This past weekend we went on Vacation. It was a family reunion for my side of the family. Things can be really crazy when packing for a family of 5 for 3 days. At one point I couldn't find my keys and we needed to be out the door running an errand 5 minutes ago. So I was a little frantic. I kept asking my kids if they had seen my car keys. My oldest stopped and very calmly said, "Mom why don't you say a prayer to help you find them?" It was what I needed. I wasn't calm enough to listen. And not more than 5 seconds later we found the keys right there on our kitchen floor.
While on vacation I was a little worried about my health and if I was going to be able to do the activities with the family. I was blessed beyond measure! When I started to get sick or feel pain it was amazing how the thoughts would come into my head of what to do. Now that doesn't mean that I was completely free from pain. The first time I didn't listen as fast so I was sick for a little while. But for the most part it didn't last very long and I had tons of help. It was wonderful, and I am so thankful that I was able to be there and have those memories with my children and extended family.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
New Insight
This last weekend I feel like I got new insight. I saw and heard things a little differently. The talk I gave in church a couple of weeks ago about the blessings we receive when we keep our covenants really helped. My husband's cousin was sealed on Saturday. The Sealer (person who marries them) talked about the covenants we make in the Temple. Then he expounded on them and taught other wonderful truths about the temple. It was so amazing all of the things I learned and relearned in a different light because of the studying I did on covenants.
Then yesterday my husband and I were able to attend the dedication of the Oqurr Mountain Temple. It was simply beautiful! The spirit was strong, and I continued to learn. It is interesting how when something is on your mind or new in your life you see it more. I loved learning more about covenants! I am now even more thankful that I was able to study about them and have continued experiences learning about the importants of covenants and how wonderful they are.
Then yesterday my husband and I were able to attend the dedication of the Oqurr Mountain Temple. It was simply beautiful! The spirit was strong, and I continued to learn. It is interesting how when something is on your mind or new in your life you see it more. I loved learning more about covenants! I am now even more thankful that I was able to study about them and have continued experiences learning about the importants of covenants and how wonderful they are.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
A Child Listened
We have been trying to praise our children more. Hoping it will encourage positive behavior. So when my husband came home last night I told him how my oldest son had helped me. Earlier that evening when we were eating dinner we got a phone call from my husbands brother. We had forgotten that his daughter had a soccer game in our town. So I quickly finished dinner, pressed the kids to finish theirs, and started to get ready to go. My husband had to leave for some church business, so I needed some extra help. I asked my oldest son (who is 5) to get the stroller out of the garage and into the car. He said he couldn't do it. I told him to try. He walked a little ways to the door then yelled it again. I told him once more that he hadn't even tried yet and he needed to try so we could get there in time. He left and I didn't see him again until I was running out the door with my other two kids. He was about to put the stroller into the car. I was so happy and of course I told him what a wonderful job he did. We made it to her game by half time.
So when we were kneeling down for family prayers last night my husband brought it up telling our son how proud he was that he had helped me. Then our son told us his part of the story.
He said that he had a hard time getting the stroller out. The wheel got caught on something. He said he got frustrated and stomped his foot. He started to leave to come and get me but then he said he 'remembered the holy ghost' (I'm sure he meant he had heard or felt it) and he thought to calm down and try again. He was then able to get the stroller unstuck and out the door. He said that the holy ghost had helped him remember to try again like I had told him.
I was so moved by this for a number of reasons. First, the Lord cares about us. He helped my son to calm down (he has been getting easily frustrated lately), and he also helped me. I truly feel that it was a tender mercy to me too. I had promised this niece that we would be there, it was important to her, and I needed the extra help. Second, that our son is learning the things that we and his primary teachers have been teaching him. Third, that he was able to listen and obey. Children are tender by nature, they can heard the whisperings so much more than we older ones can. Forth, I loved that he was able to have this testimony building experience. I remember when I was his age and receiving answers to my prayers. If only I could be like a little child again
So when we were kneeling down for family prayers last night my husband brought it up telling our son how proud he was that he had helped me. Then our son told us his part of the story.
He said that he had a hard time getting the stroller out. The wheel got caught on something. He said he got frustrated and stomped his foot. He started to leave to come and get me but then he said he 'remembered the holy ghost' (I'm sure he meant he had heard or felt it) and he thought to calm down and try again. He was then able to get the stroller unstuck and out the door. He said that the holy ghost had helped him remember to try again like I had told him.
I was so moved by this for a number of reasons. First, the Lord cares about us. He helped my son to calm down (he has been getting easily frustrated lately), and he also helped me. I truly feel that it was a tender mercy to me too. I had promised this niece that we would be there, it was important to her, and I needed the extra help. Second, that our son is learning the things that we and his primary teachers have been teaching him. Third, that he was able to listen and obey. Children are tender by nature, they can heard the whisperings so much more than we older ones can. Forth, I loved that he was able to have this testimony building experience. I remember when I was his age and receiving answers to my prayers. If only I could be like a little child again
Friday, August 14, 2009
Missions
In our church 19 year old young men go on a service mission for two years. They teach people about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They serve, and they do this by their own free will and choice. Some people looking in from the outside of our church have said that it's crazy. Some have said it's a waist of their time. All 5 of my brothers have now served the Lord. My youngest brother returned from serving in Leeds England. He has grown up so much! He left being my baby brother and returned this amazing man firm in his testimony of Jesus Christ. Most of the boys that go return this way. The Lord knew what he was doing when he asked the young 19 year olds to serve. There is something about service that changes people. Even if the service is right where you live. You can grow and develop in ways that you wouldn't otherwise. You learn how to love others in a way that God can only teach you through service.
He will always be my youngest brother, but it's a little different now because he has matured in leaps and bounds. It has been a joy to talk with him. I live close to my parents so he has been to my home and I've been able to talk to him one on one.
My children have missed him and are trying to catch up on all of the wrestling he missed out on. :] We are so thankful that he was safe and returned home to us. The Gospel is true!
He will always be my youngest brother, but it's a little different now because he has matured in leaps and bounds. It has been a joy to talk with him. I live close to my parents so he has been to my home and I've been able to talk to him one on one.
My children have missed him and are trying to catch up on all of the wrestling he missed out on. :] We are so thankful that he was safe and returned home to us. The Gospel is true!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Talk in Church
I've been busy studying for my talk that I gave yesterday in church. It was on keeping covenants. It's a hard topic to give a talk on. There are many wonderful but sacred covenants that we make in the Temple and do not talk about specifically outside of the Temple. So I used tons of quotes that were given in General Conferences. I also tried to talk more about the blessings we receive when we keep our covenants. Here are some of the quotes I used that I just loved.
Paul E. Koelliker (“Gospel Covenants Bring Promised Blessings,” Liahona, Nov 2005, 94–95) said,
Covenants are agreements we make with our Heavenly Father in which we commit our hearts, minds, and behavior to keeping the commandments defined by the Lord. As we are faithful in keeping our agreement, He covenants, or promises, to bless us, ultimately with all that He has.
Bonnie D. Parkin said,
“So often we talk of making and keeping covenants, but exactly what are they? At baptism, we demonstrate that we ‘are willing to bear one another’s burdens, … mourn with those that mourn; … comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and … stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places’ (Mosiah 18:8–9). And that’s just the beginning! In the temple, we further covenant to be obedient, to sacrifice, to keep ourselves worthily pure, to contribute to the spreading of truth, to be chaste, to pray, to live the gospel, and to be forever faithful”... Father in Heaven knows us as individuals. The covenants we make with Him are performed one on one. President Howard W. Hunter noted: “I have always been impressed that the Lord deals with us personally, individually. We do many things in groups in the Church, … but … the most important things are done individually. We bless babies one at a time, even if they are twins or triplets. We baptize and confirm children one at a time. We take the sacrament, are ordained to the priesthood, or move through the ordinances of the temple as individuals—as one person developing a [personal] relationship with our Father in Heaven. … Heaven’s emphasis is on each individual, on every single person” (“Eternal Investments,” address to CES religious educators, 10 Feb. 1989, p. 4; emphasis added). Covenants keep us new. Covenants anchor us to solid ground, which, amidst the storms, makes our promises not only meaningful for eternity but vital for today. (“Celebrating Covenants,” Ensign, May 1995, 78).
I just love how she talks about the individualness of covenants!! It really does make the covenants we've made with our Heavenly Father that much more special!
Richard J. Maynes said, (“Keeping Our Covenants,” Ensign, Nov 2004, 92)
Brothers and sisters, we are all looking forward to the day when we can return home to our Heavenly Father. In order to qualify for exaltation in the celestial kingdom, we must gain the trust of the Lord here on earth. We gain the trust of the Lord through earning it, and that is accomplished through our actual performance in living His gospel and keeping our covenants. In other words, we earn the trust of the Lord by doing His will.
“Safety in Keeping Divine Covenants,” Ensign, Oct 2001, 57 visiting teaching message:
As we bind ourselves to God by obeying sacred covenants, we are blessed with protective power against the adversary. Especially during times of trial, covenants can give us strength.
D. Todd Christofferson said, (“The Power of Covenants,” Ensign, May 2009, 19–23)
Divine covenants make strong Christians. I urge each one to qualify for and receive all the priesthood ordinances you can and then faithfully keep the promises you have made by covenant. In times of distress, let your covenants be paramount and let your obedience be exact. Then you can ask in faith, nothing wavering, according to your need, and God will answer. He will sustain you as you work and watch. In His own time and way He will stretch forth his hand to you, saying, “Here am I.”
I was so thankful for the opportunity to give this talk. I learned so much! I know that it is because I have kept my covenants with my Father in Heaven that I have been able to endure this trial. I have been blessed by the Lord!
If you would like more information leave me you email address and I'll send you more information on keeping covenants.
Paul E. Koelliker (“Gospel Covenants Bring Promised Blessings,” Liahona, Nov 2005, 94–95) said,
Covenants are agreements we make with our Heavenly Father in which we commit our hearts, minds, and behavior to keeping the commandments defined by the Lord. As we are faithful in keeping our agreement, He covenants, or promises, to bless us, ultimately with all that He has.
Bonnie D. Parkin said,
“So often we talk of making and keeping covenants, but exactly what are they? At baptism, we demonstrate that we ‘are willing to bear one another’s burdens, … mourn with those that mourn; … comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and … stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places’ (Mosiah 18:8–9). And that’s just the beginning! In the temple, we further covenant to be obedient, to sacrifice, to keep ourselves worthily pure, to contribute to the spreading of truth, to be chaste, to pray, to live the gospel, and to be forever faithful”... Father in Heaven knows us as individuals. The covenants we make with Him are performed one on one. President Howard W. Hunter noted: “I have always been impressed that the Lord deals with us personally, individually. We do many things in groups in the Church, … but … the most important things are done individually. We bless babies one at a time, even if they are twins or triplets. We baptize and confirm children one at a time. We take the sacrament, are ordained to the priesthood, or move through the ordinances of the temple as individuals—as one person developing a [personal] relationship with our Father in Heaven. … Heaven’s emphasis is on each individual, on every single person” (“Eternal Investments,” address to CES religious educators, 10 Feb. 1989, p. 4; emphasis added). Covenants keep us new. Covenants anchor us to solid ground, which, amidst the storms, makes our promises not only meaningful for eternity but vital for today. (“Celebrating Covenants,” Ensign, May 1995, 78).
I just love how she talks about the individualness of covenants!! It really does make the covenants we've made with our Heavenly Father that much more special!
Richard J. Maynes said, (“Keeping Our Covenants,” Ensign, Nov 2004, 92)
Brothers and sisters, we are all looking forward to the day when we can return home to our Heavenly Father. In order to qualify for exaltation in the celestial kingdom, we must gain the trust of the Lord here on earth. We gain the trust of the Lord through earning it, and that is accomplished through our actual performance in living His gospel and keeping our covenants. In other words, we earn the trust of the Lord by doing His will.
“Safety in Keeping Divine Covenants,” Ensign, Oct 2001, 57 visiting teaching message:
As we bind ourselves to God by obeying sacred covenants, we are blessed with protective power against the adversary. Especially during times of trial, covenants can give us strength.
D. Todd Christofferson said, (“The Power of Covenants,” Ensign, May 2009, 19–23)
Divine covenants make strong Christians. I urge each one to qualify for and receive all the priesthood ordinances you can and then faithfully keep the promises you have made by covenant. In times of distress, let your covenants be paramount and let your obedience be exact. Then you can ask in faith, nothing wavering, according to your need, and God will answer. He will sustain you as you work and watch. In His own time and way He will stretch forth his hand to you, saying, “Here am I.”
I was so thankful for the opportunity to give this talk. I learned so much! I know that it is because I have kept my covenants with my Father in Heaven that I have been able to endure this trial. I have been blessed by the Lord!
If you would like more information leave me you email address and I'll send you more information on keeping covenants.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Mourning
Today I have been hit with a lot of emotion. I've dealt with a lot of deaths already in my young life time. When I was in collage I had three Grandmothers pass away with in 6 months of each other. And then later that year another Grandfather. Over all I've been to 12 funerals that I can remember.
Yesterday I was so ill I had to go to the hospital. Today I am much better but missing my husband's Grandmother's funeral. She was old and had Parkinsons. It was a good thing for her to pass and now she has rest from her earthly body. I'm sad that I can't be there to support the rest of the family. Funerals can be a time of great happiness for a number of reasons. First, in my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints, we know about the plan of salvation. We know that we will be reunited with those loved ones again. Second, funerals can be wonderful family reunions. I remember going to my Father's Mother's funeral and how wonderful it was to see some of my cousins I hadn't see in a couple of years. Third, if the person who has passed led a good life, a worthy life, then it is a good time to celebrate their departure into the next life, the next step.
Now I know that there is sadness. Believe you me, I have sat through a funeral sobbing the whole time. We are human, we have human emotions. It's okay to be sad when someone passes. It's hard when you won't be able to see them all the time. Last night after we got home from the hospital we got a phone call. We were told that my uncle had passed away. He also was very sick. He had been struggling with a brain tumor and brain cancer on and off for 20 years. It was a good thing for him as well. He now has rest. At the same time I am mourning his departure. He was one of my more favorite uncles. He is just older than my dad. So our families did a lot together growing up. He has a daughter my age. I would spend a week at their house every summer. He was an amazing man. He had a full heart and showed love to everyone. As I've gotten older I have still spent time with him. My children have loved him. He was a great uncle to them too! It will be very hard to go to his funeral next week.
Now does this mean that I don't have a testimony of the plan of salvation, of happiness? No it does not. Elder Rafael E. Pino in last General Conference said this, "At times we mourn, but 'we do not mourn as those without hope' ". I still have a very strong testimony and faith that those who have passed on are in the presence of our Heavenly Father. Again I am human with human emotions and I miss my uncle. I still miss my Grandmothers who I grew so close to. I know that I will see them again. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have of the Plan of Salvation and that we see our loved ones once again.
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