To Understand - How Rare It Is

“To love is easy and therefore common - but to understand - how rare it is!” ― L.M. Montgomery

I could easily spend the rest of this post refuting the statement "To love is easy and therefore common"--but I'm not going to. For my purposes, I like this quote because there is an aspect or definition of love that is easy and common. For instance, I love homemade chocolate chip cookies. I love curling up on a couch and reading a good book. I love going on walks with my little girl (except when this angry, white duck attacks me...which is a whole other story). I love hiking up to a waterfall and feeling the spray from it on my face. I fell "in love" with several boys when I was between the ages of 8 and 22. I also love listening to certain people sing varying from Barry Manilow to Martina McBride to Pavarotti. So there. Most of us, in that sense, probably find that love is easy and common. 

I am not quite sure exactly when it was that I first realized how good it felt to be understood--but one time that stands out in my mind was in college. My sister and I were supposed to go to a church activity--but on a whim, we decided instead to go to the University's production of Hamlet. And it was amazingly good. Probably the best acting we felt like we had seen while we had been at school. After the play, we got some ice cream at a local store and walked to a nearby park where we sat in the sunshine and talked about Hamlet and us and life in general. And it just felt so good--being with someone who really knew me and really knowing somebody else. My sister and I have some very big differences in personality--but we have known each other our entire lives and few people understand me like she does. 

That is a blissful example. There are also examples that hurt. A lot. And in those times, I felt like nobody could understand. And then I met people who had been through similar "hells" and as wrong as it felt to be glad that somebody understood (because it meant that they hurt a lot too), it still was nice to have someone understand.

And I believe that we have a Heavenly Father and a Redeemer, who truly do understand us. Every part of us. One of them understands because He is omniscient and because we are His children. A literal part of Him. The other one understands because He felt every bit of pain and struggle and weakness and temptation that we have ever felt or will feel. I don't believe this because it makes me feel better to believe in something bigger that understands me. As I've mentioned before, I have found that there are many people here already who have had similar experiences and who can understand, to a degree, who I am and what I have experienced. 

I believe in Them because everything that I have read, thought, doubted, believed, experienced has filled me with a certainty that God is our Father and Christ is His Son. "I think, therefore, I am."  Yes, but also: "I am, therefore, They are." 

(Exodus 33:17, Jeremiah 1:5, Alma 30:44, Job 19:25)

Greatest in the Kingdom, J. Kirk Richards

"There is no physical pain, no spiritual wound, no anguish of soul or heartache, no infirmity or weakness you or I ever confront in mortality that the Savior did not experience first. In a moment of weakness we may cry out, “No one knows what it is like. No one understands.” But the Son of God perfectly knows and understands, for He has felt and borne our individual burdens. And because of His infinite and eternal sacrifice (see Alma 34:14), He has perfect empathy and can extend to us His arm of mercy. He can reach out, touch, succor, heal, and strengthen us to be more than we could ever be and help us to do that which we could never do relying only upon our own power." 

Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease, David A. Bednar

-Elin

Who knows she doesn't understand a whole lot of things...but is still working to understand the things that seem to matter most...

Imagine a World Where It Is Never Too Late

Imagine a world and life in which you can make mistakes, experience physical, mental, and emotional pain, and make some really poor choices and have the effects (not necessarily the consequences--but the effects of the pain and choices on our bodies and spirits) entirely erased. You would still gain all of the learning and wisdom and experience that come from mistakes and pain and choices...but any negative effects would not be permanent.

That is, in fact, what our Heavenly Father promises if we turn to Him in faith. If we love Him (which means we will strive to keep his commandments (John 14:15).

He tells us that "[. . .] all things work together for good to them that love God [. . .]" (Romans 8:28) Not some things. Not just the good choices we make. All things work together for our good.

This is possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ--through His mortal life, His suffering in Gethsamane, His death on the cross, and His resurrection, 3 days later.

"Jesus was . . . a being of flesh and spirit, but He yielded not to temptation (see Mosiah 15:5). We can turn to Him . . . because He understands. He understands the struggle, and He also understands how to win the struggle. . . . The power of His Atonement can erase the effects of sin in us. When we repent, His atoning grace justifies and cleanses us (see 3 Nephi 27: 16-20). It is as if we had not succumbed, as if we had not yielded to temptation. As we endeavor day by day and week by week to follow the path of Christ, our spirit asserts its preeminence, the battle within subsides, and temptations cease to trouble."

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "That They May Be One in Us"

The more I live and make mistakes, the more grateful I am for my life and the learning experience it is for me--the more I am grateful for the love and mercy of Heavenly Father and His Son--the kind of love that turns darkness into light (or scarlet to white (Isaiah 1:18) and can pull beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3). So if I have anything to say today and hopefully every day, it is this: It is never to late. You and I have never gone too far. God can make all things work together for your and my good. He can "erase the effects of sin" in you and in me.

Last of all, awhile ago, I put together a little picture montage to go with my favorite arrangement (arranged by Rob Gardner) of my favorite hymn. The words to the song are below.

Come, ye disconsolate, where'er ye languish;
Come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel.
Here bring your wounded hearts; here tell your anguish.
Earth has no sorrow that heav'n cannot heal.

Joy of the desolate, Light of the straying,
Hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure!
Here speaks the Comforter, tenderly saying,
"Earth has no sorrow that heav'n cannot cure."

Here see the Bread of Life; see waters flowing
Forth from the throne of God, pure from above.
Come to the feast of love; come, ever knowing
Earth has no sorrow but heav'n can remove.

Text: Thomas Moore, 1779-1852. Verse three, Thomas Hastings, 1784-1872

Elin
-who wishes she could sing like the girl in the video and compose music like Rob Gardner....

Ramblings About A Kitten

While we have been living in South Carolina, I started volunteering at an animal shelter. I mostly just go clean cat cages. I have been very impressed with the shelter. It is very clean and they treat the animals well. It is run on donations and volunteers. It seems that new animals get brought in every day.

Lately, we have been working with a feral, or wild, kitten. He had climbed up in a truck and gotten stuck. After a couple days the owner of the truck was able to get him out and bring him in. The first time I reached my hand to pet him and hold him he hissed at me, got in the furthest corner of the kennel, and curled up in a tight ball. Kittens cannot be adopted until they are 8 weeks old and this kitten is estimated to be around 6 weeks. We have two weeks to prepare him to be adopted and not to be afraid of people.

The first day with him, Ben spent about three hours with him. He even named him, Lil Badger. Ben took the time to show him where his food was, feed him by hand, wrap him up in a towel and hold him tight. We were told that wrapping him in a towel or blanket while holding him would make him feel more secure. We were also told it might be a while before he stopped hissing and started purring. Near the end of the first day, while Ben was petting him, he began to purr.

The next day we went to pet him and again, he hissed at us. After 20  minutes he wouldn't hiss but would play with us.

The next day, he hissed again but not as much. After I vacuumed it was like starting at the beginning with him. He hid from us and wanted nothing to do with us.

Now, a week later, he trusts us. Occasionally he will hiss when he gets really scared; otherwise, he meows and purrs. He likes to be around us and wants to play constantly. As I'm typing this he is sitting under my chair.

I've been thinking a lot lately about trust. Trust and faith. They are necessary for us to feel peace. Faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ. Trusting that if we rely on the Savior that he will help, guide, and direct us.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has experienced times of having a weak testimony and when my trust is almost nonexistent. Looking back, I realize I would try to comfort myself. I would try to find my own peace. It did not work. Luckily, I realized it didn't work and that I needed to change.

Matthew 11:28 says,

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

The Savior will help us find peace and by relying on the Savior through our struggles, he will give us rest. I know this to be true.  Just as Lil Badger now feels safe and secure with us; we can experience security and safety in the arms of our Savior.

Ry-who's rocking it on xbox

When Jesus Christ Came

The central point in the Book of Mormon is when the resurrected Savior visited the believing people in the Americas (3 Nephi 9-27). For 600 years, prophets of the Book of Mormon saw in visions and prophesied about the circumstances of the birth, life, atonement, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (I love what Nephi sees and shares about the life of Christ in 1 Nephi 11.) And then it happened. He came. And we not only have an account of His post-resurrection ministry to his disciples in Jerusalem in the New Testament, we also have an account of His post-resurrection visit and ministry to the people of the Americas in the Book of Mormon.

At the time of Christ's death, the people in the Americas suffered earthquakes and fire and darkness. They were scared and probably felt abandoned and alone. And then, a voice spoke from heaven. The resurrected Christ speaks to them from heaven, Heavenly Father speaks from heaven, and then Christ comes down and ministers to them. He counsels them, teaches them, spends time with their children, institutes the sacrament, heals them, prays for and with them, and calls disciples and organizes His church.

My favorite part of the account, however, is when the Savior first appears to them:

"And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying:

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.

And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning [. . .]

And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying:

Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.

And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come." 3 Nephi 11:9-15

I love this because the first thing the Savior does is tell the people to "Arise and come forth." He permits them to touch his hands and feet and wants them to know that everything He did, everything He taught and suffered, He did for them individually. And He allows them individually to come and feel and see.

President James E. Faust (former member of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), penned the following words about this Book of Mormon account and his own testimony of Jesus Christ:

They heard His voice, a voice so mild.

It pierced them through and made their souls to quake.

They saw Him come, a man in white,

The Savior, who had suffered for their sake.

They felt the wounds in hands and side,

And each could testify:

This is the Christ.

This is the Christ, the holy Son of God,

Our Savior, Lord, Redeemer of mankind.

This is the Christ, the Healer of our souls,

Who ransomed us with love divine.

I read His words, the words He prayed

While bearing sorrow in Gethsemane.

I feel His love, the price He paid.

How many drops of blood were spilled for me?

With Saints of old in joyful cry

I too can testify:

This is the Christ.

This is the Christ, the holy Son of God,

Our Savior, Lord, Redeemer of mankind.

This is the Christ, the Healer of our souls,

Who ransomed us with love divine.

I testify of Jesus Christ, as well. It is hard to explain to someone what His life and atonement and love mean to me personally, because it is something you have to experience to understand or know. But the longer I live, the more I know that He is real and aware of me. In difficult times, when I have cried and reached out to Him for help or just for comfort, I have felt and seen miraculous, inexplicable things. When I struggle with weakness or sin and have asked for help, I have been strengthened in ways I did not believe possible. And when I feel happy, I have felt love for people that is not my own--it is His love and He lets me feel it for myself and for others. I don't feel these things immediately all the time. I am a work in progress. But I know that Jesus Christ is real and His power to help and heal are real. 

-Elin

Who is so happy to be with her sisters and mother this weekend.

The Book of Mormon

Years ago, as I walked to our community swimming pool, a boy who lived down the block started walking with me and struck up a conversation. I had never really talked to him before because he was a couple years older than me--but he seemed really nice and I just felt flattered that an older guy thought it worth his time to walk and talk with me. Somehow, in this 5-minute walk to the pool, religion came up and he found out I was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or a Mormon. Then he started asking me questions about the Book of Mormon. Up to that point, in my 15 or 16-year old experience, people who knew or found out I was Mormon didn't really know much about my church--and they knew even less about the Book of Mormon. This boy, however, asked very interesting, relevant questions. The one I remember off the top of my head is: "Does the Book of Mormon have several chapters of Isaiah in it?" I was surprised and kind of excited that he knew that about the Book of Mormon and I asked him if he had read any of it. He hadn't; but he told me his dad was a preacher at a local church and had studied religion and theology and apparently Mormonism.

So I answered his question and told him that yes, the Book of Mormon did contain several chapters of Isaiah. The Book of Mormon, itself, is the historical and spiritual record of two groups of people. One of these groups was led out of Jerusalem around 600 B.C., the same time the prophet Jeremiah of the Old Testament was prophesying of the upcoming destruction of Jerusalem. A man named Lehi was warned by the Lord that Jerusalem would be destroyed--so he prophesied, as Jeremiah did, and encouraged the people to repent and turn their hearts to God--and then was instructed by the Lord to take his family into the wilderness, away from Jerusalem to a place that God had prepared for them. Lehi obeyed and his wife and sons and daughters and a few others who went with them were spared. Eventually, their journey took them to the Americas which the Lord covenanted would be a land of promise for them if they continued to turn their hearts to God and strove to obey and live by God's word and commandments and love.

Lehi's fourth son, Nephi, wanted to know about all of this prophesying that his father was doing. And so he turned to the source; he prayed to God and asked Him if the words of his father were true. He received confirmation from God and continued to listen and live according to the counsel of his father, a prophet, and he continued to pray earnestly to God for help and truth and strength. Even through the difficult parts of his life, he sees the Lord's hand in it and is given strength to overcome and to move forward. Two of Nephi's older brothers, Laman and Lemuel, were unhappy with the move from Jerusalem and never quite reconciled themselves to the idea of their father as a prophet or to a God that would take them away from their comfortable home and lead them on a journey rife with uncertainties and danger. Eventually, Lehi's family and posterity were so much in discord that they broke apart from each other and became two separate peoples: the Nephites and the Lamanites.

The first part of the Book of Mormon is Nephi's account of these experiences. Nephi is commanded by the Lord to keep a journal or a record of his people (1 Nephi 9:3) and he does this faithfully. The Lord instructs and enables him to obtain metal plates that are inscribed with a large part of the Old Testament: the books of Moses and words of other prophets. Because of this, Lehi and his family are blessed to have Old Testament scriptures with them, the word of God to past prophets, as they travel in the wilderness towards this unknown land of promise. At one point, Nephi writes of an important prophesy that his father, Lehi relates. Nephi says:

"Yea, even six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem, a prophet would the Lord God raise up among the Jews—even a Messiah, or, in other words, a Savior of the world.

 And [Lehi] also spake concerning the prophets, how great a number had testified of these things, concerning this Messiah, of whom he had spoken, or this Redeemer of the world." 

(1 Nephi 10:4-5)

This testimony of a Savior, of Jesus Christ, becomes the focus of Nephi's record (and those who continue the record after Nephi's death). Nephi includes several chapters from the book of Isaiah and explains his reasons for doing so (2 Nephi 25). He then says:

"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." (2 Nephi 25:26) 

To me, that scripture is the Book of Mormon. It is a book that testifies of Christ, just as the Old Testament and New Testament do. And in the accounts of these people, you see the hand of God and the saving and healing and helping power of His Son, Jesus Christ, working in the lives of very real, imperfect individuals.

Did I really go into all of this detail just to answer the young man's question about words of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon. Pretty much, yes. I am not very good at giving simple, concise book summaries--you can ask my sister. She knew the entire plot summaries, character descriptions, and significant details of most books that I read while we were growing up without ever having to read them. (I remember getting emotional when I described the end of Where the Red Fern Grows to her. I still cry thinking about that book...) I just don't want to leave anything out that I think is interesting or important....and that means my sister could basically talk about books she never read as if she had read them.

I have read a lot of books in my lifetime. And I read my favorite books over and over and over again (Tess of the D'Urbervilles, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, are two favorites). There is no doubt that we bring our own experiences and background and beliefs into a text when we read it and that influences the way we read it and what we get out of it. However, I also believe that there is inherent, unchanging, universal truth in life and reflected in the writings and words of many individuals. I feel that truth every time I read the Book of Mormon. I truly believe that the words in the Book of Mormon our God's words to us, given through imperfect men that He called to be prophets. I truly believe that God speaks to us as individuals too. And I know, as well as anyone, that to really know something for ourselves, we have to go straight to the source. In this case, that means to know the Book of Mormon is true, you have to read it and talk to Heavenly Father about it, since God is the author of scripture.

Heavenly Father is real and He loves His children. We are His children. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He lived a perfect life--but understands perfectly what we suffer and feel because He was subjected to all of the temptations, trouble, and pain that we are subjected to. He did not sin, but He took on Himself the punishment for our sins so that if we do our part, if we turn to Him and try to live as He taught us to live (lives full of love and dedicated service), we can be clean and whole again--our debt to justice being paid by the Redeemer. (Alma 7:10-12)

-Elin
Who is a big fan of mini KitKats at this moment.

Through Faith on His Name

Today I want to just include some verses from The Book of Mormon that I read this morning, and let you ponder it yourself. For context, this is a king making his final address to his people, and takes place close to 100 BC in the ancient Americas. Mosiah 3:5-9:

5 For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases.

 6 And he shall cast out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of men.

 7 And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people.

 8 And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary.

 9 And lo, he cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the children of men even through faith on his name;

Forrest
--Who needs more faith (and the weekend)

Seeking Perfection

I just came across Mosiah 3:19 in my scripture study the other day and it totally gave me a whole new perspective on how I feel and think about the atonement.

Mosiah3:19

 For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natrual man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.

In my pondering I came to realize that I kind of had a negative association with the atonement, which sounds really bad but here is why.

I want to be perfect, which is a wonderful goal, but I want to be perfect now or even yesterday would be nice. So, every time I use the atonement I had this small feeling of failure, of inadequacy, loss of hope of never reaching my goal.

So, reading that by my nature I am a natural enemy to God was so hopeful to me. All of my many many daily mistakes I make is in my nature of being a natural person.... I am not terribly failing... or I am not broken...or there is not something horribly wrong with my brain. That is how I was created... I am a just human; mistakes and sins are inevitable. It is through using the atonement that I can reach my goal, feel whole, and become perfect. Every time I use the wonderful power of the atonement, I am only one step closer to where I need and want to be, not one step back.

The atonement can change all my natural man-ness or women-ness, I guess (which I don’t think are real words). It can grow and develop the divine traits and qualities that I have inherently been born with from the Lord and any other gifts the Lord can bless me with.

Ashley
Who prays daily there is chocolate in heaven... well not everyday but I probably should start

Side Note from Ryanne:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the same as the church in the Old and New Testament. As in ancient times, there is a prophet and apostles on the earth today. This weekend is General Conference weekend. Tomorrow, Saturday, at 10AM and 2PM mountain time, the Prophet, Apostles, and other discples of Christ will speak to us, lead us, and guide us. On Sunday there are two more sessions at the same times.
You can watch it here. 

I will give you rest

"..there are times of moral danger when the hardest virtuous resolution to form is flight, and when the most heroic bravery is flight."
Riah the Jew to Lizzie Hexam in Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens

This quote resonated with me because I have recently been thinking about a time in my life when I looked at myself (my inner self) and did not like what I saw there. It had been a hard and emotionally taxing two or three years and when I wasn't feeling numb to everything around me, I felt anxious, lonely, angry, and with no visible way out. Up to this point, I felt like a victim of circumstance--I certainly didn't blame myself for the way I was feeling or acting. But after I truly took a look at what I had become, I realized that no matter what was happening to me externally, I did not have to be a person that I did not like or respect.

And so I started consciously trying to change my thought process, change the way I spoke and thought about myself and about other people, and even when I inwardly resisted the idea of reading scriptures and praying for help, I forced myself to do them...because I believed these things were the way I could get away from what I didn't like about myself and become what I wanted to be. What did I want to be? Happy. Not afraid. Someone who made positive contributions in the lives of other people--who made other people happy (even if just in small ways).

It wasn't easy. It isn't easy. I am not even close to being the person that I want to be yet. There are plenty of things still wrong with me. But one change happened almost immediately--I felt hope. I began to feel real, true happiness again, even if it was just for a few minutes at a time. And the hope and happiness made the rest easier to deal with. I know that God is real. I have felt hope and healing through the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

What does any of this have to do with the Dickens' quote? One of the hardest things I have ever done was realizing that part of the problem with "me", was, in fact, "me"...and then deciding to get away from the parts of me that were, in part, causing the numbness and anger and loneliness. It was not a "flight" in the sense that I was running away from myself. It was a flight, in the sense that I truly faced myself for the first time and then turned away from self-destructive behaviors and patterns of thought. And it was hard.

I believe we all have to do this to some degree. Sometimes it is fleeing from inner demons (like self-pity and self-doubt and fear) and sometimes it is fleeing from outer demons (like temptation or physical harm). And always, it is a realization that you need help, be it medical, physical, emotional, or spiritual or all of the above.

What I have come to realize about the gospel of Jesus Christ is that it is a gospel of change. It is a gospel of hope. It is the promise that "God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world. But that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16-17) He wants us to be our "biggest, brightest selves" (to quote a friend) and only He can help us become our biggest, brightest selves. One time when I too hastily judged someone else's actions, my dad said something along the lines of: "It is not where you've been so much as where you're going that really matters." And I am starting to understand what he meant.

"The first words Jesus spoke in His majestic Sermon on the Mount were to the troubled, the discouraged and downhearted. “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” He said, “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”¹ Whether you are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or among the tens of thousands listening this morning who are not of our faith, I speak to those who are facing personal trials and family struggles, those who endure conflicts fought in the lonely foxholes of the heart, those trying to hold back floodwaters of despair that sometimes wash over us like a tsunami of the soul. I wish to speak particularly to you who feel your lives are broken, seemingly beyond repair.

To all such I offer the surest and sweetest remedy that I know. It is found in the clarion call the Savior of the world Himself gave. He said it in the beginning of His ministry, and He said it in the end. He said it to believers, and He said it to those who were not so sure. He said to everyone, whatever their personal problems might be:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”^2"

^{Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Broken Things to Mend."}

Elin
-Who may one day finish the everlastingly long book Our Mutual Friend. My kindle says I've read 76% of it...

Learning From Each Other

This evening, I am going to watch the General Women's Meeting for our church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a meeting where women all over the world can gather and watch and listen to the leaders of the women's and children's organizations of our Church, as well as a member of the First Presidency of the Church give inspiring, Christ-centered messages and counsel. 

A couple of years ago, as I was listening to the messages shared at one of these meetings, I was particularly struck by the words of Linda S. Reeves. She told the story of a time in her life when her husband was diagnosed with a rare disease that she believed was killing her husband. This is how she described her feelings:

"We had a large, young family and a loving, eternal marriage, and the thought of losing my husband and raising my children by myself filled me with loneliness, despair, and even anger. I am ashamed to say that I pulled away from my Heavenly Father. For days I quit praying; I quit planning; I cried. I finally came to the realization that I could not do this alone.

For the first time in many days, I knelt down and poured out my heart to my Father in Heaven, pleading for forgiveness for turning away from Him, telling Him all of my deepest feelings, and finally crying out that if this was what He really wanted me to do, I would do it. I knew He must have a plan for our lives.

As I continued on my knees to pour out my heart, the sweetest, most peaceful, loving feeling came over me. It was as if a blanket of love was flowing over me. It was as if I could feel Heavenly Father saying, “That was all I needed to know.” I determined never to turn away from Him again. Gradually and amazingly, my husband began to get better until he made a full recovery.

I was floored when I heard her message, because it came at a time when I was going through the beginnings of a  similar experience--and her words were a great strength and comfort to me. I felt like the message was specifically for me and was amazed that it came into my life when it did. It gave me hope.

Sister Reeves continues the story by saying:

Years later my husband and I knelt by the side of our 17-year-old daughter and pleaded for her life. This time the answer was no, but that same feeling of love and peace that our Savior has promised was just as powerful, and we knew that even though Heavenly Father was calling her back home, everything would be all right. We have come to know what it means to cast our burdens upon the Lord, to know that He loves us and feels compassion for us in our sorrows and pain."

"Whatever sin or weakness or pain or struggle or trial you are going through, He knows and understands those very moments. He loves you! And He will carry you through those moments, just as He did Mary and Martha (See John 11). He has paid the price that He might know how to succor you. Cast your burdens upon Him. Tell your Heavenly Father how you feel. Tell Him about your pain and afflictions and then give them to Him. Search the scriptures daily. There you will also find great solace and help." The Lord Has Not Forgotten You

I have never lost a child, but I can only imagine the suffering I would feel if I did. And Sister Reeve's account of losing her daughter is one of the most humbling stories I have ever heard. I could relate to her first experience in a very specific real way. I could not relate to her second experience--but hearing it, makes me want to be the kind of person who can rely on the Lord the way she did when faced with such a heart-wrenching experience.

I am grateful for these opportunities to gather and be uplifted and to hear words matter to me in my life and that make me want to be a better, stronger, kinder person. I know that anyone who tunes in and listens to these messages can hear something specifically for them and be strengthened by it. That is how our Heavenly Father speaks to us sometimes: through other imperfect people who work and struggle and wonder themselves, but have found peace and strength in Him.

So tune in here and Enjoy!

Elin
-who still has so much to learn

“And [Jesus Christ] shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

“And he will take upon him … their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, … that he may know … how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” Alma 7:11-12

Weak Things Become Strong

Last night as we were taking a walk, I shared some concerns with Ben about insecurities and weakness I have. He listened patiently, put his arm around me, and when I was through, he looked at me said, “Well, with the Lord’s help we can make these strengths.”

I am grateful for Ben’s response to my concerns and it was just what I needed to hear. I am even more grateful for a loving Savior who wants us to be strong. He helps us recognize weakness and he helps us change them into strengths. Jacob 4:7 says,

“Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things.”

Ether 12:27 says,

“And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

There are countless examples in the scriptures of this process and I have had many experience in my life where, because of a willing, faithful heart, I have seen people change and become stronger. I am thankful for God’s grace and His ability to make us better. 

Ryanne

-Who enjoys going on walks

Peace

By Del Parson

Peace.

Have you experienced peace? During difficult trials and trying times?

Where is peace found and how can it be achieved?

I am only 28 years old. I have, like everybody else, experienced a couple tough trials in my short existence. There have been times when I felt completely surrounded by darkness, a thick pressing darkness. It felt as if I would never find my way out.

Then,

Came light, a small light, but still, a light.

That light was hope, hope found in Christ.

As I realized I had the knowledge to get me through the darkness, that light grew. My hope grew and eventually,

Peace.

I experienced peace amidst trial. Peace while experiencing pain. Peace took the place of fear. Did I know what was in my future? No, but I did know that I could find peace in the Savior. He would be with me on my journey.

My journey to find peace is, sadly, a repetitive one. Even when life seems like it couldn’t be better; I need to rely on my Savior to find peace. Living righteously brings me closer to Christ; being close to Christ brings me peace and joy.

Elder Quentin L. Cook said,

“We all long for peace. Peace is not just safety or lack of war, violence, conflict, and contention. Peace comes from knowing that the Savior knows who we are and knows that we have faith in Him, love Him, and keep His commandments, even and especially amid life’s devastating trials and tragedies.”

For those of you in darkness, I know that you can find light and peace. Christ knows you. He knows what you are experiencing; He has experienced it all. Take His hand and let Him lead you to peace.

Here are the lyrics to the Hymn, “Where can I Turn For Peace?” by Emma Lou Thayne, that is always a good reminder for me:

1. Where can I turn for peace?

Where is my solace

When other sources cease to make me whole?

When with a wounded heart, anger, or malice,

I draw myself apart,

Searching my soul?

2. Where, when my aching grows,

Where, when I languish,

Where, in my need to know, where

Can I run?

Where is the quiet hand to calm my

Anguish?

Who, who can understand?

He, only One.

3. He answers privately,

Reaches my reaching

In my Gethsemane, Savior and

Friend.

Gentle the peace he finds for my

Beseeching.

Constant he is and kind,

Love without end.

Two great talks on peace can be found here and here

-Ryanne

Who is craving some peppermint patties at this very moment

I am a Child of God

So I have a confession: "I am a Child of God" was never my favorite primary song. In our church, we have this lovely collection of children's songs that the children learn in their Sunday School classes (we call their classes Primary), but that many of us like to sing and play in our other church meetings and in our homes. Well, the one that gets sung the most in Primary and that seems to be everybody's favorite is called "I am a Child of God."

I'm not quite sure why it was never my favorite. I don't know if it is because I thought it was overplayed or just wasn't a big fan of the melody or what. If I got to choose a song, I would always pick this one or this one to sing.

So when I had my own child to sing to, I wanted to be sure not to push any songs on her just because they were everybody else's favorites. I sang "I am a Child of God" to her every once and awhile, but I sang a ton of other songs a lot more. And you know what song is her favorite? That's right. "I am a Child of God." At first, I didn't understand it. I didn't sing it any more than the others. I didn't push it on her. She isn't old enough for Primary yet so it's not like she was around a bunch of other kids singing it. (I'm sure, like every other kid and adult in America, the song she has heard most around town is "Let it Go.") And yet it is the song she requests all the time. It is the song she wants before she goes to bed. It is the song she sings to herself when she is fighting going to sleep. (That song and the "ABC" song.)

What is it about this song?!!! I ask you? I think it must be the words, the message. God is our Father. And He loves us. And he tells us this:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."   John 3:16-17 

I believe this. I believe that the things we experience, He allows us to experience because He is our Father and He loves us. And in the end, all that is wrong can be made right for us through the Atonement of His son, Jesus Christ. God's love is a powerful thing, whether we realize it or not. Children seem to sense it innately. (I love this talk about the love of God.)

The older I get, the more I appreciate the words to the song, especially when my little girl sings it:

I am a child of God,
And He has sent me here [. . .]

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with Him someday.

I really do believe it too.

-Elin
Who wishes she could sleep for 12 hours every night like her 2-year old.

You're not alone

Because of my husband’s employment, we are required to move often. We have lived in an area for as little as 2 months to as long as 11 months. There have been times when housing wasn’t quite ready for us so we stayed in hotels for several weeks. The furthest move has been across oceans and the closest across several states.  Driving around town, I often have to remind myself where I am and what the road system is like. Occasionally, during the credits at the end of a movie in the theater, Ben turns to me and says, “Where are we again?” and I have to think about it.

We have a wonderful life and I love being able to experience different cultures and meet so many wonderful people. However, the first couple weeks are tough and, at times, I can get to feeling very lonely and lost. A few months ago I came across a video that brought me much comfort.

Whatever the reason for feeling lonely; it is reassuring to know that we are never truly alone. One of the things I have learned from traveling so often is not only do I need those who reach out to me, but many times they needed a friend as well. Feelings of loneliness often stem from being physically alone or lost, suffering through trials, feeling the pain of sin, addictions, temptations, physical pain, standing up for truth and righteousness… the list is endless. I would guess that almost everyone has experienced most, if not all, of those reasons listed for feeling lonely. We need to cheer and comfort each other.

I am grateful for the knowledge that Christ is always there for me. He knows exactly what I am going through and He knows how to help me. As I look back on my life, I recognize times when Christ carried me through difficult times and I know I could not have done it alone.

In John 14:18, Christ says, “I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you.” I know that to be true.

Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,

For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.

I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,

Upheld by my righteous, upheld by my righteous,

Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

- How Firm a Foundation; 3rd verse

Ryanne
Who loves the GPS function on her phone

Moments of Recognition

You know those moments in life where you suddenly realize something about yourself that had either never occurred to you before--or that you were unconsciously refusing to acknowledge? Sometimes it is small things like realizing that the reason I didn't like croutons is because I had never tried one before. (They just look so dry and crusty and brown.) Or seeing a picture of myself after 3 months of working at a desk, not exercising regularly, and eating wheat thins by the box and realizing that I was a bit on the plump side...so that's why my jeans didn't fit all of a sudden.

But I've had bigger moments of recognition that have forced me to see "things as they really are" (Jacob 4:13.) In the following passage from Charles Dickens'  novel Our Mutual Friend, Mr. Podsnap is throwing a little dinner party and becomes ruffled by some unwanted comments by one of his guests:

In the mean time a stray personage of a meek demeanour, who had
wandered to the hearthrug and got among the heads of tribes
assembled there in conference with Mr Podsnap, eliminated Mr
Podsnap's flush and flourish by a highly unpolite remark; no less
than a reference to the circumstance that some half-dozen people
had lately died in the streets, of starvation. It was clearly ill-timed
after dinner. It was not adapted to the cheek of the young person.
It was not in good taste.

'I don't believe it,' said Mr Podsnap, putting it behind him.

The meek man was afraid we must take it as proved, because there
were the Inquests and the Registrar's returns.

'Then it was their own fault,' said Mr Podsnap.

Veneering and other elders of tribes commended this way out of it.
At once a short cut and a broad road.

The man of meek demeanour intimated that truly it would seem
from the facts, as if starvation had been forced upon the culprits in
question--as if, in their wretched manner, they had made their
weak protests against it--as if they would have taken the liberty of
staving it off if they could--as if they would rather not have been
starved upon the whole, if perfectly agreeable to all parties.

'There is not,' said Mr Podsnap, flushing angrily, 'there is not a
country in the world, sir, where so noble a provision is made for
the poor as in this country.'

The meek man was quite willing to concede that, but perhaps it
rendered the matter even worse, as showing that there must be
something appallingly wrong somewhere.

Chapter 11 "Podsnappery", Our Mutual Friend, Charles Dickens

I know that example is a bit exaggerated (Dickens is good at that), but I like how it shows Mr. Podsnap's complete refusal to admit there is a problem that needs to be dealt with. I feel like throughout my life, I have had moments when I suddenly recognized some "Podsnappery" in myself. They are uncomfortable moments. Really, really uncomfortable. In these moments, the Spirit has shown me times when I have been deceitful. Times when I have judged a situation or person without seeing the whole picture. Times when I thought I understood a principle, but really only had a superficial comprehension of it. I began to dread moments like this because I felt like the more "moments of recognition" I had, the worse person I was.

And then I came across this quote:

"There can be no repentance without recognition of wrong. Whether by provocation, introspection, or wrenching remembrance, denial must be dissolved [. . .] the first rays of recognition help us begin to see 'things as they really are' (Jacob 4:13), including distinguishing between the motes and beams. Recognition is a sacred moment."

Neal A. Maxwell, "Repentance," Ensign, Nov. 1991, pg. 30, emphasis added

I know this might seem really obvious to everyone else, but it was an epiphany to me. Recognition is NECESSARY! Recognition is a sacred moment. Recognition is the first step to improving ourselves and the world around us. To be able to fix a problem or flaw or whatever it may be, you first have to recognize that it is there. Seriously, this concept has changed my life. I know that change is possible. I know that I can become a better person and a more aware person than I am today. Good books and people help me see this. The gospel of Jesus Christ helps me do this.

-Elin
Who now loves croutons.