Jello-fail!

So excited about GC and had my little menu all planned.  Simple fare...Chicken Tetrazinni and a Cranberry salad that had jello to hold it together...cookies or cake (ended up with neither!).  I have made that Cranberry salad for years.  It's sort of a Christmas one but it sounded good so it was in the plan.  I have now 100% lost confidence in all of my cooking skills!  It never set up!  It was flavorless!!  Reddish-colored soup!  I even tried to revive it and sprinkled a big package of jello on it...to no avail!!  Terry, my self-appointed critique fella, felt that Jello-add wouldn't work as it needed hot water.  Whatever!  It was an embarrassing/hilarious fail!

Unlike General Conference which was 100% epic!!  Success...of course!!

I think that whole gay issue announcement spun out of control.  Sort of like news things that take on a life of their own and the rest of the story is never heard.  That announcement was one of many things that was mentioned at the General Conference Leadership Conference.  It was the first time that the agenda was shared so that got the focus.  It was good for me to really dig into it and come out with a stronger conviction to follow the Prophet.

Speaking of which...I thought he looked tired today.  Understandably so!

I desire to follow the Prophet.  I'm thankful for so many things...Terry and I really enjoy the Come Follow Me program.  It's just the two of us, so we aren't challenged with sharing our home with a young family or maybe reluctant teens or whatever...so we are really happy with a lot less Church and more home.  Plus neither of us has a job to go punch a time clock. 

This Conference caught me off guard as it was a very spiritual experience to me.  I cried a lot and had the Holy Ghost witness to me so many teachings that were true.  I did not expect that.  Not a few tears or a welling up of tears but this was actually a real cry...off and on.  Lots of tears!

I know that the Prophet and his Counselors and the 12 are doing their level best to have us fortify ourselves for spiritual safety (and who knows what other kinds of safety?).  I have no idea what will happen that we will end up glad we heeded their counsel but I do know this...when it happens- I will recognize it and know and be thankful that I did my best to do what they asked us to do.  I will understand.

I know that the words of these Prophets/Apostles are letting us know that it's time to really get ready.  To not be afraid but to just get ready.  A rather broad hint when the Prophet said.. Time is running out.  

With all sorts of devilish things whirling around us worldly-wise...it sounds so peaceful and wonderful to make home a sanctuary.  That is what I want to work on!

It will be a miracle if we see our Ward, or any Ward, follow Elder Holland's great counsel!  I remember when Boyd K. Packer gave a similar talk and it never flew (quiet in Chapel and visit in foyer).  I also remember teaching a RS lesson from the manual about it and having a sister get mad and tell me off.  I blogged about that once or twice.  I hope our Bishop wants and expects us to do what Elder Holland asked.  Time will tell!   I'm going to get my pew spot saved and go to the foyer.  Well, it sounds good!

Prophets say things...give revelation and that is that.  they don't come back and explain or justify or rehash or go into detail.  That is our part...to ponder...to pray...to get our understanding while embracing the gospel and staying on that Covenant path.

Those Sunday talks just grabbed me!  Okay...they all did!

Lots of hub bub!!!

and that is putting it mildly!!  Thursday I went to the Temple and came home and found out.....

***************************

NEWSFLASH

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Thursday (April 4) that church members in same-sex marriages will no longer be considered apostates. The policy change also clears the way for children of LGBT members to be baptized.

“Previously, our Handbook characterized same-gender marriage by a member as apostasy,” the church said in a statement posted on its online newsroom. “While we still consider such a marriage to be a serious transgression, it will not be treated as apostasy for purposes of Church discipline. Instead, the immoral conduct in heterosexual or homosexual relationships will be treated in the same way.”

“We want to reduce the hate and contention so common today,” the statement read. “We are optimistic that a majority of people — whatever their beliefs and orientations — long for better understanding and less contentious communications.”

********************

MY REACTION TO ABOVE NEWSFLASH

Totally caught off guard!  

Very thankful and relieved about the children being able to be baptized. That had made me feel bad/sad before when they couldn't!

I am totally clueless as to what this sentence means.... "the immoral conduct in heterosexual or homosexual relationships will be treated in the same way.”

WHAT I DID....

I contacted my friend Mariah as she had been so wounded by the previous statement. (She brought 4 children to her marriage and her wife brought 5.  some of the children were already baptized)  When some of their children wanted to be baptized that wasn't allowed.  I felt so sad over it so I'm very happy they can do that.  

The aftermath is...after these several years and a lot of water under the bridge...I don't know if they are even interested in baptism.

I called another friend, Jan, as I knew she, like Mariah, had really suffered on so many levels.  Jan is not gay but 50% of her children have some sort of LBGT issues.  I told her, what I told Mariah...my thoughts were with them and I knew this wasn't going to fix anything in their lives but I hope they felt something akin to better. I also exchanged thoughts with Jan's son, Sam.

TERRY AND I TALK

By this time you know that I embrace change and Terry has to take time to adjust to anything new or different or unexpected or foreign to him.  He mentioned how our Church has changed over the years.  We then talked at length about this really isn't our Church.  This is the Church of Jesus Christ.  We talked about living Prophets and both of us believe in that fact.  We talked about The Church is either true or it's not.  We talked about lots of changes that have happened over the years and how sometimes people just keep holding onto grudges about changes like...polygamy...all men and the Priesthood and other things.  Things that used to be said and shied away from and then they were acceptable.  It used to be interracial marriage was frowned on and not suggested.  and Now?  totally fine.  the list could go on and on.  Some are having a lot of problems with the new Church meeting times and the Come Follow Me program.  It's just history repeating itself.  I know I've said a lot, blogwise, against homosexuality being embraced/accepted Churchly and have made bold statements that the Church will never change their stance.  and now from the Church..."the immoral conduct in heterosexual or homosexual relationships will be treated in the same way.”   Who knows?  I know I don't!

MY TESTIMONY

I believe in Jesus Christ.

I believe this is His restored Church.

I believe in living Prophets.

I'm on board.

I want to stay on the covenant path.

I'm overboard with excitement about General Conference tomorrow!  I'm ready!

********************

this expresses, so beautifully, how I feel....here

***********************

After the big Thursday leadership, and a lot of things were shared beyond what I just wrote about, I enjoyed reading what President Nelson and others said...

Members of the First Presidency offered remarks at the end of the Thursday morning instruction. “I am highly gratified with the teaching that has taken place,” said President Russell M. Nelson. “If you folks are not being persecuted on a daily basis, you are not doing your job very well. Fortify our people. The adversary is an incorrigible insomniac. He never sleeps.”
The prophet told leaders that it was important for Latter-day Saints “to become stronger
in a spiritually darkened world.” He taught that the “Book of Mormon comes to our 

rescue” (see Moroni 7:14–19).“Our members are standing like a rock
 in a moving river,” explained President Nelson
“I can’t remember a more inspiring … and more motivating set
of instructions 

than we’ve had here today,” added President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor
in the First Presidency. “I pay tribute to our prophet.”

“This has been one of the most challenging and wonderful meeting
that I’ve ever been in [in] my life,” said President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor
in the First Presidency. “I have to do better. The members are going to
need our help.
We’ve been given incredible new resources.”
*******

(sorry this is so messed up!!  I tried to make it easy to read and I made it hard!)

*****************************

I just read this...that gives me a better understanding .... This was from that same Thursday
leadership meeting.

Now, however, children of parents who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual

 or transgender may be blessed as infants and baptized in the Church, President 

Oaks announced. In addition, the Church will no longer characterize same-gender 

marriage by a Church member as “apostasy” for purposes of Church discipline, 

although it is still considered "a serious transgression."

The changes, issued at the direction of the First Presidency, “do not represent a 

shift in Church doctrine related to marriage or the commandments of God in 

regard to chastity or morality.”

Best time of the year...General Conference

I read about 3 Amish families that joined The Church, our Church.  What an inspiring story and what a bonus...they will show their stories in between General Conference on Sunday!!!  story here  My testimony was strengthened by reading about their journey and I can't wait to hear them speak!!

***********

I feel like I'm sitting here just tapping my fingers and waiting for General Conference.  So excited and anxious and ready for what is coming down the road!  My heart is tender with anticipation.

************

For quite some time I've tried not to buy more books.  I read CR talks as a base of my study along with the Book of Mormon and now the Come follow Me program (and NT study guides I like) but when I heard about Sheri Dew's new book about President Nelson...I immediately ordered it!!  Insights from a Prophet's Life. Worth every dollar it costs.  Fascinating...educational...instructional...a new understanding for me on the inner workings of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the 12!!...faith-promoting...testimony expanding/strengthening...AMAZING!!!  I ordered it in hopes it would get here and I could read it before GC and I accomplished that goal.  I am better prepared for GC because of this marvelous book.  It looks pretty worn already!  I laid it out on my desk and evidently rested my hands to heavy on it between marking and just resting on it!  When I finished and went to close the book...it is cockeyed so I'm trying to straighten it back up and have it aligned and books on top of it to weigh it down.  I will definitely re-read it.  Terry is thinking about having me read it to him.  I volunteered!  I LOVE this book!!  Did I mention that already?

Journeying in joy!

There is something undeniable going on inside of me and I feel so terrific...such joy...such peace...such tenderness...such amazing feelings- it's incredible!!  I am absorbing every beautiful feeling and every single thought that pops into my mind!  I've had enough life experience to know that this, most likely, is not going to maintain for the duration of my mortal life but oh, my! this feels heavenly!  sigh.  oh, bliss!  yes!  this feels soul deep.  A spiritual tutoring and as it comes, I understand and recognize it and feel such joy and gratitude.  I document my feelings.   Right now I try to find the words for my overall feeling but they are not forthcoming and I respect that but I can share what I am able to express with a few words... Amazing...this started February 25th and bits and pieces of learning pop into my mind and remain for the savoring and pondering and leave traces of comfort and guidance and understanding. 

*****

the enjoyment of feeling the Church members embrace being Christians is so exciting to me.  Studying the NT is so perfect for all this newness.  The entire walking on the water chapters are inspiring.  today Terry and I listened to this talk.   here  It is a great read but if you really want to feel the spirit of the message you have to watch this.  If we were an amen saying Church...there would have been several.  Terry and I did the head nod and said things like...Wow!...isn't that something?...that is so beautiful!...that sort of whisper talk.  It made me teary in all of it's tenderness.  Afterward I read the Hymn Lyrics to #105- Master the Tempest is Raging. Then we played it and sang.  Well, I sang and he was not feeling so hot so he sort of hummed.  I think I now sing bass.  Life will never be the same after you listen to President Howard W. Hunter deliver this CR.

"Moses in a business suit."...

...What a quote about the Prophet.  CNN!  Wow!  here  This is the first time I've ever seen anything like this!  Oh, yes...I'm so excited my thoughts are flying around!

****************

I always say I'm going to blog M-F and then I let life get in the way and thoughts stack up and blah blah blah.  Sorry.

*************

I've been having a serge of marvelous feeling the Spirit in a really powerful way.  Like last night.  something very simple and yet the Spirit just moved me to tears.  Terry and I are enjoying the Come Follow Me program.  It's so important to us because he hasn't been to Church in what seems like forever!  He and I had talked about including music in our study and Section 25 and hymns like prayers etc. etc.  blessing on heads etc. etc.  We are both looking forward to GC and are amazed at the Prophet and the revelations coming to him.  We got on the music section of hymns and we listened and sang several hymns about the Prophet.  I would read the words first and then we'd sing.  The lyrics were so beautiful and I found myself teary.  Teary with gratitude!  Gratitude, for my testimony, of the entire package that comes with being a Church member.  

We listened to Hymns 19-35.  Then we talked about when Terry was the Branch President or maybe Bishop and he called a young struggling sister to be the choir director and she introduced us to some hymns that we'd never heard before...127 Does the Journey Seem Long? and #115 and #118 and #120.  So we played those!

Hymns have been my friend through my struggles many times.  They are comforting and reassuring and give me hope and peace that I will make it though whatever is mine to conquer/overcome.

When the current Hymnal was new and replaced our navy blue one in 1985...our DIL was with us for the summer in Alaska.  She, and our son, were there earning money for college.  She and I sat for hours, figuring out which hymns were new, and she played them and we sang them.  When the new Hymnal comes out next year I want to do something similar!  Thanks to technology I can go to the Church site we used last night and hear every single hymn.  Yes!

****************

I've enjoyed the parables so much and have really thought about the wheat and tares.  How that gathering is happening now!

*****************

The age of women coming to the forefront in the Church and what President Kimball prophesied is happening!  Everywhere I see women with husbands, serving right along side them, on the General level!!  I know I've blogged before and you know that I am super excited!!  Saturday I attended a Stake Woman's Conference and the speakers were powerful and they were local Mothers on high alert to protect their cubs!  You step in with the world mishandling children, in any way, including not valuing them and promoting abortion, and every woman's heart will rise to the occasion and all, will step up to the plate inunited fashion.  and the same thing holds true for demeaning of the female role.  What a day!!!

Word Power...

Today I was visiting with one of my granddaughters.  She was calling from Florida while headed out on a shopping trip with her Mother, with the goal, to find the right dress for her white coat ceremony (Pathology).  We are at ease talking about anything and everything.  I love that!

We just yak-yakked for 30 minutes and it was wonderful!  Words...how we use them and enjoy communicating and strengthening and comforting each other... or words mis-used that have the power to create pain/anger etc. so powerful!

A man has joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! Proverbs 15:23

This morning I've been addressing St. Patrick day cards to my family and SS class and friends in distant places.  I was reminded of the connection and the power of staying in touch by sharing our feelings through our words...even something as outdated and archaic and time consuming as greeting cards!

I know I blogged (somewhere) about our early membership and trying to understand and figure out how Priesthood blessings work.  That was just so foreign and yet so desirable to experience that power in our life.  I shared about Terry being asked to help the Branch President administer to his very sick son and how Terry and I both really hoped it "worked" so the young man wasn't let down.  To our surprise he was healed.  The event that helped us most of all was a wedding that I attended in the Oakland Temple and the officiator asking the men in the room who had given their wives a Priesthood blessing and they all raised their hands.  He then said that he wasn't talking about when they were sick but when they needed comfort and told them they should use that power for their families.  Up to that moment we thought it was for illness.  Terry worked that day and wasn't with me and when I told him we both decided to use that power for our family.  I have received some absolutely marvelous blessings from him.  Even now, with his health not 100%, and if I start feeling overwhelmed or whatever, he will bless me.

One thing that he had to learn was how to feel the spirit to pronounce a blessing.  He did that.

If I needed a blessing of healing...I wanted someone that I had confidence in (sort of me judging them worthy of having the Priesthood!  Maybe that already negates any good forthcoming!), not only of their faithfulness but their belief in the power they had.  I wanted to believe their words and would listen and have them recorded and re-read them.  sometimes I struggled with the pronounced blessing.  I know my son and husband both would struggle sometimes over a blessing they had given and fret about it not happening to the individual as they had said or puzzling over why they said such and such. I remember Terry receiving a blessing once and was told "I command you to get out of this bed and walk".  Well, I felt no spirit about that and two hours or so later, I had him in the ER.  None of that shakes my faith as that fellow must be on a rather steep learning curve!

Others probably learned about the words pronounced, and understand what I was late to understand.  The words are great but that is not the main thing!!  What a beautiful relief!!

IF you are going...ho hum yawn...everyone already knows this!...then just stop reading my blog today!  If you have had or are having questions or struggles or etc. etc. then read this!!!  (really I should charge you for me sharing this!)  In 2010 Elder Oaks clarified it as only he can do!  The last sentence is such a summary!  (IF I shared this talk before...I don't think I did...then enjoy again!)

Healing the Sick by Elder Dallin H. Oaks here

There are five parts to the use of priesthood authority to bless the sick: (1) the anointing, (2) the sealing of the anointing, (3) faith, (4) the words of the blessing, and (5) the will of the Lord.

*****

Words of Blessing

Another part of a priesthood blessing is the words of blessing spoken by the elder after he seals the anointing. These words can be very important, but their content is not essential and they are not recorded on the records of the Church. In some priesthood blessings—like a patriarchal blessing—the words spoken are the essence of the blessing. But in a healing blessing it is the other parts of the blessing—the anointing, the sealing, faith, and the will of the Lord—that are the essential elements.

Ideally, the elder who officiates will be so in tune with the Spirit of the Lord that he will know and declare the will of the Lord in the words of the blessing. Brigham Young taught priesthood holders, “It is your privilege and duty to live so that you know when the word of the Lord is spoken to you and when the mind of the Lord is revealed to you.”13 When that happens, the spoken blessing is fulfilled literally and miraculously. On some choice occasions I have experienced that certainty of inspiration in a healing blessing and have known that what I was saying was the will of the Lord. However, like most who officiate in healing blessings, I have often struggled with uncertainty on the words I should say. For a variety of causes, every elder experiences increases and decreases in his level of sensitivity to the promptings of the Spirit. Every elder who gives a blessing is subject to influence by what he desires for the person afflicted. Each of these and other mortal imperfections can influence the words we speak.

Fortunately, the words spoken in a healing blessing are not essential to its healing effect. If faith is sufficient and if the Lord wills it, the afflicted person will be healed or blessed whether the officiator speaks those words or not. Conversely, if the officiator yields to personal desire or inexperience and gives commands or words of blessing in excess of what the Lord chooses to bestow according to the faith of the individual, those words will not be fulfilled. Consequently, brethren, no elder should ever hesitate to participate in a healing blessing because of fear that he will not know what to say. The words spoken in a healing blessing can edify and energize the faith of those who hear them, but the effect of the blessing is dependent upon faith and the Lord’s will, not upon the words spoken by the elder who officiated.

*********************

Wow!...oh, WOW!!!

In 1984 President Nelson and President Oaks were sustained at the April General Conference...35 years ago!  President Gordon B. Hinckley, sustained three years early as a counselor in the First Presidency, gave his address and I remember how he mentioned about the calling of these two men (which created quite a stir because of their ongoing major accomplishments in life)...

Some will ask, why has the Church taken such competent men out of public service in their professions when they are doing so much good where they now are? I do not know. The Church has not done it. Rather, the Lord has made clear that these are they who should serve as his witnesses. There are others, well trained and equally qualified, to carry on what they have been doing. These two have now received a peculiar and unique calling to which the Lord, in his better wisdom, has beckoned them.

It's the norm when new quorum members are sustained that the other 12 will welcome them.  President Hinckley's talk went way beyond that.  I found it so interesting to listen to it, in light of all the happenings, with the amazing events transpiring under the leadership of President Nelson and his Counselor, President Oaks.  enjoy it!  here

*******************

I believe this is also President Nelson's rule!

President Joseph Smith...“I made this my rule: When the Lord commands, do it.”5

*************

President Russel M. Nelson..."Having all of the apostles in Rome is a powerful symbol that the Restored Church is the same church of Jesus Christ that our Lord established in the meridian of time."

**************

President Nelson added, “This is a hinge point in the history of the Church. Things are going to move forward at an accelerated pace of which this is a part. We think the Church is an old Church. It’s 189 years old. But it’s only the beginning. Just project out what the next future will be and the Church is going to have an unprecedented future. Unparalleled. We’re just building up to what’s ahead now.”

*****************************

(from a news clip)

President Nelson typically is accompanied by one apostle at a temple dedication. Occasionally, the church president brings more. He rarely takes all, and never have all been together away from American soil in the faith's 188-year history.

They uniformly expressed astonishment at and appreciation for the opportunity to join President Nelson at the dedication of the Rome Temple, the church's first in a New Testament city.

***********************

1st group photo in 20 years

first picture ever of 13 wives!  (Sister Eyring-ill.  Sister Ballard-passed on.)

*************

Over the years of blogging you have come to know about me and most likely some sort of pattern and predictability has surfaced.  You know-at one point the thought of finding out that a part of our Church was the belief in the heavens being open and God actually communicating with man...and for the governing of the Church...the chosen Apostles/Prophets had that sort of communication...can only be described as cringe worthy.  I have no idea how I missed that fact but I did!  

You also know that a belief in this fact...this marvelous truth... is the base of my testimony and I absorb, so deeply absorb this revelatory process that surely it is now in my DNA!  

You also know that I have waited since 1979 to see how and when President Kimball's prophecy about women in the latter days will come forth...and my excitement at seeing it start to unfold!!!

You also would know them that I am giddy over this Temple in Rome...President Nelson meeting with the Pope...Elder Bednar and Elder Rasband sharing their testimony outside the prison that Paul was incarcerated in...Also Elder Bednar and Rasband giving a Rome Temple interior tour and guess who was suddenly a part of the tour and introduced the Brides room and bore a great testimony?--Sister Bednar!...President Nelson acknowledging that having all 15 members in Rome was what the Lord wanted...and all of the wives!! and then...to my utter shock, amazement and delight- Sister Nelson sharing her testimony about her husband being in communication with the Lord!  hear

What courage and faith that takes with all of the possible ramifications, for both she and President Nelson...being vulnerable and willing to be ridiculed etc. for sharing their powerful witnesses of Jesus Christ. 

I am so thankful for my testimony, developed to the point and strength of conviction, that I can say....YES!!!!

*****

(PS-just have to share this!! Prophet and Pope meet  here)

************

(PPS- I just can't get enough of this!! here )