was becoming.  She left and brought her 3 kids with her.  She turned to Christ and He showed her what was possible--who she could become.  So she got divorced and despite the pain and difficulties, she is whole and strong.  (I'm sure there is a lot more to this story, but I still love it.)

Her friend Erin had 2 miscarriages and was heartbroken.  She was pregnant and worried but hopeful.  She went in for an appointment and her regular OB/GYN wasn't there.  The woman who saw her looked and announced there was no heartbeat and she would need to come back for a procedure to take care of the miscarriage.  She returned for the procedure and in both encounters felt like the woman was lacking compassion.  She felt deeply hurt and she was mourning.  She never wanted to see this woman again.  That morning of the follow up appointment, she poured out her heart to God.  And God told her to write a letter of gratitude for this doctor's expertise and help.  She didn't want to but as she began to write, her heart healed and she actually felt gratitude.  She took the note and set it on the doctor's desk and the whole appointment went better and she felt healed.

Her friend Gabby was a department head.  She was in conflict with another department head.  She went to her boss for advice.  Her boss said she needed to be direct...go straight to this other dept. head and confront her...be touch and fight for herself.  Her boss said she would never get ahead in life--she was too nice.  But Gabby was a survivor of abuse and had decided who she wanted to be.  She knew that real strength comes from being true to your values.  She said to her boss that he might see it as weakness but she knew it takes courage to be kind.  She said, "I will give kindness for contention, forgiveness for foul and I'm strong enough to pass through pain without passing it on."

Emily Orton said the lessons we can/should learn are:
1.  Your heart matters.  Take time.

2.  You choose your heart.  Take ownership.

3.  A soft heart takes courage.  Take care.

*I can choose how to respond to situations.  

*I can forgive even when it is soul-stretching to do so.

*If I pray to want to want to do something then God can change the desires of my heart.

*Gratitude melts feelings of hurt and anger.

Wright Nibley Letter

 Randal Wright shared this experience:

"During a time when I was struggling to know if the Book of Mormon was true, I came across a catalog from Brigham Young University. Looking at the names of the faculty in the religion department, I noticed that many of these professors had degrees from prestigious universities. For some reason, the idea popped into my mind to write to several of them at their BYU addresses.

In my letter, I told them I was trying to gain my own testimony of the Book of Mormon and wondered if they would share their feelings concerning it. Looking back, I’m embarrassed to say that my letter was handwritten and then duplicated it [poorly] several times with no name at the top or bottom. I wrote their names at the top and signed my name at the bottom of each letter.

All responded to a terribly written form letter from some unknown kid from Texas. But soon I had a file full of letters from respected scholars with advanced degrees sharing their testimonies of the Book of Mormon. I still treasure those letters. Truman Madsen who had a Ph.D. from Harvard even sent me a book.

Following is one of the letters I received from the well-known religious scholar, High Nibley. He had a Ph.D. from Cal Berkeley and had a brilliant mind. According to his colleagues, while doing research, he liked to read his primary and secondary sources in their original languages. It is reported that in addition to English, he could read Egyptian, Dutch, Arabic, French, Coptic, Greek, German, Old Norse, Italian, Hebrew, Russian, Latin, and other languages. Here is the letter I received:

Dear Brother Wright,

The Book of Mormon, the record of "a lonesome and a solemn people," is the story of a few lonely men who had good reason to despair of the human race in their generation but never stopped importuning the Lord to tell them what was best to do and to support them in it. Lehi, Nephi, the Brother of Jared, Abinadi, Moroni, Mormon, Ether, etc. – there is hardly a major character in the book who does not stand most of the time completely alone, as popular as a lone bicycle rider going the wrong way on the freeway during rush hour. That is the stock situation in the Book of Mormon, and if you look carefully you will find that it is also the normal order of things in every dispensation of the Gospel. Even being in the Church, as Alma found out, does not change things very much, since we are still a long way from Zion. From which we can conclude that no small part of our testing during this time of probation is to how we behave when we are completely on our own. An exhilarating and a frightening situation—but what else can we expect if this is to be a REAL test? It is reassuring to know in this age of desperate conformity that God has his people in unlikely places, so that “the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, “The Lord only knoweth them that are his” (2 Timothy 2:19). With all the evidences around us today as the prophecies rush into fulfillment, one is tempted to ask, “Who needs a testimony?” Answer: We all do, since without it the evidence though frightening, doesn’t make much sense; today I feel as if I were “all testimony”—no other thought occupies me at all. The time is very short. Thank you for your note, and don’t weaken!”

With much urgency and respect,

Hugh Nibley

At the time I received the letters, I was reading the Book of Mormon with real intent, and it was beginning to affect me in a powerful way. Those letters created within me an even stronger desire to know if it was really true. It made no sense to me that an uneducated boy could possibly write a book that could fool brilliant scholars like Truman Madsen, Hugh Nibley, and others. I have continued my careful reading of the Book of Mormon through all these years, and the more I read the more convinced I became that neither Joseph Smith alone nor with a co-conspirator’s help, could have possibly written it. I have a testimony that it is an inspired record of ancient America.

Lesson Learned: To be grateful for those who are willing to take time out of their busy schedules to help those who are struggling."

I love it so much.  I love that he reached out to scriptural scholars and learned from them.  I love the words of Hugh Nibley.  I love (and hate) that we'll likely have times where we must stand alone...and that there is an urgency to all of this.  I love that Randal Wright saved that letter and shared it.  I love that Hugh Nibley took time to respond to this young man.  So many lessons to learn from this experience.

Gratitude Israel Jackie

 My dear friend, Jackie, and I were chatting through text.  She is speaking in church on Sunday and was asking me some questions in preparation for her talk.  Then she shared this:  

"I did have a thought about President Nelson's message of gratitude. Obviously, the timing seems appropriate with Thanksgiving and all, but I specifically asked "Why else?" And I immediately heard "To prepare us". What an interesting thought! I have been thinking about it, and isn't it true that we are going to really NEED to rely on gratitude for our blessings as the world gets more and more wicked? We are going to have to SEE our blessings, and what a better way than to have them recorded?? As memories pop up on FB, we are taken back to the time that we were posting about. This probably doesn't make sense, as I am still processing those thoughts, but I think it may fit into my talk somewhere.

It reminds me of the prophets in the BOM exhorting their people to look to the experiences of their fathers to remember the blessings and promises of the Lord. Maybe our future generations will need to look back at our recording of how we were blessed during 2020..."

When I read these words, I literally got chills.  I'd immediately knelt to say a prayer of gratitude and to ask forgiveness when I heard President Nelson's words.  But I hadn't really taken time to reflect on WHY gratitude and why that was what would heal us and why right now?   (Aside from, of course, Thanksgiving.)  I HAD been really touched by his words that perhaps this was one fulfillment of the covenant promise that through Abraham's seed all the nations of the earth would be blessed.  Jackie's thoughts connected with some of the things I had been considering and so I shared this:  

"You know I think his invitation in conference was similar...to look for the blessings promised to covenant Israel, reflect on them and talk about them with friends and family.  I hadn't thought about it quite like this but first, it reminds us of all that God has already done...for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob...but also for the Nephites and Lamanites and other members of the house of Israel.  And it helps us see the promises that have been given but not yet fulfilled so we can watch for them.  AND as we read of these promises it can and should help us recognize that God is fulfilling many of these promises in OUR lives right now also.  I know that on weeks where I am really diligent about studying, watching for and writing about the promises I am happier and feel more peace and see God's hand more easily.  I think it's all connected."

God's people in the past have been richly blessed and protected by Him.  He has led them and delivered them and strengthened them and blessed them.  And the same is true for us.  And I think we are going to need that knowledge and going to need to see clearly all the good that God is doing in our lives to be able to survive spiritually through the hard things that are happening now and the hard things that are to come!  I don't love hard things.  But I do love God and I want so much to qualify for His blessings.  I LOVE studying the blessings of covenant Israel.  Truly, I love it.  It's been such a blessing for me.

LESSONS LEARNED:  Gratitude.  Gratitude.  Gratitude.

Recognize, record and remember the great things that the Lord has done.

The blessings of covenant Israel are for me.  And for you.  For each child of God if they will make and keep covenants with Him.

Healing Gratitude Nelson

 President Nelson gave a short message of hope and healing.  It focused on the power of gratitude.  I wept as I listened.  I wept because I was touched by his message but also because I recognized a need for repentance.  I have not been as grateful as I should have been.  I have so much, and I'm going to try to do better at recognizing, remembering and expressing thanks for all that I have.

Here are President Nelson's words so that I can always remember and can come back and reread.

"THE HEALING POWER OF GRATITUDE By President Russell M. Nelson President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints As a doctor I know the value of good therapy. So, dear friends, may I prescribe two activities to help us experience the healing power of gratitude. During my 96 years of life, I have seen a Great Depression, a world war, the rise of terrorism, hunger, and poverty throughout the world. I have also witnessed the advent of space travel, the internet, medical advancements galore, and countless other discoveries that delight me. Prior to my ministry, I was a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon and spent many hours in operating rooms. As a surgical resident, I was one of the research team that developed the first heart-lung machine to be used in a human open-heart operation.1 Subsequently, I had the privilege of helping to save lives of hundreds of patients, and, sadly, I watched other patients die despite my best efforts. As a man of science and as a man of faith, the current worldwide pandemic has been of great concern to me. As a man of science, I appreciate the critical need to prevent the spread of infection. I also honor the devoted service of health care professionals and grieve for the many whose lives have been upended by COVID-19. As a man of faith, however, I view the current pandemic as only one of many ills that plague our world, including hate, civil unrest, racism, violence, dishonesty, and lack of civility. Skilled scientists and researchers are laboring diligently to develop and distribute a vaccine against the coronavirus. But there is no medication or operation that can fix the many spiritual woes and maladies that we face. There is, however, a remedy—one that may seem surprising—because it flies in the face of our natural intuitions. Nevertheless, its effects have been validated by scientists as well as men and women of faith. I am referring to the healing power of gratitude. The book of Psalms is filled with admonitions to express gratitude. Here are just three of them: “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.”2 “O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good.”3 “Come before his presence with thanksgiving.”4 Jesus Christ frequently expressed gratitude. Before raising Lazarus from the dead, before miraculously multiplying loaves and fishes, and before passing the cup to His disciples at the Last Supper, the Savior prayed and gave thanks to God. No wonder the Apostle Paul later declared, “In every thing give thanks.”5 Over my nine and a half decades of life, I have concluded that counting our blessings is far better than recounting our problems. No matter our situation, showing gratitude for our privileges is a fast-acting and longlasting spiritual prescription. Does gratitude spare us from sorrow, sadness, grief, and pain? No, but it does soothe our feelings. It provides us with a greater perspective on the very purpose and joy of life. Nearly 16 years ago my wife Dantzel and I were sitting on the sofa holding hands while we watched television. Suddenly, she collapsed. Despite being well trained to treat the very thing that ended her life, I could not save my own wife. Dantzel and I were blessed with nine daughters and one son. Tragically, I have lost two of those daughters to cancer. No parent is prepared to lose a child. And yet, despite these and other difficult experiences, I am incredibly, eternally grateful for so very many things. I am grateful to God for the nearly 60 years Dantzel and I shared together, for a lifetime of love and joy and cherished memories. And I thank Him for my wife Wendy, whom I met after Dantzel’s passing. She now fills my life with joy. I am grateful to God for the years I had with my two departed daughters. This father’s heart melts when I see attributes of those girls in the precious faces of their children and grandchildren. We can all give thanks for the beauties of the earth and the majesty of the heavens that give us an inkling of the vastness of eternity. We can give thanks for the gift of life, for our amazing bodies and minds that allow us to grow and learn. We can give thanks for art, literature, and music that nurture our souls. We can give thanks for the opportunity to repent, start over, make amends, and build character. We can give thanks for our families, friends, and loved ones. We can give thanks for the opportunity to help, cherish, and serve one another, which makes life so much more meaningful. We can even give thanks for our trials, from which we learn things we would not know otherwise. Most of all, we can give thanks unto God, the Father of our spirits, which makes us all brothers and sisters—one great global family. As a doctor, I know the value of good therapy. So, dear friends, may I prescribe two activities to help us experience the healing power of gratitude. First, I invite you—just for the next seven days—to turn social media into your own personal gratitude journal. Post every day about what you are grateful for, whom you are grateful for, and why you are grateful. At the end of seven days, see if you feel happier and more at peace. Use the hashtag #GiveThanks. Working together, we can flood social media with a wave of gratitude that reaches the four corners of the earth. Perhaps this will fulfill, in part, the promise God gave to Father Abraham, that through his descendants “all families of the earth [shall] be blessed.”6 Second, let us unite in thanking God through daily prayer. Jesus Christ taught His disciples to pray by first expressing gratitude to God and then petitioning Him for the things we need. Prayer brings forth miracles. In that spirit, I would now like to offer a prayer for the world and everyone in it. As I pray, I hope you will feel inspired to do the same, pouring out your heart in gratitude for the countless blessings God has given you and petitioning Him to heal our hearts, our families, our societies, and the world at large. Our Father in Heaven, as fellow passengers on Thy planet earth, we humbly pray unto Thee. We thank Thee for life and all that sustains life. We thank Thee for the beauties of the earth, for order in the universe, the planets, stars, and all things of eternal significance. We thank Thee for Thy laws that protect and guide us. We thank Thee for Thy mercy and loving watchcare. We thank Thee for our families and loved ones who fill our lives with joy. We are grateful for all who are striving to combat the COVID pandemic. Please bless them with protection and inspiration. Wilt Thou help us end this virus that has plagued so many of Thy children. We thank Thee for the leaders of nations and others who strive to lift us. We pray for relief from political strife. Wilt Thou bless us with a healing spirit that unites us despite our differences. Wilt Thou also help us repent from selfishness, unkindness, pride, and prejudice of any kind so that we can better serve and love one another as brothers and sisters and as Thy grateful children. We love Thee, our dear Father, and pray for Thy blessings upon us in the name of Thy Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, amen. May God bless you and your loved ones."

LESSONS LEARNED:  Be grateful.  Express sincere gratitude in prayer, in social media, to those I love.

Repent of the sin of ingratitude.  

Follow the prophet.

Gratitude brings hope and healing.

Revelation is REAL!! 

Service Dirt Floor

 This week we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the young women organization.  It's had me thinking about my young women leaders and how they blessed my life.  And about how much I love serving in YW.  

Honestly, I don't remember very many of the lessons or activities we did in Young Women's.  But there are a few I do remember.  I remember one Christmas we adopted a family as a young women's group.  We went shopping and wrapped presents and then for one of our activities we delivered the gifts to a family.  The family lived quite a few miles away...it's possible they were in our stake, but I don't think so.  We brought them a Christmas tree and a stack of gifts.  When we arrived, they were so grateful.  I will never forget going into their living room and seeing that they had a dirt floor.  And no Christmas tree or any decorations.  I suddenly realized how much I had that I took for granted.  I was so grateful to play a small part in making their Christmas a little better and a little brighter!  I had/have so much.  

LESSONS LEARNED:  There's always something to be grateful for! 

Even when we feel like we are poor, there are always those with less than us.

It feels so good to serve others, even if the role we play is tiny!

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.

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.

Hard Week Rewarded

 I finished my first week of teaching a new class remotely.  It was a challenging week.  Truly a very challenging week. There were a few tech issues on my part (being kicked out of zoom meetings, having internet issues, not having my microphone work) and plenty of tech issues for the students.  There were lots of things that were frustrating.  Yesterday, I shed a few tears because Wednesday and Thursday were so hard and I was so tired and discouraged.

This morning I had internet issues and 7 minutes before school started I still couldn't get my laptop to connect with Wifi.  I called Sara in a panic and asked if I could come teach from her house.  She said of course and she and Chris got me a table, Sara grabbed a bunch of snacks and some water for me, I plugged things in and logged on to start the day at the exact same time as my students did.  It could have been a disaster.  But Sara's snacks (along with a note that said I love you.  Have a good day.)  helped calm my nerves.  And we got started.  There were a couple of minor bumps in the road, but pretty quickly everything started working and it was our smoothest day so far.  Students went to our counselor's lesson and library and didn't have trouble getting in so I had an hour break (at which point my kids had the internet working so I went home)...and this afternoon they all successfully got into Lexia (an online reading app) except one student.  I had her do a math app called ST Math instead.  They listened and followed directions and completed an assignment on Canvas.  It wasn't perfect but it was our best day so far.

I am SO grateful for Sara who was a lifesaver!  And my girls for figuring out the Wifi and getting themselves to and from piano.  And my girls did their own remote learning without any reminders or assistance.

And then I got a couple of really thoughtful and beautiful emails this week:

Subject line:  You killed it!

Hi Jennifer -

Thank you for the commitment and patience and agility you showed this week as you fought through the challenges of a new learning model without missing a beat on your lessons. We are amazed that you were able to balance teaching your students with resolution of your own technical challenges, the students' technical and navigation challenges, and all the behavioral issues of eager 8-year-olds returning to learning after history's longest summer.

We have a distinct memory of a moment of peace around midday Wednesday. The class was quiet, Alice was doing an exercise on paper, and it was clear this online model will be successful. We realize a lot of people at the school district worked to make this week possible, but when Monday arrived and the success or failure was in your hands, we were pleased to have you as Alice's teacher. And we have never heard the words "ok go on mute" said so sweetly and so patiently so many times.

Have a good weekend. We will see you online on Monday. Alice is looking forward to it, and that's all that really matters to us.

Parents of Alice

****

Just wanted to say thank you for a great week. I know this has been difficult on everyone but Graham has really enjoyed it.  --Graham's Mom

****

I was blown away by how awesome your class was today. They gave good feedback, asked awesome questions, and knew exactly what they were supposed to do. I know a big part of that is their positive attitudes and resilience, but I’m sure you have given them some awesome modeling and support to get them there.

 

Korey  (our school counselor)

****

I do not know how you handle this online class.  I do not know that I could have your patience, lol.

Let us know if there is anything we can do to help.

Warm regards,

Chrystal

***

Also, while I really, really would prefer to be teaching in person...there are a couple of bonuses.  No commute.  I'm able to go walking 3 times a week with Sara, instead of 2, and 45 minutes later than we typically do during the school year because I don't have a commute.

I can drink hot chocolate every morning and wear fuzzy slippers (and shorts and jeans if I want to).

I can make it more quickly and easily to my girls' tennis matches.

I still think there are more drawbacks to teaching online than blessings...but I am trying hard to see the positive.

LESSONS LEARNED:  Thank people, especially if they made a difficult situation better.  You may have no idea how far a simple thank you might go.

Even when things are HARD, they are bound to improve and there are likely good things happening as well.

Be the type of friend that people can call 5 minutes before a meeting/school starts or when you are having an emergency and know that you'll welcome them into your home and make their day a little better.

This year is tough on teachers (and parents and students). Give grace. Notice the good. Be extra patient. I'm going to send a treat or a note to each of my children's teachers this next week--they deserve it!