The Thaw

Sunday Sacrament talks were just great!  Two wonderful women, sister-in-laws, spoke on a subject that is always in need of being addressed...not judging, faultfinding and all those humanoid traits, that are as natural as breathing, if not focused on.  They each approached it from a different vantage point but no matter how you cut the mustard, or how seldom we do it or if it's a regular habit...it boils down to Elder Uchdorft's, now famous, 2 word sermon--

STOP IT!!

There were lots of beautiful scriptures used and inspired conference talks and personal experiences shared so it was a heartfelt sincere inspiring meeting.

Sometimes people seem to feel it's their right/responsibility to point out weaknesses in others.  I think that Ether 12:27-28 lets us know that the Lord will tell us our 
weaknesses...I will show unto them their weakness....  That pretty much sums it up!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While reading the Book of Mormon I've really noticed how hard hearts can get us in a lot of trouble.  Hard hearts can lead us to loss of Spirit and that can lead to personal apostasy and perhaps we will not endure to the end.  The last week or so I was facing a longtime family situation that scared me because I felt, in that instance, that my heart was a bit frosty in feeling.  I know that is the precursor to ice if a thaw doesn't occur.  

Feeling my heart break, in a way, broke that ice, made me vulnerable, made me feel helpless, dependent on the Lord and ended with nice, soft, warm, tender feelings.  True, in process, I did feel totally wiped out but a beautiful Priesthood blessing, 2 Temple sessions, a son that is loving in his logic, a husband with his confidence in me, a friend I could sit and weep with & receive blessed encouragement/compassion/understanding, and you! (Yes, you, the blog reader that contacted me with concern),  all combined with my fervent prayers to bring me to a place of resolute action.  

When a situation has gone on for years it is very hard to face the truth.  The truth in this instance is...there is in my immediate family someone that doesn't always think soundly and I am the recipient of being blamed for their lot in life.  It's important that I keep a sound mind in spite of that fact.  Personal guidance and comfort washed over me, as a blessing, from this sweet beautiful scripture.....

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  (2 Tim. 1:7)

Our prayers are heard and answered and in our dire need, we are not left to flounder and suffer, beyond our capacity to bear.  I appreciate Heavenly help with all of my heart, which at present time is soft!!!

Good morning!

I am still amongst the living!  A recent life experience dealt me a blow that made me feel squished by a steam roller.  Ugh!  When your heart, as a Mother, is involved in pain, it makes one retreat for a bit to heal.  I've been healing and today feel more whole.  Between an inspired Priesthood blessing, 2 great Temple sessions, talking with Terry and the kind concern of friends- today I feel on the mend.  Life can knock us down but we always have to get back up.  Always.  I'm nearly upright!!!

Who was it at the last Conference that said -- life is not easy or simple????  A truth, for sure!

I do want to share my testimony-- the Lord will bless us with comfort and guidance and answers when we are desperate and feel lost as to what to do and which direction to go and what to do.  He blessed me.  I'm so appreciative of that.

No blog today.  sorry. 

Observing Mothering

The weather here is absolutely gorgeous!!  Sunday was so inviting to just sit and relax.  I loved it.

My first dental appointment is this morning!!  just for some one-surface fillings and I'm such a namby-pamby that I'm taking Rx for it.  Talk about a chicken!!!  Terry can't stop laughing.  Getting up my courage for the super gross- oral surgery a little further down the road!!!!  spare me.  just conk me out.  do the dirty work. get me into the car and home and on my bed.  shut the door and let me heal.  Oh, yes...the one itty-bitty missing detail.  I've not yet got courage to make the appointment!!!  I've admitted before that I'm super coward in the barbarity arena!!! 

In RS I saw the sweetest thing in the world.  Shannon came in with her 1 year old Brooklyn nestled sleeping in her arms.  This is the 6th baby in her family and Brooklyn is a dolly for sure.  I sat behind Shannon and to her left and had a perfect view of her.  Her hair was pulled back and she looked so beautiful.  My vantage point was like a personal private glimpse but I couldn't stop staring.  It made me tear up.  She was stroking Brooklyn, and softly unwinding blond tendrils, and gazing at her, and kissing her, and just relishing every single solitary moment.  

You could feel the love she had for her baby.  Just like she wanted to inhale her.  Brooklyn's arm was hanging down beside her Mommy on the chair.  Shannon reached behind her back and found Brooklyn's hand and gently held it and stroked those pudgy little fingers.  You could sense she was making sure she was comfortable.  Her hand behind her back holding Brooklyn's hand was breathtaking and I so wished I had a camera.  Sherry sat right next to me and she was watching also.  She and I looked at each other and said...."camera".  Then Brooklyn woke up and slowly the still-life became alive again.

It's around Mother's day.  A hard time for me sometimes as I remember those times in my life,  like Shannon had today and I miss those adorable beautiful little babies/toddlers that are now full grown adults.  I remember the magic of holding them and loving on them.  They took my breath away sometimes.   I like what my beautiful daughter said after she had her twin girls.....I knew I would love them but I didn't know I would fall in love with them.

Wonderful!!!!!

 Gaining a testimony that the heavens are not closed not only gave me a belief in our current prophets but also made me realize and confirmed that this really is the "true" Church.  For those men, of intellect and success, to walk away from all they had worked for career-wise and devote the rest of their mortal lives to service in the Church...The Church is true!  It's so New Testament!!

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

(Matthew 4:18-22)

And this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost.

And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord and the power of God unto salvation. (D&C 68:3)

What I the Lord have spoken I have spoken, and I excuse not myself;  and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.  (D&C 1:38) 

Greatest Challenge

Yes, I will share the challenge in my life that never seems to end but....first I have to share something that has helped me try to figure out the solution to what looms in my life as that biggest challenge.  

I joined the Church when I heard they believe in families can be forever.  I wanted that.  Extremely so!  That was why I stopped going to my Baptist Church and left  my wonderful Sunday School teacher.  She did not believe that idea was Biblical.

I was not longing for anything else.  Just that.  Families being together forever.  The dots were not connected in my mind that it was a package deal.  There was no interest on my part in anything else.  Just that one personal thing. I didn't even care for the concept of Baptizing for the dead.  Those are shocking words to hear...."for the dead".  

Joseph Smith.  The Book of Mormon. and on and on.  Concepts, books and people that were not a part of my desire or need.  We already had a Bible.  We didn't need another one.

At some point someone told me that belief in one bit of doctrine proved the rest to be true.  It was necessary to believe, embrace, accept and gain a testimony of everything.  I needed to focus on connecting the dots as I still really wanted that eternal family.

One thing that threw me for a loop was the time that I was taught the heavens are not closed.  HUH?  The Missionaries taught me that in the Joseph Smith story and I was stunned.  I felt somewhat embarrassed and questioned...you believe in that???  The Church believes in that?   

Surely we didn't have the doctrinal belief that God communes/connects/communicates with ordinary people.  I was quite put off--Perhaps because I had no longing or felt any necessity of such doctrine.  I only wanted the family forever part.

Realizing I needed to explore/examine doctrine and gain a testimony, I started on a search.  I was blessed, for whatever reason, to realize that anyone that wanted could write a book.  Just because a Church member wrote it didn't make it doctrinal.  I wanted pure doctrine so I chose pure things to study...  The scriptures, anything that was written by someone with experience and Church leadership on a general level.  Doctrines of Salvation, Jesus the Christ, Conference talks, commentaries etc. etc.  I LOVED learning about the Church.

As much as I read, and was touched with the Spirit as a witness to the truth of what I'd read, I still questioned were they real Apostles?  How could I ever find out.  And then one day it happened in a very simple way.  My testimony of them being Apostles, living Apostles, came about not because of anything they said or did.  My testimony locked in from watery gruel to cement, in a very strong way.

Why?  Because of a couple of things....who they were/what they were doing when they were called and their willingness to give up all they had worked for.  All the education, all the success they were in the midst of.  A willingness to just walk away.  Straightway.  In an instant to become a fisher of men.  Just like in the New Testament.

To give up where you want to live.  Where and when you want to go.  To travel all the time. to leave your home.  sometimes your country (bless you, Elder Uchdorft. talk about getting your wings clipped!).  Understanding that this calling is for life.  Right up to your death with never, ever, the chance of becoming emeritus.  

Aging before the eyes of those you serve.  Ravaged at times by disease and still being propped up, held up, or whatever to make sure you are at General Conference or wherever you need to be. Dealing with cancer, surgeries and everything human, because as they serve and dedicate their life, they are not transformed.  They suffer in the midst of service.  Their is no retirement and death is the only release. 

Their spouses sometime die and yet they work right on through all those life happenings.  The wives must be incredible women.  Elder Perry was called in April 1974 and by the next October Conference, the cancer won out in his wife's life.  She knew she was dying but wanted him to serve anyhow.  Amazing! 


  Elder Bednar, so young, so caught off guard (as they all seem to be) spoke at a BYU devotional October 2001.  At that time he reminisced about his time at BYU and said..."It is clear to me that I likely will never be asked to do so again."  October 2004, just 3 years later, he was called as an Apostle!

A lot of these men were just into the swing of their careers.  The sheer amount of education and success in the careers of Elder Nelson and Elder Oaks, just those two alone are mind-boggling.  Both called on the same day.  Members wondering why the call and couldn't they do more for the Church by staying and to continue developing their fields of expertise?   A Cardiovascular Surgeon!  A justice of the Utah Supreme Court!  


Dreams and plans for how many years?  how much education and sacrifice to obtain those goals.  rising to the pinnacle of success and still growing, moving ahead and then poof!....one phone call.  one meeting.  and straightway (dictionary- at once, immediately) they shift gears, no looking back and they start their ministry.  


From that moment on, every word they say will be as if chiseled in stone.  True, they have 6 months to prepare for General Conference talk but once those words are spoken...that is it.  no do overs.  no take backs.  no apologies.  no changes.  Right out of the chute that expectation is understood.

I now have a testimony that the heavens are indeed open and these chosen servants will be the ones that are used to further the work.  Therefore when I'm searching for answers to problems/challenges/adversities in my life, I can research from these Conference talks and I will find what I need and the Holy Ghost will let me know....  there it is.  just what you've been looking for.

I appreciate Elder Scott, this super intelligent nuclear power expert, that straightway left all that he'd worked towards and now shares with me, what he's has learned from his own life, and from watching and observing others throughout the world, and most importantly those words directly from the Lord that speak to my heart.  Thank you, Elder Scott, for helping me this time!  

When he says...."the principles we have discussed are true.  They have been tested in the crucible of personal experience."   and also "I testify that you have a Heavenly Father who loves you.  I witness that the Savior gave His life for your happiness.  I know Him.  He understands your every need....".   I then realize and receive my own witness that he knows what he is talking about and it is truth.  And it is for me and my plight at the time.

The testimony I have of this truth ~the heavens are open~ gives me guidance, hope, faith and confidence and direction to deal with the greatest challenge of my life....some precious family members that don't want the Gospel in their lives. 




  

Thankful on so many levels!!!

My heart is so thankful for answered prayers, tender mercies, personal revelation and confirmation of what I need to do.  Today I've thought/mulled/pondered.  Expressed gratitude.  Felt hope.  And read a lot about Lehi.  I think he is so amazing!

I'm mulling & pondering things over.  I feel excited because some of what I learned yesterday is mentioned in my Pat. Bls.  I'm going to read that when I hit the hay!

Terry is not feeling very good and I'm going to go be with him.  Poor fellow.

I feel joy rumbling around inside me!!  a great feeling!! 

The challenge that seems to never end and how yesterday helped me ....featured tomorrow! 
 

Answers

So I came to grips with my teeth problems and the crown and tooth and posts breaking off.  It is what it is.  I'll get it fixed and that's all I can do. A done deal.

I've been so melancholy today.  It started last evening.  In today's world everyone appears so happy.  On Facebook or Tweet/Twitter/Text and even on blogs....everyone just seems happy.  All the time!  Celebrating something or going somewhere or eating something delish.  Sharing tidbits of happenings that just seem wonderful.  And it is wonderful.  I understand it's not good to just put private info out for anyone to have a look-see.  Also it's dangerous to share- as sometimes people don't let things go after you have conquered, or whatever, and moved ahead.

The Gospel brings me truth, peace, happiness/joy, spiritual satisfaction.  I treasure my membership.  In spite of all those marvelous treasure to enjoy, embrace and revel in, I still at times have deep struggles.  I work my way through them and keep moving along the path.  Some things just hang on for what seems an eternity.

Today I found something that helped me so much and I want to share it, in case I'm not the only one, that struggles to keep the ducks lined up.  I seek for answers/solutions to whatever I'm up against usually through Prayer, Temple, Fasting, Scriptures and Conference Reports.  I found something that is worth it's weight in gold!!!

I absolutely love this and do not remember reading it before but I always absorb Conference talks so perhaps at that time it wasn't the answer I was seeking but boy!, I grabbed the brass ring today!!!

"Don't let the workings of adversity totally absorb your life.  Try to understand what you can.  Act where you are able; then let the matter rest with the Lord for a period while you give to others in worthy ways before you take on appropriate concern again."

"Please learn that as you wrestle with a challenge and feel sadness because of it, you can simultaneously have peace and rejoicing.  Yes, pain, disappointment, frustration, and anguish can be temporary scenes played out onto the stage of life.  Behind them there can be a background of peace and the positive assurance that a loving Father will keep His promises.  You can qualify for those promises by a determination to accept His will, by understanding the plan of happiness, by receiving all of the ordinances, and by keeping the covenants made to assure their fulfillment."  

                                                   (Elder Richard G. Scott- Trust in the Lord -CR 1995)

Truly, I feel I should charge you for this fantastic information, of how an Apostle says to deal with the challenges of life and have peace and rejoicing at the same time!!!!!  I totally believe that words spoken at General Conference are TRUTH!

Here is one other gold nugget for you to file away into the recesses of your mind for figuring out how to manage emotions, on our mortal trek.  Here you go!

"If our minds and hearts are cluttered with negative thoughts as a result of emotional pain, we may not be able to feel or hear the guidance of the Spirit.  Elder Scott also taught:  

'The inspiring influence of the Holy Spirit can be overcome or masked by strong emotions, such as anger, hate, passion, fear, or pride.  When such influences are present, it is like trying to savor the delicate flavor of a grape while eating a jalapeno pepper.  Both flavors are present, but one completely overpowers the other.  In like manner, strong emotions overcome the delicate promptings of the Holy Spirit.'  (To Acquire Spiritual Guidance-Oct. CR 2009)  To become open to God's heavenly channel of communication, we need to let go of anxieties and learn to become emotionally and spiritually still."  (Healing Through Christ)

So there you go!!!  told by a prophet, sweet Elder Scott, that you don't have to constantly focus on adversities that are those long term kind (actually it would work for all!)  You can calm down, have faith, do what you can to resolve the challenge and set it on the back burner.  Then give it a stir at another time and re-examine the problem and see if you can move ahead on it!!! 

I am thrilled to have found these quotes and also so happy to share them with you if you have been looking for answers.

In the midst of my biggest challenge today, I remembered this beautiful old song, you can get it online.  it reaches my heart!  Yours too?  

 You’re Not Alone 

Here’s a little song to help you get along.
It will see you through when you’re feeling blue.
And though it’s not profound when you’re feeling down, so down,
Sing this little tune, and you’ll feel better soon.
You’re not alone, even when you’re feeling on your own,
You are loved in ways that can’t be shown; your needs are known;
You’re not alone.
And when you cry, you’re just letting go of heartache deep inside,
And tomorrow there’ll be sunshine and sky and love close by;
You’re not alone.
And we know that it’s not easy, but we know that it won’t last,
’cause one that loves you more than me is sending blessings fast.
You’re not alone, say it one more time,
“I’m not alone,”
And even when it’s hard to find the words, our prayers are heard;
We’re not alone.
You’re not alone.

Michael McLean

New Era, Jan.–Feb. 1984, 12–13

Bear Scare

 We looked forward to having Greg and his sweet bride spend summer time with us, while they earned money for his upcoming year of college.  He'd always worked summers, either on a fishing vessel or in his Dad's Diesel repair shop.  Lorrie worked in an Ice Cream shop on the end of the Homer Spit.  She quickly became the manager and would always close out at night, in preparation for the next day's business.  Alaskan summer days have hours of daylight right around the clock.  Daylight.  Not bright sunlight but you can see.  

She would park her car at the top of road and make the long walk home on the dirt road.  It was late.  There were trees.  It was shadowy.  Greg had told her what to watch for as signs of bear in the vicinity.  Told her to listen for snapping twigs.  She walked that road with pounding heart.  

One night she rounded what we called The Sharp Corner then rounded The Bend & out of nowhere!- there was growling and bushes moving!  She started screaming, as Greg and our very youngest son, jumped out at her!  

Now we are years and years down our road of life and still...we all remember that night with clarity.  In all our Alaskan years we'd never seen a bear on that road!  They had played a mean trick on her. 

Her thoughts, emotions and body all reacted as if there was a bear.  Haven't we all felt that at one time or another?  

A couple of days ago I was heading to Yakima and far off, way down the freeway, I could see black smoke.  Getting closer I saw flashing lights and all sorts of rescue equipment.  I could see a van engulfed in flames.  Cars pulling over and getting out to see what was going on.  I slowed down, put on my hazard lights and seeing the distant scene, my heart just dropped and I put my hand to my mouth in shock and horror.  I started praying for the safety of van travelers.  My pulse was racing.  I was just stunned.

Slowing, approaching, gawking to see the happenings, I moved forward.  Then I saw it!  a truck sitting to the side of the road with the words Fire Training emblazoned on it!  It was all a practice run!

I felt my mind shift gears and thought about Lorrie, all those years ago, with the Bear Scare episode.

How many times do I get my exercise by jumping to conclusions?

Cheep Cheep Cheep

I was going to give myself until 4:30pm to snap out of my foul mood.  I decided to extend it until I wake up in the morning.  I usually put a time limit on events that involve me emotionally moping around, as there comes a time you have to face the situation, figure out how to handle it, shift gears and move on!!   

I thought I had a loose crown, felt it and the entire crown- tooth with pegs and all came out.  Plus the one next to it has to be extracted also. And here is a problem and there is a problem and let's talk a few thousand dollars to mend my ivory stash.  Plus I have a near panic attack just thinking of Dentists!!!  I'm overwrought!  I'm near hysteria!!  Oral surgeon!!!  Torture!! 


My roller coaster emotions remind me of the rhythmic/racing tempo of 2 songs from The Music Man....not all the lyrics but the mood.   I snarl.  I hiss.  I spark.  I fizz.  Pick a little.  Talk a little.  talk talk talk!!! cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep!

No wide-eyed, eager,
Wholesome innocent Sunday school teacher for me.
That kinda girl spins webs no spider ever--
Listen, boy--
A girl who trades on all that purity
Merely wants to trade my independence for her security.
The only affirmative she will file
Refers to marching down the aisle.
No golden, glorious, gleaming pristine goddess--
No sir!
For no Diana do I play faun.
I can tell you that right now.
I snarl, I hiss: How can ignorance be compared to bliss?
I spark, I fizz for the lady who knows what time it is.
I cheer, I rave for the virtue I'm too late to save
The sadder-but-wiser girl for me.
No bright-eyed, blushing, breathless baby-doll baby
Not for me.
That kinda child ties knots no sailor ever knew.
I prefer to take a chance on a more adult romance.
No dewy young miss
Who keeps resisting all the time she keeps insisting!
No wide-eyed, wholesome innocent female.
No sir.
Why, she's the fisherman, I'm the fish you see?--PLOP!
I flinch, I shy, when the lass with the delicate air goes by
I smile, I grin, when the gal with a touch of sin walks in.
I hope, and I pray, for a Hester to win just one more "A"
The sadder-but-wiser girl's the girl for me.
The sadder-but-wiser girl for me.

 Alma:
Pick a little, talk a little, pick a little, talk a little,
cheep cheep cheep, talk a lot, pick a little more

Alma and Ethel:
Pick a little, talk a little, pick a little,
talk a little, cheep cheep cheep, talk a lot, pick a little more

All the ladies:
Pick a little, talk a little, pick a little,
talk a little, cheep cheep cheep, talk a lot, pick a little more

Maud:
Professor, her kind of woman doesn't belong on any committee.
Of course, I shouldn't tell you this but she advocates dirty books.

Harold:
Dirty books?!

Alma:
Chaucer

Ethel:
Rabelais

Eulalie:
Balzac!

Maud:
And the worst thing
Of course, I shouldn't tell you this but-

Alma:
I'll tell.

Ethel:
The man lived on my street, let me tell.

Eulalie:
Stop! I'll tell.
She made brazen overtures to a man who never
had a friend in this town till she came here.

Alma:
Oh, yes
That woman made brazen overtures
With a gilt-edged guarantee
She had a golden glint in her eye
And a silver voice with a counterfeit ring

Just melt her down and you'll reveal
A lump of lead as cold as steel
Here, where a woman's heart should be!

Eulalie, Ethel, Maud, Alma, Mrs Squires:
He left River City the Library building
But he left all the books to her

Alma:
Chaucer

Ethel:
Rabelais

Eulalie:
Bal-zac!

Ladies:
Pick a little, talk a little, pick a little, talk a little,
cheep cheep cheep, talk a lot, pick a little more
Pick a little, talk a little, pick a little, talk a little,
cheep cheep cheep, talk a lot, pick a little more
Pick a little, talk a little, pick a little, talk a little,
Cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep
Cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep
Cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep
Pick a little, talk a little, cheep!

Enlightening (D&C 11:13-14)

True I can't easily explain how the Holy Ghost communicates with me but I know when communication comes.  There are varied ways of SpiritSpeak that touches and enlightens and teaches and answers questions and gives guidance to me.  Aren't you that way also?  I appreciate those modes/methods of tender mercies.

I was lost in my own thoughts after saying a prayer for a boost.  That feeling of feeling a bit low, not enjoying it, wanting to shake it and unsure of what really needs shaking off.  Sort of bluesy.  Misty-eyed.  Needing, wanting, hoping for a bit of light to pierce the haze.

Then it came.  A line from a hymn.  Clear.  Distinct.  Repeated. 

Haste to your Heav'nly Father's throne 

And sweet refreshment find.

Mulling began.  We were on our way to the Temple.  Was that the place?  Yes.  It is definitely at least one of the places if not the place.

Then another line...

Why should this anxious load

Press down your weary mind? 

Pondering. Why do I get caught up in this sort of worldliness?   What should I do to get rid of these unwelcome thoughts?

Then another line...

I'll drop my burden at his feet

And bear a song away.

Of course!  Let go and let God!  I know that!  Isn't this religion 101??!!!  Why do I keep having to audit the class!!??  Can't I ever get it into my soul and cause it to stick??  I guess as a very real mortal, the answer is...it may not stick permanently but I can fix it enough that it will hold fast for quite some time.  That is very nice to know. 

I spent time singing the phrases that had come to me and trying to remember the Hymn and for the life of me I could not figure it out.  I wanted to hear all of the verses!  I drove Terry wacko in asking him over and over as I sang the 3 phrases and asked repeatedly... what hymn is this!!??  We could not figure it out! 

Sitting in the room in quietness before the session began.  Saying a little prayer of gratitude, for such a lovely message to me, through the hymn and suddenly-- the entire Hymn popped into my mind! 

The first verse just made me teary.  Such wonderful counsel.  Just exactly what I needed.

How Gentle God’s Commands

Hymn #125

1. How gentle God’s commands!
How kind his precepts are!
Come, cast your burdens on the Lord
And trust his constant care.

2. Beneath his watchful eye,
His Saints securely dwell;
That hand which bears all nature up
Shall guard his children well.

3. Why should this anxious load
Press down your weary mind?
Haste to your Heav’nly Father’s throne
And sweet refreshment find.

4. His goodness stands approved,
Unchanged from day to day;
I’ll drop my burden at his feet
And bear a song away.

Text: Philip Doddridge, 1702–1751

Music: Hans Georg Nägeli, 1773–1836; 

arr. by Lowell Mason, 1792–1872

1 John 5:3

Psalm 55:22

 I came home and looked it up and have read it over several times and sung it also.  Hymns or phrases of hymns, springing into my remembrance unbidden, is one way that I receive guidance.  It is beautiful, pleasant, sweet, gentle, heart-reaching and runs through my mind over and over as I absorb it and see how it fits exactly what I need at that moment.  Lines don't always come in order but what I need pops into my mind and gives me the order I need.

How gentle God's commands.  For sure.  

    

I want this!!!!

Today when I'm at the Temple this is what I really want.  I was given the Gift of the Holy Ghost at baptism and I'd like an extra surge of this power!  I want/need to develop this Gift to a more complete level.  I need energy of this exact sort.  My tank feels sort of low!!!

Spiritual energy from the Holy Ghost

"When we invite the Holy Ghost to fill our minds with light and knowledge, He 'quickens' us, that is to say, enlightens the inner man or woman.  As a result we notice a measurable difference in our soul.  We feel strengthened, filled with peace and joy.  We possess spiritual energy and enthusiasm, both of which enhance our natural abilities.  We can accomplish more than we otherwise could do on our own.  We yearn to become a holier person."

--Keith K. Hilbig -Oct. CR 2007

from a friend

this arrived via email.  interesting quotes.  for sure.

BRUCE R. McCONKIE “It is our firm conviction as a people that the stars and stripes will be waving triumphantly in the breeze, as a symbol of the greatness and stability of the United States of America, when the Lord comes. This nation was established to be the Lord’s base of operations in this final gospel dispensation. From it the gospel is to go to every other nation and people. The greater its influence among the nations of the world, the more rapidly the gospel spreads. But the Lord has told us that all nations, the United States included, shall cease to be when he comes” (The Millennial Messiah, 491). JOSEPH SMITH “We are fast approaching that moment prophesied by Joseph Smith when he said: ‘Even this nation will be on the very verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground, and when the Constitution is upon the brink of ruin, this people will be the staff upon which the nation shall lean, and they shall bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction” (Church Historian’s Office, Salt Lake City, July 19, 1840) (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 623 - 624). JOSEPH SMITH Words of James Burgess: “In the month of May 1843, several miles east of Nauvoo, the Nauvoo Legion was on parade and review, at the close of which Joseph Smith made some remarks upon our condition as a people and upon our future prospects, contrasting our present condition with our past trials and persecutions by the hands of our enemies; also upon the Constitution and government of the United States, stating that the time would come when the Constitution and government would hang by a brittle thread and would be ready to fall into other hands, but this people, the Latter-day Saints, will step forth and save it. . . .I, James Burgess, was present and testify to the above” (The Words of Joseph Smith, 279). EZRA TAFT BENSON “The Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith there would be an attempt to overthrow the country by destroying the Constitution. Joseph Smith predicted that the time would come when the Constitution would hang, as it were, by a thread, and at that time ‘this people will step forth and save it from the threatened destruction’ (Journal of Discourses, 7:15). It is my conviction that the elders of Israel, widely spread over the nation, will at that crucial time successfully rally the righteous of our country and provide the necessary balance of strength to save the institutions of constitutional government” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 618 - 619). On Thu, Mar 25, 2010 at 11:49 AM, Daniel Kelly Ogden <dkogden1@yahoo.com> wrote: There are some extraordinary and very timely thoughts from President Harold B. Lee (speaking in October 1973) circulating on the Internet. I looked into the quotation carefully and have confirmed that the words below are accurate; at the end I list the sources. Latter-day Saints and all Americans need this right now. (Someone might even want to forward this to Glenn Beck; he needs to see it!) President Lee: Men may fail in this country, earthquakes may come, seas may heave beyond their bounds, there may be great drought, disaster, and hardship, but this nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail. This is the cradle of humanity, where life on this earth began in the Garden of Eden. This is the place of the New Jerusalem. . . . This is the place where the Savior will come to His temple. We are living in a time of great crisis. The Country is torn with scandal and with criticism, with faultfinding and condemnation. There are those who have downgraded the image of this nation as probably never before in the history of the country. I plead with you not to preach pessimism. Preach that this is the greatest country in all the world. . . . It is the nation that will stand despite whatever trials or crises it may yet have to pass through. We must be on the optimistic side. This is a great nation; this is a great country; this is the most favored of all lands. While it is true that there are dangers and difficulties that lie ahead of us, we must not assume that we are going to stand by and watch the country go to ruin. We should not be heard to predict ills and calamities for the nation. On the contrary, we should be providing optimistic support for the nation. You must remember . . . that this church is one of the most powerful agencies for the progress of the world, and we should . . . all sound with one voice. We must tell the world how we feel about this land and this nation and should bear our testimonies about the great mission and destiny that it has. If we do this, we will help turn the tide of this great country and lessen the influence of the pessimists. We must be careful that we do not say or do anything that will further weaken the country. It is the negative, pessimistic comments about the nation that do as much harm as anything to the country today. We who carry these sacred responsibilities must preach the gospel of peace, and peace can only come by overcoming the things of the world. Now, we must be the dynamic force that will help turn the tide of fear and pessimism. (Excerpts from a talk given at Ricks College Devotional Assembly, “Have Faith in America,” October 26, 1973, and printed in two sources: Ye Are the Light of the World: Selected Sermons and Writings of Harold B. Lee, 340, 350-351, and The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, edited by Clyde J. Williams, 365-366.)

4 true accounts

not feeling up to par.  no big deal.  just under the weather and today will be the day to put it all to rest and jump back into life.  In spite of heading to bed early Sat. night and missing Church on Sunday, nothing else was out of synch.  

Missing Church on any Sunday is a loss in my book but missing Church on EASTER Sunday????!!!  Total loss! 

I thought KBYU would have all sorts of Easter programs.  Not!!!  I did hear one 30 minute Easter music on a Spoken Word.  Beautiful!

Terry had us read the account of the Resurrection from all 4 of the Gospels and that was about the most Easter-like act we could do-- to remind ourselves of what Easter is all about.  I read those words and the Spirit testified to me that those details are true.

Christ was resurrected and you and I will be also.  All of us will!

A Habit

Probably around 1999, I was teaching a Gospel Doctrine class and somehow or other Temples and Temple recommends were discussed.  After the class a young widow, Judy, told me she needed to get her Temple recommend renewed.  In our visit we decided to go to the Seattle Temple once a month together.  What a feat for her!!  The youngest of her 6 children was probably in first or second grade. Terry was working at the North Slope and I had no children at home so my plans weren't challenging like hers!

We picked a day, decided to leave as early as we could after her children were off to school, and started our most enjoyable time together.  We let nothing interfere unless it was illness.  We ended up liking the pot roast lunch and went on that particular day.  Thursday?  I don't remember.  We'd go to a session, eat lunch, and head home.  Seems to me we didn't even stop at the Bookstore.  Really?!  surely we did sometimes.  

Of certainty though is the fact we went monthly.  We'd read the quotes I'd collected about promised blessings and talk about Church etc. all the way up.  Coming home we'd talk about mortality and our challenges.

We decided to get our own Temple clothes and not rent anymore so we purchased suitcases, dresses etc.

In 2000 President Hinckley announced that a Temple would be built 55 minutes away from where we lived!  We felt ready as we already had our clothes and we had the habit of going.  We decided if we could drive to Seattle once a month then once a week seemed doable with a Temple so nearby.  

The Columbia River Temple was dedicated in Nov. 2001.  Because of it's closeness other members of Judy's family would find it easier go to the Temple.  Terry and I could go together easier also.  Judy and I wished each other well in our new weekly goal and still, to this day, talk about what a great time we had in that year or so we made the Temple a monthly priority.  We basked in how easy and quick it would be to travel to a Temple so close at hand.  We were so thankful and excited to be practically next door to our Temple.

Truth be told from my own confessional booth?   Don't we tell each other-- sacrifice bringeth forth  blessings?  I'd sacrifice with very careful planning for the Seattle session.  It was in stone.  With the new Temple so close, and even having to call to secure a seat, I seemed to be endlessly finding little reasons to "go tomorrow" which sometimes stretched to "next week.  just this one time."

The easiness of the way and the downfall/penalties/consequence is talked about in Exodus!  Way back then....no blood on the doorpost. (Ex. 12:7)  either they didn't believe what that lack of action would bring (death)  or it was just to simple.  to easy.  

It's so easy, for me to procrastinate/make excuses, as it all seems so simple.  The convenient location of the Temple just makes excuse-making so easy!!!

I'm a blessing seeker.  I love spiritual experiences and going to the Temple on a regular basis, whatever that is for each individual, is a flat out guarantee that you will at some point feel the Spirit.

Here are some outtakes from some of my favorite quotes about the need for regular attendance.  

Enjoy them!!!!

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Do we return to the temple often to receive the personal blessings that come from regular temple worship?

...President Ezra Taft Benson 1988

...members of the Church who absent themselves from Temple attendance, where it is possible for them to attend, are denying themselves rich blessings.  

---Elder David B. Haight 1990

As we study the scriptures, we learn that the doctrine of the temple requires...frequent attendance for personal spiritual benefit

---Elder W. Grant Bangerter 1982

A Temple recommend is one of the highest accolades we may receive. To use it regularly permits us to participate in the choicest gifts within the keeping of the Church.  

---Elder A. Theodore Tuttle 1982

One of the great revelations of the Temple to those who go often, is the reality and nearness of the spirit world....We should go to the temple often...But we cannot have it's spirit if we don't go regularly.   

---RS Manual 1983  Harold Glen Clark

I promise you that, with increased attendance in the Temples of our God, you shall receive increased personal revelation to bless your lives as you bless those who have died.  

---President Ezra Taft Benson 1987

Regular Temple work can provide spiritual strength.  

---Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin 1992

Come to the Temples worthily and regularly.  

---Elder David B. Haight 1992

We are so blessed!!!

Terry looks absolutely handsome to me in a suit and white shirt or mechanic coveralls.  He is my honey for sure!!!  All decked out this afternoon in his navy suit.  Sigh.  

Today we headed over to the Temple as we both felt the need for that blessing that comes simply by going into the Temple.  There is a feeling of peacefulness and hope.  Inner calm just saturates bone deep.  Sort of like coming indoors from freezing blizzardy snowy wintry air, being chilled to the bone and drawn to the warmth of the wood burning stove.  Feeling that heat saturation just makes you melt, with feeling good.  That describes the relaxation that comes to me in the Temple.

There was a curiosity in me about Temples.  I wondered if there was any benefit, any personal blessing, that came to someone when they went to the Temple and were proxy for the ordinances of those long departed.  I puzzled over... was I some sort of a selfish sinner, for wondering if I might feel/receive something beyond just feeling good, for helping someone out?   I had a bit of  unshared embarrassment within, with my - is that all there is?- attitude.

I had progressed to the point that my mantra was If/Then.  If I learned a blessing was to be had by some act of obedience on my part, Then I was eager to claim that blessing through obedience.  I took Doctrine&Covenants 130:20-21 to heart.  It was Gospel truth to me as was Doctrine&Covenants 132:5

This wondering sent me on a search in the mid-70's or maybe even earlier.  Alaska didn't have a Temple.  We could go to any one.  Seattle wasn't built yet.  Nor was Boise.  Alaskans, at least most of us, claimed Salt Lake as our Temple.  My parents lived in Boise so that was where I traveled to, when helping them with health challenges.  I very seldom got to go to the Temple.

Nonetheless I wanted to know how to get the most out of those rare occasions when I did get to go. The technology of today wasn't even in existence but I read a lot.  I kept on the lookout for something that would expand my enjoyment and blessing of those times I did attend a Temple.   

At last!!!  I found what I was looking for!!  President Ezra Taft Benson- now that is a reliable source for sure!!!!

In the peace of these lovely temples, sometimes we find solutions to the serious problems of life.  Under the influence of the Spirit, sometimes pure knowledge flows to us there.  Temples are places of personal revelation.  When I have been weighed down by a problem or difficulty, I have gone to the House of the Lord with a prayer in my heart for answers.  These answers have come in clear and unmistakable ways.    ---President Ezra Taft Benson 1984

To this day I check all Conference talks for those specific personal blessings and have compiled several.  I used to read them on the way to the Seattle Temple.   Here is another favorite one that I found from 1921!

I believe that the busy person on the farm, in the shop, in the office, or in the household, who has his worries and troubles, can solve his problems better and more quickly in the House of the Lord than anywhere else.  If he will leave his problems behind, and in the temple work for himself and for his dead, he will confer a mighty blessing upon those who have gone before, and quite as large a blessing will come to him, for at the most unexpected moment, in or out of the temple will come to him, as a revelation, the solutions of the problems that vex his life.  That is the gift that come to those who enter the temple properly, because it is a place where revelations may be expected.  I bear you my personal testimony that this is so.    ---Elder John A. Widtsoe 1921

What a terrific day it was!!  I already feel so much better and the prayer that I requested for help,  hasn't even arrived yet!!  It will happen.  I know that for sure!

So come to the Temple- come and claim your blessings.  It is a sacred work. ---Boyd K. Packer 

  

Make it or break it time!!!

It seemed to be on a fairly regular basis & just before the offering plate was passed, our Pastor at Faith Baptist Church would ask all of us to increase our freewill offerings- as he had children that needed shoes or some other expense.  This request would be accompanied by his wife playing a plaintive altar-call hymn on the piano.  My heart always went out to him but I was only prepared with my literal 2 bits or so of change, in the knotted corner of my freshly ironed hanky, for the cause.

The awkwardness of offering plates was done away & was replaced with private envelopes, for a new concept to me- tithing,  when I joined the Church.  I really enjoyed that aspect!  Freewill offerings seemed a thing of the past!

Over the years though I've come to understand that we have lots of freewill offerings in the Church.  Starting with the one Commandment on the donation slip, Tithing- all the rest are for me to choose from or not.  Give to one, some or all.  It's freewill $$ offering...  Fast Offering; Ward missionary; General missionary; Book of Mormon; Humanitarian aid; Temple construction; Perpetual education; Other

Other freewill offerings don't necessarily involve money.  We are not to be commanded in all things.  We are to be engaged in good causes. Offer a broken heart and a contrite spirit.  Care for the widows and orphans. 

We are to emulate the Savior in going about doing good.  Pay attention to what Alma said at the waters of Mormon.  Know how King Benjamin lived his life. Do our oblations (see Doctrine & Covenants 59:12 footnotes).  Fill our lives with freewill service offerings.

We know about the Good Samaritan.  The vision of the drop-cloth that showed Peter- God is no respector of persons.  All of God's children need help.   There are many more opportunities, for freewill offering of serving, than we can wrap our minds around.

There is one though that is the Granddaddy of all freewill offerings.  It's mentioned in the new Handbook as it was in past guides.  It's talked about in the New Testament. 

Isn't it interesting that the backbone of the Church, as far as freewill individual service acts, is a deed that all Teachers, Priests, Elders Quorum, High Priest Quorum members plus all RS women 18 to death, are automatically expected to participate in?!  The adventure of HT/VT.  Each individual is to be assigned!  

Amazingly enough, right in the Handbook (and as is the case in old HB)  it reads for each group..... 

Relief Society sisters are assigned as visiting teachers by the Relief Society presidency, under the direction of the bishop.  They are not called, sustained, or set apart.   (page 163)

(note how "assigned" is italicized in the handbook)

Christ was coming into the city for that last Passover and He was teaching as much as he could in His remaining few days. Matt. 25 is filled with 3 Parables. The last one is The Sheep and The Goats. My personal awakening about the importance of Matt. 25:31-46 came when I made the connection with that Parable and VT/HT.  Read the footnotes.  Enlightening! 

How interesting that VT/HT is not a commandment.  Very subtle.  Freewill.  Utmost in importance yet not a commandment.  There are those who won't accept an assignment.  There are those that will accept but not do the assignment.  There are those that don't like to do it and also don't want to be done unto to!  There are those that don't like to report they have done their assignment for the month.  There are zealots that pester and drive us nuts about doing our VT.  

It's a mixed bag of tricks but the reality is... we need to master this major assignment, that is not a calling, in order to be separated out, at His coming, on His right hand with the other sheep.

Each Ward prepares a Quarterly Report for the Stake.  The main point of interest is VT/HT.  That is what the Church leaders on all levels care about.  Our freewill offering of taking on the assignment of VT/HT and then actually doing it and reporting it, is major in our gospel progression. 

Me.  Sackcloth and ashes in readiness as I recite my lame excuses out-loud!!  I'm so thankful for repentance.

For Easter week

 I can't resist sending these wonderful vignettes just in time for Easter week.  What a great way to teach by reading the scriptures and showing these short videos.  I can see that a great week can be had for you and your family by checking these out and following the story daily.  What a great gift for all of us!!   Enjoy!!

Jesus Christ’s Life Leading Up to His Resurrection Portrayed in New Bible Videos - http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/jesus-easter-bible-videos-resurrection