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.