Tight Like Unto a Dish

 In Ether, we read the story of the brother of Jared. We know the story. He takes his friends and family away after the language of his people is confounded. He prays multiple times to the Lord and is instructed to build ships for his people to sail to the promised land in. Interestingly enough, the Lord teaches him how to build ships that are tight like unto a dish. 

This go round of reading the scriptures I have tried to take the stories I have read countless times and have known since I was little and look at them in a different way. How can I gain more from these stories I know so well? This time, I asked myself a question and wrote it down in the margin of my scriptures in Ether 6. The question I posed was "How can I make sure my testimony is tight like unto a dish so when the storms come I can still be led by the light of Christ to the promised land?" I found 6 answers in the following scriptures, but I am sure there are many, many more! 

1. We know there will be trials. Storms will rage and waves will beat upon us, but when we feel completely encompassed about by water, cry unto the Lord and trust in Him to bring you back to the top of the waters. (v. 7)

2. Always sing praises to the Lord. Never forget all of your past blessings. Sing praises to Him who has given you everything. (v. 9)

3. No matter what is happening in your life, have light continually. Whether you feel blinded by the light in your life or feel like you really have to search to see the smallest little glimmer, always have the light of Christ in your life. I suggest really taking the time to read your scriptures, pray, read past journal entries (I put stars on the corners of pages of entries with spiritual experiences included), spend time with people you love and admire, and give thanks for all of the good in your life (v. 10)

4.  When you get to the promised land, and you will get there, remain humble through the joy and thank Heavenly Father for his tender mercies. From the sound of the account in Ether, this was no easy voyage. They were tossed in the sea. They were bumped about in a tight boat with others, and sometimes when they opened the hole on the top for air, water came through. That sounds awful! But, when they got to the promised land, they did not forget to thank Heavenly Father for getting them there safely. They bowed down right on the shore and thanked Him for getting them there safely. (v. 12)

5. Lastly, when you get wherever you are going whether it really is the promised land or just the other side of the trial you were just facing, get to work! There is always work to be done to build His kingdom. (v. 13)

6. Share what you have learned! Teach your kids, talk with friends, even just put it in your journal to be read by someone later. Share it so others may learn from your experiences. (v. 17)

I am thankful for the opportunity to continue to learn from the scriptures. It always amazes me how I can gain new insights and build on my knowledge every single time I read them. I am thankful how stories feel so real to me this time around. I am thankful for teachers who taught me how to look at things in different ways. Most of all, I am thankful for an inspired prophet who started the Come Follow Me program for a home-centered, church-supported form of scripture study. 

Greater Things than These

 This year, reading the Book of Mormon for our home study has truly been a blessing. I don't know if it is because I have more time or because of events happening, but the scriptures are so much more than stories. I have always known that of course, but I can truly say I have felt a connection with each prophet and gained a deeper testimony of their words as I have read this year.

In Mormon 8:12, he says, "And whose receiveth this record, and shall not condemn it because of the imperfections which are in it, the same shall know of greater things than these (it might also be good to check out 3 Nephi 26:9)." I have always focused on the imperfections portion of this scripture because I know the people who wrote this are not perfect. I know not to focus on the imperfections like so many do. But this time I focused on the part that says if we don't focus on those things we shall know so much more. If you focus on the good, on the power of the book, on the teachings of Christ, on the examples of the prophets as well as the wicked people in the book, you learn so much more! As you open your heart and mind you are able to gain more knowledge than you do if you criticize or even if you just read through it without taking the time to focus on what it is trying to teach you. 

I have spent some serious time reflecting on all that I have been blessed with because I have faith in the Book of Mormon. I think that will be a completely different blog post at the end of the year, but because I believe in its words I have a knowledge of so, SO MUCH MORE.  

As I have continued reading, I have felt for Moroni as he mourned at his loneliness. I have felt compassion for him and his father Mormon as they remain faithful and strive to live the word of God in an increasingly and overwhelmingly wicked world. I have felt a light and gladness for the brother of Jared who asked Heavenly Father questions but also had to go and find his own answers sometimes. And, circling back, I have felt a comfort in the revelations of Moroni which said, "signs shall follow them that believe in my name (Ether 4:18)." Looking at that footnote it says the Holy Ghost shall follow them that believe in my name. We learn that the Holy Ghost is a comforter, a teacher, a companion, but do you realize if you are faithful and believe, you have a member of the Godhead with you?? One of the top three Supreme beings can be with you. You can have the spirit of Heavenly Father and Christ with you ALL OF THE TIME. You can feel of their love and power through the Holy Ghost if you believe. Just let that sink in for a minute. 

There is so much more I have to learn. So much more to experience. But, I am thankful for the opportunity I have to read and study the Book of Mormon this year. I am thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and I am thankful for a loving and merciful Heavenly Father who can make weak things become strong because I have a long, long way to go. 

Making It Through The Madness

Things are getting increasingly scary and overwhelming as we continue the battle against COVID-19 in our world. Something we thought would go away quickly is continuing on without an end in sight. In fact, the numbers are on the rise again. It seems that everything is in tumult with the virus, the presidential election looming, and everything else going on in the world. 

In Come Follow Me this week we are beginning in Mormon. In chapter 2, he talks about all of the wickedness and turmoil around him, but he says, "nevertheless, I know that I shall be lifted up at the last day." So much hope. He held on to what he had been promised by Heavenly Father. That one little smidge of hope in something far greater than he could imagine sustained him through the tough times. 

Reading through Mormon, there are 6 ways to survive when the world is falling apart around you. 

1. Mormon 1:15- Gain your own testimony. Assess where you are. What can you do to improve it? Can you say you KNOW of the goodness of Jesus? If you can't, what should you do to be able to say you do know?

2. Mormon 2:17- Follow His teachings with strict obedience. We are so lucky to have the record of the Bible as well as The Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ. We are even more lucky to have a modern-day prophet and other leaders of the church that can receive revelation for us in our day. 

3. Mormon 2:19- Have confidence in your personal standing with God. Never lose the ground you have already won. Pay attention to the small spiritual promptings and tender mercies you receive in your life. Hold fast to the testimony you have earned throughout your life with your experiences. 

4. Mormon 3:11- If you need a time out. Take one. Don't be afraid or feel weak. Sometimes you need to take some time for yourself. 

5. Mormon 5:1- Always try again. There are going to be good days and bad. This year (the year we all thought would be a fresh start) the bad seem to outweigh the good. The important thing is to start each day fresh and not hold on to the negative things of yesterday. 

6. Mormon 7:1- Love everyone, even your enemies. Mormon is now addressing the Lamanites, the people he has been fighting against for years. He acknowledges that that are also part of the house of Israel and there are so many blessings available to them because of this. I think a lot in our world could be remedied if we loved one another. 

May we all gather (in a more figurative sense during this socially distanced year) together to find a sense of love and peace during this time. Mormon drew strength from the good example of Captain Moroni. Think of all of the amazing examples we have! We not only have Captain Moroni and Mormon himself, but we have living spiritual giants today. We can draw strength from each of them, we can find it buried deep within ourselves, and we can ask for more from our Heavenly Father when we feel what we have just isn't quite enough to make it through the hard moments. He's there for us. We just have to hold tight and remember our promised blessings. 

Wolves and Sheep

 

I found this picture a while ago, and it really struck me. I think it is so striking because when you read about a wolf in sheep's clothing you think you would be able to quickly tell that it is a wolf. I mean, it's so obvious! But, in this picture, although you can still tell it is a wolf it blends in. Reading my scriptures today, I was in 3 Nephi chapter 14 where it tells us to beware of false prophets who are wolves in sheep's clothing. It then goes on to talk about "by their fruits ye shall know them" and how some people will go up to Christ at the second coming saying they had done all of these things in His name, but He will turn to them and say He never knew them. It ends the chapter with the parable of the wise man and the foolish man. So many lessons in such a short block of scriptures, and yet, for the first time in my life, I feel like they all connect. 

Elder Joseph B Wirthlin once said, ,"Some people are weak in their faith and testimonies but are not even aware of how precarious their situation is. Many of them likely would be offended at the suggestion. They raise their right hand to sustain Church leaders and then murmur and complain when a decision that does not square with their way of thinking. They claim to be obedient to God's commandments but do not feel at all uncomfortable about purchasing food at the store on Sunday and then asking the Lord to bless it..." 

Are these people with weak faith and testimonies (like the man who built his house upon the sand) not wolves in sheep's clothing? Are they not going through the motions of fitting in but not inwardly accepting their Savior and His teachings? By their actions we know they are not sheep. But... they kind of look like sheep. 

When you order a coffee or go shopping on Sunday, is that not a wolf in sheep's clothing? People are watching us. I can't tell you how many times coworkers have asked me about my religion, how many time kids I babysat asked me some gospel questions, and how many times people I went to school with commented on my standards. I guess it is up to Heavenly Father to judge, but I think this week's Come Follow Me lesson is a good reminder to take a good look at ourselves. As we approach General Conference may we each take the time to ponder how to become more like His SHEEP (building our testimonies, strengthening our faith, aligning our actions to His teachings, etc.) rather than simply wolves in sheep's clothing because I don't know about you, but I would much rather Him open His arms to welcome me to my heavenly home than Him look at me and respond, "I never knew you."

Always be Astonished

 In 3 Nephi, it talks about the people in the Americas (the Nephites and Lamanites) and how they responded to all of the signs and wonders that occurred before the birth of Christ. All of these things had been prophesied, and a loyal few continued to look forward to the day that all of these things would come to pass. When they finally did, many converted to the church of Christ. But, over the course of just a few years, they lost that faith and no were no longer astonished by all that was happening around them (see 3 Nephi 2: 1-2). There were still signs and wonders happening, but because they happened so often it was no longer special or faith-producing for them. 

I truly think that happens in our day. This past Sunday we had virtual Relief Society, and the teacher mentioned that she did not have spiritual experiences in her life. She told of one big one that happened many years ago when she decided to join the church, but she made the other comment as well. The lesson moved on quickly, but that one, small comment stuck with me. "I don't have spiritual experiences in my life." I do not know the details of her life, but I do believe we all have spiritual experiences in our lives. They may not be big. They may not be a day, a night, and a day being as if they were one day; it may not be a special star appearing in the sky, but I know they happen for each and every one of us. It can be connecting with Him through nature, music, or art. It could be a small, simple answered prayer. It can be someone smiling at you on a day you really needed it. I, like many others, have prayers that go unanswered, but that does not mean they will never be answered. It does not mean they are not heard. It simply means now is not the time. 

I hope now more than ever we can all look for the spiritual experiences in our lives and hold tight to them because the moment we stop being astonished by those big and small experiences is the moment we begin to lose our faith and begin to forget past spiritual experiences we have had. That is when the devil grabs hold and makes us question what we have come to know. Does Heavenly Father hear my prayers? Does He even know me? Does He even care? I will answer with a resounding OF COURSE HE DOES!!! Please, always be astonished by His eternal grace, His eternal love, and His eternal desire to bless His righteous people. 

All is Well

 All week I have been telling myself to slow down and stop looking forward to things that are so far ahead. "It's only July" keeps running on loop in my head as I sit on my balcony and enjoy the cool breeze looking forward to fall, to pumpkins, to more hot chocolate (because let's be honest, the heat has never stopped me from drinking hot cocoa), to cooler nights, to sleeping with windows open, to General Conference, to being able to bundle in a blanket without being so hot. 

Then, I look at my planner and realize we are in August. We are nearing the end of AUGUST. All of those things are within reach. 

Schools are starting. This time of year always makes me reminisce about my school days. This year, I have particularly been thinking about my time at BYU. On the hour, the belltower rings with the tune of "Come, Come Ye Saints." At first, I enjoyed the music but paid no mind to it as I rushed off to my next class, but as time went on I took the meaning to heart. Maybe I am recalling this specific memory now because it is something I need to remember. 

"Come, come, ye saints, no toil nor labor fear; but with JOY wend your way"- I have never been afraid of hard work. I will go and work in the yard or on a project without thinking twice, but sometimes the toil and the labor come from something other than the physical work we expect. When that toil is mental or spiritual, it seems to be harder. I truly think this kind of labor is what the song is talking about. Yes, the pioneers walked hundreds (thousands) of miles with little food, but don't you think it was the strength in their beliefs that kept them going? How many times did they wonder if it was true? If it was all worth it?  

"Though hard to you this journey may appear"- When you're in the middle of a trial (like right now) it seems to consume your life. I truly believe it is looking for the bits of sunshine peeking through or even just knowing the sun is still behind those dark clouds that keeps us going. 

"Grace shall be as your day"- Through the grace of Christ and the power of the Atonement no matter how bad your day may seem we are never alone. He is with us always. Grace shall be as our day as long as we can make it through. Take things a day at a time. 

"Tis better far for us to strive our useless cares from us to drive"- If our trials teach us anything, they show us what is truly important. Working from home has given me more time to read, to craft, to spend time with family, and to spend more time with my dogs. Are our time and talents not our most important resources if we use them wisely? 

"Do this, and joy your hearts will swell--All is well, ALL IS WELL."

Walking to class or a test or just walking home after a long day, this was sometimes my greatest comfort. All is well. Even if I just failed that test or did not understand a word the professor said all lecture. Today it holds true. All is well. We have a living prophet. We have the Book of Mormon. We have the priesthood in our home. We can still partake of the sacrament. We can still feel of His love. We can still be worthy of all of His promised blessings as long as we try. As long as we do not let our standards fall. As long as we endure. 

Weekly Roundup

This week I have been focusing on things that make me happy! Here is a roundup of my favorite things from this week including pictures, quotes, and even some songs. 

First, my sounds of the summer are 80's music along with some Dolly Parton. Here are my favorite songs at the moment because I feel like we need to hear them right now. 

I watched a devotional that Meg Johnson was the host of, but it had Elaine Dalton, Tim Ballard, and Britain Covey as the speakers. One of them mentioned that one of the general authorities had said Heavenly Father and the Savior are not waiting for the world to be more wicked for the second coming, but they are waiting for their people to be more righteous. This is a trial period (and sometimes it feels like our winds in life are relentless, unceasing, and stronger than we are), but those winds are either making people fall over and give up or strengthening them. I am hoping to be the latter. 

This week I have also been putting what matters most first. Has anyone else realized the Come Follow Me lesson for this week is 10 chapters?! Yikes. But, I have been doing my scripture study every day and reserving time in my day for it. 

I love this following quote because you always hear people say to take a leap of faith. But, that's scary. I know I am not always ready or willing to leap. This quote is asking for a simple step. Just one step in the right direction isn't so scary. I can handle a step. 

My volunteer and her therapy dog were spotlighted on Children's Twitter account, and Ryan Seacrest actually retweeted it with a comment saying how his dog was their biggest fan! I don't always feel like I am doing the best I can at my job right now because it is completely different than it should be, but I am still working on virtual opportunities for my volunteers. A special thank you goes out to each of them for continuing to make life better for children even through the crazy. 

In the same devotional I mentioned earlier, Meg Johnson was commenting on something someone had said, and she mentioned how in heaven we made covenants with the Lord. We knew what our lives would be like, and because we had so much love for our Heavenly Father and Savior we said, "Yes! Send me!!" We didn't have the adversary there to scare us or tell us it was all too hard. Now that he has power over us we have to outlast him and his influences while searching for and holding fast to a more eternal perspective. 

I got to go visit Merrywood with my mom, Ashley, and Lisa this past weekend. It was really special since the school is up for sale now. I dropped off a copy of the magnolia picture I drew and a poem I wrote for Mrs. Ogden. I also took a picture of the bell on top of the school, and Mrs. Fitz is going to frame it for Mrs. Ogden's house!

These two just make my heart happy. Every time I lean back they attack with kisses! In this instance, Clark even brought Dragon for kisses. They're kind of my favorite. 

I have always loved this painting, but with the description from the artist I love it even more. These forces "persist impossibly." I am thankful because heaven knows I need all the help I can get!!

A message from our beloved prophet went out this week. "The road ahead may be bumpy, but our destination is serene and secure." 

This is from my scripture study this week. In a time of turmoil I loved the blessing from Alma and know it continues to bless our country today. I love the last line of this quote from President Benson: "God grant that the faithfulness of the Latter Day Saints will provide the balance of power to save this nation in time of crisis." I think this is another witness that the second coming is not based on the wickedness of the people but the faithfulness of the saints. 

Last but not least for this week is this quote. As long as you are trying, you are doing better than you think you are. I have to tell myself to believe in myself, and hopefully this will inspire others to do the same. 

Lots of love goes out to everyone this week. I hope this brings some inspiration, hope, and strength to whomever may read it.