Payson Utah Temple

The Payson Utah Temple is absolutely gorgeous!!  Wow!  I need to go back myself to go inside, because this time I stayed outside with Gabby and Sofie and took them to a nearby park.  It was a beautiful day in beautiful surroundings.  I really loved the grounds of the Payson Temple.

Musings on Immigration, Law-Abiding Citizens, Heroes, Compassion

This post is really for me because I have so many thoughts in my head that I'm trying to process.  And maybe for my children to reflect back on in the future...

Lots of discussion is happening...on social media, the news, and out in the world...about immigration right now.  Some of it is, in my opinion, disturbing.  Disheartening.  If the news can be trusted (and that's up for debate at this point), then many children are being separated from their parents at the Mexico-US border as their parents try to enter illegally.  Some are here trying to seek refuge/political asylum.  Again, if the news can be trusted, not only are these children being separated from their parents but they are sometimes being held in camps with bars...the photos make them appear to be much like the internment camps the Japanese were held in during WWII.  And so people are discussing this and what should be done.  Many are expressing outrage and horror and disgust and asking what can be done to stop this.  Many are asking how they personally can help.  Some are saying that the parents brought this horror on themselves by breaking the law.  They point out that American children are separated from their parents when their parents break the law and are imprisoned.  (True.  But typically they are either placed with a family member or in a foster home...where ideally they are cared for...not in camps or cages.  I know that the foster care system is far from perfect...and there are plenty of horrendous stories of children put in foster care.  This is another heartbreaking issue that I wish I could solve.  There is just so much suffering in this world.  It breaks my heart.) 

Here are my current thoughts:

First, the immigration system is horribly flawed.  Horribly flawed.  And both political parties are to blame.  Neither party has really done anything to fix the system.   And the system is often misunderstood.  I hear people say that immigrants should "wait in line" or recently that they just need to join the club...become citizens...as if they could just head over to their nearest immigration center (like a Costco) and sign a couple of papers, pay $100 or some other reasonable fee and here you go, here are your papers to enter legally.  Having had some (although I admit limited) experience with immigration...and having known and loved many immigrants, I attest that it is not that easy.  Our laws are biased, bigoted, and the process is confusing and expensive.  And it can take years.  Even if an American citizen is trying to help someone with the process, it is beyond challenging.

Second, those illegal immigrants that you are speaking so negatively about...they are often your neighbor, your coworker, your child's friend, your religious leader, someone's mother, someone's sister, someone's wife, someone's daughter, someone's friend.  They are human beings with the same emotions you experience, but often without the "privilege" you take for granted.  (I don't really like that word or the way it is sometimes used...yet I know that privilege is real.)  I don't know why I was fortunate enough to be born in this country, and I am grateful.  But my heart breaks that so many people experience such suffering, not through any fault of their own but because of the circumstances into which they were born.  Why am I so lucky? 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued this statement, based on similar statements they have made before:  "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has long expressed its position that immigration reform should strengthen families and keep them together. The forced separation of children from their parents now occurring at the U.S.-Mexico border is harmful to families, especially to young children. We are deeply troubled by the aggressive and insensitive treatment of these families. While we recognize the right of all nations to enforce their laws and secure their borders, we encourage our national leaders to take swift action to correct this situation and seek for rational, compassionate solutions." 


Many people are speaking out.  I don't know exactly what the answer is.  But something needs to change. 

I know good people on different sides of this issue.  Truly good people whose opinions are shaped by their experiences.  So I don't want to point fingers or speak angrily or stir up contention.  But my heart is breaking that we can't discuss this (and many other issues) without becoming angry and pointing fingers and assuming the worst about those with differing views.

On social media, people have talked a lot about being law-abiding citizens.  At least people on my Facebook feed have.  As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one of the tenets of our religion is “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.”  (Article of Faith 12).  I've seen people use this Article of Faith to say that illegal immigrants deserve to have their children removed from them because they are breaking the law.  My immediate response was to argue (okay...I'm clearly not exempt from arguing and stirring up contention...although I do try to express my views respectfully...but I still have plenty to work on.)  I regularly drive about 5 miles over the speed limit...so do most people I know.  Does that make it okay?  I'm breaking the law even though I believe in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law.   So do I deserve to have my children removed from my custody because I'm breaking the law?   The beloved family member that I was disagreeing with said I was being ridiculous and of course my children wouldn't be removed from custody.  But I think as soon as we begin to excuse one way of breaking the law and not excuse another, we are becoming hypocritical or irrational.  Please don't misunderstand.  I consider myself a law-abiding citizen.  I DO consider myself to be someone who obeys and honors the law.  And I think laws are important...I certainly am not advocating for chaos and anarchy.  But I also think sometimes laws are unjust and need to be modified.  This has had me thinking about laws and about history.

In the Bible, in Daniel 6, King Darius respected Daniel.  Darius placed great trust in Daniel, making him the first president who the princes reported to.  The other presidents and princes wanted to get Daniel into trouble, and so they convinced Darius to pass a decree that no one could ask a request of any God or man other than Darius for 30 days.  This meant that it was against the law to pray.  Now Daniel was a law-abiding man...but he also had great faith in God.  And so, despite the law, Daniel continued to pray to God.  He was caught, thrown in the lion's den and was unharmed.  Christians consider Daniel to be a hero, an example of faith and integrity...despite the fact that he broke the law (albeit an unfair law).

I started thinking about George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and our other Founding Fathers.   Great men that I believe were inspired by God to found this nation.  Yet at the time, the law of the land was that of King George and Great Britain.  Writing the Declaration of Independence was treasonous and the patriots who fought in the Revolutionary War, those who participated in the Boston Tea Party, and those who refused to pay taxes and many others (who most of us regard as heroes) broke the law in order to found this great nation.

Harriet Tubman was born a slave.  She suffered great persecution under the unjust laws of slavery.  Eventually, she escaped to freedom.  Then, not being able to bear that others were also suffering, she returned many times and led others to freedom along the Underground Railroad.  She broke the law when she fled and she broke the law when she returned and helped others to safety.  Each conductor on the Underground Railroad was breaking the law.  Each slave who escaped or attempted to escape was breaking the law.  Each slave who learned to read or write was breaking the law.  Yet I regard Harriet Tubman as a hero.  


As I said, I don't know the answers.  I do believe in obeying the law.   But I also believe in having compassion.  I'm not sure, in this issue, exactly where one stops and the other starts.  But I do think there must be some more "rational, compassionate solutions."  

I think many people who choose to remain in their countries despite incredible hardship are heroes.  Those who determine to stay and try to improve their country and to do the best they can under the circumstances they are in are heroic!   But I also think it may be heroic to leave behind the only home you have ever known, face hardship and danger, in order to try to make a better life for yourself and your family.  I certainly hope that I never have to face that choice.  And my heart breaks for all those who do.  

Ultimately, I hope this t-shirt that I just purchased can help summarize my role on this Earth and the choices that I try to make:  

Joyous Day...Summer Plan

Some days are just good days...peaceful, joyous days. Yesterday was one of those days. Time spent with dear friends that we absolutely love...in two different temples, Brigham City and Logan. This summer is off to the best possible start and I can tell that we will experience great joy, come what may. As President Nelson said in one of my favorite talks (Joy and Spiritual Survival), "... the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives... Joy is powerful, and focusing on joy brings God's power into our lives."

Aly was one of the first friends I made when Alfredo and I bought our home nearly 16 years ago. Our children have grown up together. It's no exaggeration to say that she has been like a second mom to my children...even caring for them when they were younger while I was at work. Aly is kind, funny and is always looking out for others. I'm so grateful that she...and her family...are such an important part of our lives. And today, I've just been marveling at how good Heavenly Father has been to me. I have such incredible people in my life...I read a couple of months ago that a seminary teacher asked his class to begin writing a list of all the people that they owed a debt of gratitude to...at first, they began a bit slowly, but soon every person was scribbling names as fast as they could and they weren't finished when the hour was over...I started, at that moment, to begin to create such a mental list...and it's impossible. My list would contain thousands of names. But even though it is impossible for me to create such a list or to personally thank each of those people, my heart is full and I am grateful.

Anyway, I really wanted to take my girls to as many temples in Utah this summer as possible.  But I know that is the type of goal that if I don't create a plan is unlikely to happen.  So I invited Aly and her family to come with us.  We are going to go as many Fridays as we can and attend 1-2 temples each time and we'll see how many we are able to visit.  Yesterday we kicked off our temple trips, and it was a glorious day.  I did baptisms with the teenagers at the Brigham City Temple while Aly stayed outside with the younger girls.  Then we all went for ice cream at Aggies Ice Cream.  Then Aly did baptisms with the teens at the Logan Temple while I took the younger two to a nearby park.  

Bountiful Temple

On Saturday, we went to the Bountiful Temple to do baptisms for the dead as a YW group.  Most of our YW came which was so great.  It was a beautiful morning...lovely weather and just gorgeous outside.  There were even two deer standing in front of my neighbor's home as we were leaving for the temple.

My dear friend and neighbor Andrea came with us as did my friend/neighbor, Heather.  It was one of our YW's first time going to do baptisms for the dead and she was able to be baptized in behalf of her grandmother!  The spirit was so strong at the temple, and I love the YW so much! It was a perfect way to start the day.  I am so thankful for the temple.

Over the summer, the girls and I are going with good friends to the temple a couple of times per month to do baptisms.  I hope it will be a real blessing in my girls' lives to attend the temple regularly and to get to visit several temples.

Lesson on Chastity for YW

As a young woman, I felt so uncomfortable hearing the yearly lesson on chastity.  My family didn't discuss intimate relations and the whole lesson just felt so uncomfortable.  So I find it a bit ironic that I have volunteered to teach this lesson twice as I've been serving in the young women's presidency.   Many of my ideas for this lesson came from this wonderful blog, although I did modify and add to it as inspired by the spirit and based on my own thoughts and experiences and feelings:  Alaina Chatterley blog  

Read part of talk:  Am I A Child of God? by Brian K. Ashton.  Bear testimony that we are children of God and He knows and loves us and has plan for our lives.

Perhaps it seems weird to begin a lesson on chastity by having you read about  your divine nature...but who you are, your divine nature, has everything to do with why chastity and virtue are so important.  In fact, Elder Bednar said, "The eternal importance of chastity can only be understood within the overarching context of our Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness for His children. “All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and … has a divine nature and destiny” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 129). All men and women lived with God as His spirit children before coming to the earth as mortal beings. The Father’s plan enables His spirit sons and daughters to obtain physical bodies, to gain mortal experience, and to progress toward exaltation."

Quote: #1:  Elder Bednar said, "Our physical bodies make possible a breadth, a depth, and an intensity of experience that simply could not be obtained in our premortal existence. Thus, our relationships with other people, our capacity to recognize and act in accordance with truth, and our ability to obey the principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ are amplified through our physical bodies. In the school of mortality, we experience tenderness, love, kindness, happiness, sorrow, disappointment, pain, and even the challenges of physical limitations in ways that prepare us for eternity. Simply stated, there are lessons we must learn and experiences we must have, as the scriptures describe, “according to the flesh”

What is the law of chastity:  Quote #2

I have an analogy that can help us understand why we have the law of chastity.  It isn't a perfect analogy...but hopefully it will help.  

Draw continuum on board...pass out peas.  Go ahead and taste these peas.  You'll notice they are just a little bit sweet.  (Place peas).  One reason for the law of chastity is it helps us enjoy each stage and cherish simple joys.  Elder Eric B. Shumway said “The law of chastity, I testify, is a law of happiness. It is a law that protects the sacred powers of procreation and magnifies the lyrical joys of romantic intimacy in a way that God created, ordained, and blessed.” 

When you first begin to develop feelings for boys, it's exciting just to smile and say hi.  We could put that here on the beginning of the continuum.  Heavenly Father created these feelings; they are normal and healthy...although like so many things with our earthly bodies, we do need to control our appetites.  At first, when I met Alfredo, just talking to him or having him smile at me was thrilling.  Then we began to date and eventually he held my hand.  It was absolutely amazing.  (Pass out oranges...)  These oranges could represent holding hands.  It's even sweeter than the peas just as holding hands soon felt much sweeter than just talking or smiling at each other.  In fact, soon I didn't want to just talk...if we were talking, I wanted to be holding hands.

Quote #3:  "“Physical intimacy between husband and wife is beautiful and sacred.  It is ordained of God for the creation of children and for the expression of love within marriage.” (True to the Faith, (2004), 29.)."

Heavenly Father desires for us to become one with our spouse...physically, emotionally and spiritually.  Genesis 2: 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. 

So we have this continuum that goes from just smiling at each other all the way to intimacy. Intimacy isn't bad...it's very beautiful and an important aspect of a marriage relationship.  However, there are strict rules for when this sacred power can be used...only within the bonds of marriage.

Hershey's kiss...would you like to eat a Hershey's kiss or two and then go back to an orange?  After tasting a Heshey's kiss, the orange doesn't taste as sweet.Elder Shumway in that earlier quote, mentioned that living chastely “magnifies the lyrical joys of romantic intimacy.”  That’s fancy speaking; let me define what it means here.  When you draw a line of where physical behavior should not go yet, it helps you thoroughly enjoy the innocent sweetness of those early stages.  Heavenly Father, by giving us the law of chastity, is giving us a time and a place in our lives to enjoy the sweet, simple pleasures in life.  Once you go beyond a safe “affection” zone, biology starts to kick in and you won’t be satisfied – your body wants more and more, and the simple & sweet things aren’t so sweet. 
 Small, simple, innocent pleasures help you build your fascination with the person you will spend the rest of your life with.  After you are married and busy with schooling or work, children and running a household, plus after you have moved along on the physical spectrum, it will never be the sweet, tender, enjoyable experience that it is now.  Living chastely is for our happiness because it helps us enjoy everything that romance has to offer, not just the big stuff. 

Another reason for being chaste is it helps you to build a solid foundation.  On our sweetness continuum, I could put this chocolate mousse cake all the way over here.  It's delicious.  But, Annie...let's say you had a big dance concert tomorrow...do you think it would be a good idea to eat only chocolate mousse cake all day before a concert?  Why or why not?  It doesn't provide a solid foundation.  A marriage is built on so much more than just physical attraction.  You want to marry someone who will work hard, have similar goals, enjoy some of the same activities, honor the priesthood, serve in church callings, and so on.  But in order to know if a person you are dating is likely to do those things, you need to spend a lot of time talking and interacting in a variety of settings.  And if you begin to become physical too quickly, you are less likely to spend your time really getting to know the person.  Physical intimacy fills up your senses and  you won't want to do the work necessary to really get to know the other person.

Another reason relates back to the chocolate cake.  If you've eaten a healthy diet and exercised, it's not bad to enjoy a piece of cake.  But certain conditions do need to be met.  If you were to steal the cake and eat it in a dark room so no one would know...do you think you'd enjoy it as much?   You might enjoy it while you were eating it, but soon you'd start to feel guilt and sorrow about your poor choices.  The same is true when it comes to morality.  

Quote #4:  True to the Faith

We are going to leave the analogy now and talk about a few other aspects of the law of chastity.  

I really love what Elder Bednar says about the power of procreation.  The law of chastity explains that the powers of procreation...the ability to bear children...should only be exercised within marriage.  

Quote #5  So neat...Heavenly Father's most prized role is that of our Father...the creator of our Spirits.  He takes creation of life very seriously...and each child is entitled to birth wihtin the bonds of marriage to a father and mother who love each other.  There is nothing more special or sacred than bringing a child into this world!! Nothing.


Quote #6

Elder Bednar said the following:  The precise nature of the test of mortality, then, can be summarized in the following question: Will I respond to the inclinations of the natural man, or will I yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit and put off the natural man and become a saint through the Atonement of Christ the Lord (see Mosiah 3:19)? That is the test. Every appetite, desire, propensity, and impulse of the natural man may be overcome by and through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We are here on the earth to develop godlike qualities and to bridle all of the passions of the flesh.

The Father’s plan is designed to provide direction for His children, to help them become happy, and to bring them safely home to Him with resurrected, exalted bodies. Heavenly Father desires us to be together in the light and filled with hope. In contrast, Lucifer labors to make the sons and daughters of God confused and unhappy and to hinder their eternal progression. The overarching intent of the father of lies is that all of us would become “miserable like unto himself” (2 Nephi 2:27). Lucifer wants us ultimately to be alone in the dark and without hope.

*Satan doesn't have a body so he tries to get us to use our bodies inappropriately.  So much sorrow comes into this world because people choose not to follow the law of chastity.  Children are born out of wedlock.  Divorce occurs.  Poverty is more likely.  Abuse occurs.  This world would be a completely different place if we had a "return to virtue."  So MANY of the troubles of this world stem from people not living this commandment.  

There are such great blessings for living the law of chastity.  In D&C 121:45, we are promised:  "Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly, then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God".  If we are chaste and virtuous, we can have the companionship of the Holy Ghost.  If we are chaste and virtuous, we are worthy to enter the temple, do work for our ancestors, and some day kneel across an altar from a young man you love and who loves and cherishes you...and make sacred covenants which allow your family to be eternal.  It helps you to have self respect.  

Quote #7:  President Marion G. Romney said, "“I can think of no blessings to be more fervently desired than those promised to the pure and the virtuous. Jesus spoke of specific rewards for different virtues but reserved the greatest, so it seems to me, for the pure in heart, ‘for they,’ said he, ‘shall see God’ (Matt. 5:8). And not only shall they see the Lord, but they shall feel at home in his presence."

Repentance is possible if you make mistakes.  Violating the law of chastity is serious.  It is always better to make the right choice.  However, if you have made a mistake...or if you do in the future, because of the Savior's Atonement, you can be cleansed.  Elder Bednar said, "The Savior is often referred to as the Great Physician, and this title has both symbolic and literal significance. All of us have experienced the pain associated with a physical injury or wound. When we are in pain, we typically seek relief and are grateful for the medication and treatments that help to alleviate our suffering. Consider sin as a spiritual wound that causes guilt or, as described by Alma to his son Corianton, “remorse of conscience” (Alma 42:18). Guilt is to our spirit what pain is to our body—a warning of danger and a protection from additional damage. From the Atonement of the Savior flows the soothing salve that can heal our spiritual wounds and remove guilt. However, this salve can only be applied through the principles of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, and consistent obedience. The results of sincere repentance are peace of conscience, comfort, and spiritual healing and renewal."

Just as I hope you wouldn't steal the chocolate cake and eat it in a closet...or eat only chocolate cake for every meal...chocolate cake is wonderful if enjoyed under certain conditions, so, too, I hope you will reserve intimacy for its proper conditions...only after married and only with your husband.  It really is a sweet blessing from our Heavenly Father...a truly remarkable blessing to be married and to be spiritually, emotionally and physically intimate with your spouse and to bring children into this world.  Living this law has blessed my life and it will bless your life as well.  

Jordan River Temple Rededication/Cultural Celebration

Cultural Celebration:  On Facebook, I wrote: "Today was a fantastic day! The youth of the Jordan River Temple district held their cultural celebration today. They have learned, grown and become READY over the past two months. They are remarkable and the spirit in the celebration was one I won't forget. There is real power when people...whether children, teens or adults...serve, share their talents, and live what they believe. I am so impressed by these youth. It was fun to watch them sing, dance, play instruments, and bear testimony of the Savior and the temple and the miracles they've experienced. I love these youth more than I can adequately express."

I was touched as I was reading my scriptures the night before the dedication to read these words: Joshua 3:5: " And Joshua said into the people, sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the Lord will do wonders among you." This is certainly true.

On our Young Women's Facebook page, I shared this:  "When the Cornerstone was laid for the Logan Utah Temple President George Q Cannon said, "Every foundation stone that is laid for a temple, and every temple completed... lessens the power of Satan on the earth, and increases the power of God and Godliness, moves the heavens in mighty power in our behalf, invokes and calls down upon us the blessings of eternal Gods and those who reside in their presence."

Today is a sacred day. When I was born 42 years ago (146 years after the Church was organized), there were 16 dedicated temples on the Earth. The Jordan River Temple became the 20th, just a few years later. Now I believe there are 159, with more announced. Think of the increase of power and Godliness that represents! I truly hope that over the past two months, your faith and testimony have increased and you have a greater desire to be worthy to attend the temple often. I cannot adequately express my love for the Savior, the temple or for you!"

Temple Dedication:   I so often find that words just aren't quite adequate to express what I'm thinking and feeling inside. My main thing I came away with was to remember...remember the covenants I have made, remember those who came before and seek them out, remember the things I felt this weekend, remember that the purpose of this life is to return to God's presence, remember that the Savior is always there to help me.  We know what we should do...we just have to remember to do it...and remember how compassionate and loving God and Christ are to us. One other thing that stood out is that we appreciate more the things for which we sacrifice...I have been thinking about sacrifice this week...and want to ponder what more I can/should sacrifice as an individual but also how I can better provide opportunities for my children to sacrifice.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day was really beautiful.  The weather was gorgeous, my family was all so thoughtful, my sweet friend Christie brought me a corsage, the meetings at church were especially wonderful...it really was just a great day.  The YW took over primary so all of the women could be in Relief Society.  We were each given a delicious cinnamon roll and our Bishop taught us.  I am so thankful to be a mother and to have been raised by a wonderful mother and been influenced by my grandmothers.  I paid this tribute to my mom and grandmothers on Facebook:

I'm so grateful for so many women who have influenced my life for good. There are so many women who have helped nurture me and have inspired me and strengthened me. I am a better, wiser, kinder, gentler, and more empathetic person due to the influence of so many women (and men). I had wonderful teachers, wonderful young women leaders, the best seminary teacher, the best sisters, beloved aunts and cousins, amazing friends, fun and wise and talented roommates, wonderful neighbors and ward members and coworkers and book club members and on and on...if I tried to list all those that have touched my life, this post would be hundreds of pages long. We were asked today how we would spend our day if we knew it was the last one on Earth. A few things immediately came to mind...time with family and loved ones being at the forefront. But I'd also want to somehow express my love and gratitude for those who have touched me...and I fear a day wouldn't be enough time to do that. I hope that I live in such a way that those I love know how I feel.

Today, on this Mother's Day, I'd like to pay tribute to three women who especially touched my life. My maternal grandmother raised the most patient and kind and loving woman I have ever met (my mom). My maternal grandmother was a talented seamstress and gardener. She was a hard worker and very frugal. She lived in Utah, while I grew up in AZ. But we spent most of our childhood summers at her home, picking raspberries, riding bikes, and making wonderful memories. My paternal grandmother is involved in nearly all of my childhood memories. We grew up about a 5 minute drive from her house, and she cared for my sisters and I after school. I know I have shared before how much time she spent helping others and serving others and the impact that has had on my life. She was a devoted wife and mother. When I was little, she would spend hours drawing us paper dolls and their clothing. She read us stories. I knew she absolutely cherished me.

And then there is my mom. Words are inadequate to express my gratitude for her. But here are a few things I especially appreciate: she is so patient and calm, never raising her voice at us. She is forgiving. She taught us, by word and example, that even when hard things happen, we can trust that God is aware of us and that better days are ahead. She is quietly knowledgeable and intelligent, sharing her wisdom when asked. She dutifully magnifies callings and quietly goes about serving others and blessing lives. When I get a little older and wiser, I hope to become more and more like her...truly one of the greatest compliments I could be paid would be that I am like her or remind others of her. And bringing me extra joy this Mother's Day...in one week, she will be moving to Utah and will be much closer. I love you, Mom!

We went to Alfredo's family for dinner on Mother's Day and they grilled wonderful food.  I had a nice talk with my Mom.

Alfredo gave me beautiful flowers.  The girls all made me gifts.  It was a wonderful day spent with family.