#GiveThanks

 At the start of this month, I decided to think of one thing each day I was truly thankful for and try to think about it throughout the day. Later on in the month, the prophet told us to #givethanks each day and flood social media with things we were thankful for during the week leading up to Thanksgiving. It was so amazing to see the hashtag #givethanks reach over 4 million posts on Facebook alone. So, below are some of the things I am thankful for today and always! 

1. Priesthood power- I have never felt the need and importance of priesthood power as strongly as I have this year. It has been amazing to be able to have a worthy priesthood holder at home and for him to be able to bless and pass the sacrament while church was on hold. 
   
2. My family- I have drawn a lot of strength from my family over the years. I am so thankful I can always lean on them. I’ve spent every weekend over at my parents', and it has helped keep me sane since I am alone the rest of the week. I am thankful Mom is always up to doing things whether it is shopping, baking, decorating, spending time outside, doing puzzles, watching movies, or whatever else we think of! I am thankful for a fun little brother who always makes me laugh. I am thankful for a dad who always watches out for me. I am so blessed to have my family. 
     

   
3. My country- Living in a country where I have a right to vote for my leaders is truly a blessing. I am thankful I can live in a time and place where my voice matters and is heard. 
   
4. My dogs- Seriously, they make me laugh every single day. And in between the laughs when things are hard or I get sad, they are there to snuggle. Vivi will genuinely try to kiss away every single tear that falls. I love them so much and am thankful for their sweet personalities and the love they show me. 
    
   
5. My job-  I am thankful for my job. Early this year I hit my 5 year anniversary at Children’s. That seems crazy to me. This year has been especially hard because being a volunteer coordinator without volunteers being able to be in the hospital has led to us having to get really creative. I have loved my time working at Children’s as a child life assistant and now a volunteer coordinator. The people I have met and worked with never cease to amaze me.
   
    
6. Music- There is a song for every single feeling, every experience, every moment. I am thankful for all the artists that put music out there for others to hear and love and enjoy. 
   
7. The temple- Even though we can’t go in right now, I am thankful for the temple. I don’t know many other places where I can feel the spirit and so much peace just walking around the grounds. It is truly a house of god. I look forward to the day we can go in again! 
   
8. Church- I am so thankful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have seen so many blessings come from being a member. I'm thankful to have a prophet, that my family can be together forever, priesthood power, and the Book of Mormon which really is another testament of Jesus Christ. My life is fuller because of the church, the gospel, and the standards we live by. I love the feeling I get when I get to go to church and be a part of a ward family (even if it isn’t my ward).
9. Prophet- Isn’t it amazing that we have a living prophet? Isn’t it wonderful and comforting to have someone to lead and guide us and get direct revelation for our church? I’m so thankful for President Nelson and his inspiration. 
   
10. Our world- Do you ever just look around? We live in such a beautiful place with all of heavenly father’s creations all around us. Do yourself some good and just stop and look. I have been blessed to explore some of it. I love the mountains, the beaches, the red rock of Southern Utah, the brown dirt of Texas. I hope to be able to explore more of it soon! 
    
11. Colors- What would our world be without color? I absolutely love it. I love seeing all of the colors in a “white” flower even. I love how the leaves change in the fall. I love how everything is bright, beautiful, and unique with countless numbers of colors making it all up. 
    
    
12. Art- Art! I love it. I love the feeling I get when I sit down and draw. I love when I get to appreciate other people’s art. I love the beauty and feelings that are construed in each painting. I love how each piece of art is so different.
13. Pictures/memories- How wonderful it is to be able to look back at some of the best times in your life whenever you want! You can look at pictures of people and places and a whole slew of memories comes back to you. Sometimes as you think of one thing it leads to something else. It is even better when you land on something you may have forgotten for a time. Memories of wonderful times (as well as hope in a bright future) sustain me through tough times.
14. Books- I am thankful to be able to escape to another time, another place, a fantasy, a mystery, a romance. I love reading! I have read so many books this year. I have learned from some, I have just enjoyed others with the new characters they bring into my life. It has been so nice to have more time to read this year. 
15. My volunteers- This year has been really hard, but I love my volunteers. Every time I get to talk to them is special, and I love getting to know them more and more. It has been fun over the years to find the one thing that helps me connect with each person. I am thankful for each of them. 
    
    
16. Christmas decorations- They make me happy and bring in the joy of the season (even if you put them up a month early!). They are beautiful, and sparkly. They are fun and bright. Some even bring the true meaning of Christmas into it. I love them all. 
    
17. My education- I am thankful for my education. I always had the best teachers at Merrywood, and it prepared me for public school where I was able to skip a grade. After moving right before my sophomore year I again found my niche and had more amazing teachers. BYU will always be the shining star of my schooling. It is a remarkable place and will always hold a special place in my heart. I am also thankful for ASU's online programs. After seeing online programs from other schools I really am thankful for them and the hard work they do to keep you connected with the teachers if you ever have questions.. All of my schooling has made me who I am today, and I am thankful for these experiences that helped me learn and grow. I know I don’t use my degree in my current work, but I am so thankful for all that I learned. I am glad I can use my knowledge in my family and future family and that good things will come from what I learned through classes and experiences at school.
    
    

    
18. Patriarchal blessing- My patriarchal blessing has been a huge, well, blessing in my life lately. In a time when it feels like hope is lost, I can find peace and comfort in the words of my blessing.
19. Good food- There is something so comforting and fulfilling when you make and eat a good meal. I have gotten a little lazy and haven’t cooked as much this year, but when I do it’s always worth it. On occasion I’ve gone out to eat it always hits the spot too! 
    
20. Friends- I am ever so thankful to have wonderful friends. Whether we still talk or time with you is a cherished memory, all of my friends have had a lasting impact on me. I’ve always been the more serious one in my group of friends, often known as the “Mom” of the group, but my friends have helped me relax, have fun, laugh so hard I’ve cried on many occasions, and be goofy. I’m thankful I’ve been able to be a part of their lives at work, in weddings, at school, and all the other places and adventures I’ve had with them. 
    
     
    
    
    
    
21. Technology- This year has been tough. I have felt so disconnected from people and things. But, thanks to technology I was still able to talk to friends, still able to attend baptisms, still able to go to church, and still able to see family even if was from my own home. I am also thankful for technology because it allowed me to work from home! 
22. Home- I really struggled with this concept when I was in college. Was my parents’ house home or was Utah home since I had made a new life there? Now, my apartment is home and my parents’ house is home and places I love (including Utah) all have a little feeling of home as well.
23. Leaders and teachers I have had throughout the years- I am thankful for the leaders I have had at church and school. In a time when everything was changing for me (schools, dad's wreck, etc.) my young women leaders were there for me. I was also blessed to have amazing bishoprics all growing up. And, in college I had the most wonderful role models to look up to through my teachers, my boss, and my coordinator in BYUSA. I will be forever grateful for all of their loving guidance over the years. 
    
     
24. My savior, Jesus Christ- I am immensely thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am thankful for His example, His love, His peace, His sacrifice, His mercy, and His promises. I am thankful for Him and all He has done for me and will continue to do for me. I am thankful I have the opportunity to be on this earth to learn more about Him and become more like Him so one day I can return to Him. 
    
25. Movies- My parents met working in a movie theater, so movies have always held a special place in my heart. But I also love to sit and watch a movie, eat snacks, and unwind. I love having them on in the background as I clean or work. I love watching movies and shows with people I love.
26. My car- I loved my little Gemma so much. With her came a newfound freedom. Now, Gemma is retired and I have Cosmo that will hopefully be with me for many more years to come. I am thankful that my car is there to get me wherever I need/want to go and that I can take my dogs with me! 
    
27. Missionaries- I am also thankful for missionaries. Without them my grandparents probably wouldn't have joined the church which would make my life completely different. I am thankful my little brother served a mission, and I am thankful for all those currently serving to bring others closer to Christ. 
    
28. Talents- I love to bake, create, decorate, draw, cook, help and comfort others, and so much more. I am sure there are numerous other talents Heavenly Father has given me that I can’t think of right now or don’t even know about yet!
29. My body- I am thankful for a strong, healthy body. I can do so much! I can go and go and go and not think twice. I’ve been able to hike mountains, go exploring, work hard, and sleep hard. I am so thankful for the body I have been given and all it can accomplish.
30. Inspirational people and quotes- I love inspirational quotes. I love finding them at just the right time in my life. Sometimes I can hold on to one good quote for weeks, and it sustains me. I am also thankful for the people who express those lovely thoughts and share them! 
    
    
    

"Counting our blessings is far better than re-counting our problems." -President Russell M. Nelson

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.