Bring them hither

This weekend I'm grateful for the reminder that Jesus invites ALL of us to COME to Him!  He love us.  He know us.  He heals us.  He is the only one that could judge us.  He is our Judge, but He's also our Advocate.  He is merciful and He is kind. He desires to bless us and wants us to be better.

While watching my nieces and nephews I had a sweet reminder of His tender care and selfless love.  One of my nieces was visibly sick the other night and the other kids and I were kind of trying to avoid her, letting her sleep and not wanting to get sick ourselves.  She got out of bed and came to join us and one of her brothers started to push her away.  I had been doing the same thing in my mind, but in that moment a couple of scriptures came to mind:

"Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy." (3 Nephi 17:7)

"Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 19:14)
I'm grateful for these reminders that helped me respond more compassionately and she was visibly and immediately grateful for my more welcoming response.  We have no right to criticize or judge.  Responding with selfless compassion is what Jesus would do.  He asked us to "go and do thou likewise."  Invite, love, comfort, heal.  That's the plan that brings peace and healing to all of us.

"I prayed....that they might have charity"

Tonight as I rushed to finish the Book of Mormon before the end of the year (a new favorite New Year's Eve tradition, I think), I was touched by a few verses in Ether 12, verses 36 to 38.  Moroni is speaking.  He's described much of the destruction of the Jaredite nation so far and has lived too see the destruction of the Nephites.  I can only image what horrible things he's seen and here he remains faithful and dedicated and full of love.  Here is what he says....

"I prayed unto the Lord that he would give unto the Gentiles grace, that they might have charity.  

"And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me: If they have not charity it mattereth not unto thee, thou hast been faithful; wherefore, thy garments shall be made clean. And because thou hast seen thy weakness thou shalt be made strong, even unto the sitting down in the place which I have prepared in the mansions of my Father.  

"And now I, Moroni, bid farewell unto the Gentiles, yea, and also unto my brethren whom I love, until we shall meet before the judgment-seat of Christ, where all men shall know that my garments are not spotted with your blood."

He was praying for us and for his brethren who need(ed) help.  He prays that we'll have charity - he knows how important that is and obviously lacking.  I was touched by Moroni's example of charity.  In Sunday School today we were reminded of these same verses (see D&C 135:5).  These are the verses Hyrum Smith read just before he left for Carthage, Illinois where he and Joseph were martyred.  What another beautiful example of charity and love for fellowmen! 

I'm grateful for these good leaders, who I'm sure found great comfort in the Lord's response that they didn't need to worry.  They would be fine in a place prepared for them in Father's kingdom, because they had been faithful and had seen their weaknesses and been made strong through Christ.  That they worried about the rest of us teaches me just how important charity, humility, and repentance truly are.  Truly they had become like Him (and isn't that the goal for all of us), as Mormon teaches in Moroni 7:48, "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."

Good News #PrinceofPeace

There is a lot of news and information available today, so we have to choose what we'll listen to and believer and take in.  I think it's important to look for the good and not to get distracted or overwhelmed.  I'm grateful for the reminder that lasting and eternal peace comes from the Prince of Peace, our Savior, Jesus Christ!



A few other thoughts of peace and the Prince of Peace:

• John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
• D&C 19:23-24: "Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me. I am Jesus Christ; I came by the will of the Father, and I do his will."
• See also Alma 36:14-21 where Alma the Younger finds the joy and peace of Christ!
• Elder M. Russell Ballard taught, "Peace—real peace, whole-souled to the very core of your being—comes only in and through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. When that precious truth is discovered and gospel principles are understood and applied, great peace can distill in the hearts and souls of our Heavenly Father’s children. Said the Savior through Joseph Smith, “He who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come” (D&C 59:23)."
• Elder Franklin D. Richards taught, "Jesus Christ is called the Prince of Peace (see Isa. 9:6), and his message is a message of peace to the individual and to the world. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the plan of life that will restore peace to the world, remove inner tensions and troubles, and bring happiness to the human soul. It is the greatest philosophy of life ever given to man. A mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to establish this peace and happiness in the hearts and homes of the people."

Bubbles

I really like this article!  There are lots of good things to think about....

1. TRAVEL.  See the world.  Get outside your bubble.  Go places.  Experience life and people and things that are different than you.  That's a great thing and we should do it whether near or far.  We should learn about others and be open and also share about ourselves in the process.

2. BE YOU.  We can't let the world change us.  Before and as we go and after we return we need to truly know and remember who we are and be that.  Obviously we learn and grow as we go, and must be humble, but we should be firm in our core beliefs and identity and not let the world determine that for us or make us afraid to share who we truly are.

I think that too often when we think of bubbles or sharing the gospel it sounds self-righteous.  It shouldn't be.  A humble learner and traveler will learn and share freely out of love and care and desire to learn and grow.  (I heard a neat thing this week.  Meekness is recognizing that others need you.  Humility is recognizing that you need others.)

While we humbly learn and share we need to not be distracted!  The world is loud and persuasive, so we need to be sure to stay focused on the most important thing - building Zion, truly becoming a disciple of Christ, making Christ the center of our lives.

I really like these two quotes from the article:

Joseph Smith said, “We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object. … The time is soon coming, when no man will have any peace but in Zion and her stakes” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith,  160–61).

We need to be Zion people – A Zion Person. Pure in heart, and of one heart and mind. How do we do this? Be clean, and follow the Savior and His prophets: “We will become of one heart and one mind as we individually place the Savior at the center of our lives and follow those He has commissioned to lead us.” (Elder D. Todd Christofferson)

While reading this article I thought of salt and leaven.  Here are a couple of really good related references:

Salt and Light by Matthew Richardson

• Elder Ballard teaches that "we should not try to take ourselves or our children out of the world.  The Lord does not need a society that hides and isolates itself from the world. Rather, he needs stalwart individuals and families who live exemplary lives in the world and demonstrate that joy and fulfillment that come not of the world but through the spirit and doctrine of Jesus Christ."

Matthew 5:13

• Salt preserves and saves.
• We can't lose our savor or we're good for nothing!  ;)

We can't hide ourselves (like a bubble implies), but we must preserve the purity of our salt and light and leaven and create our 'bubble' so that it makes a difference in the world and grows in influence (like the original article says.... start with ourselves, families, then communities, etc.).  I think the world discounts bubbles.  I think that those who are interested in creating a haven of peace and goodness in their lives and homes and families are sometimes judged unfairly and seen as self-righteousness or selfish.  Those who choose to focus on and build and share the good should be valued and be able to share.

I'm reading Evicted right now.  I don't recommend it, but it's eye-opening in some ways showing the cycle of the hard, sad life when there's no leaven, or haven, or peace.  In some ways I believe these articles and thoughts are what comes after peace - peace and Zion means striving for oneness with God.  That's what we work for and share.️

Finding Love

This may be a slightly different post than you were expecting from the title, but hopefully just as interesting.  ;)

Last year I loved reading the Book of Mormon and studying about JOY!  I found much!

This year I've been reading the Book of Mormon and looking for love!  <3  There is a lot of love and I'm just over halfway through.  Last week I think I found the most concentrated section of love so far, mostly taught by the example of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies.

We see love demonstrated by the Lord who rescued the sons of Mosiah, then those same sons, Ammon and his brethren, go to teach the Lamanites out of love, King Lamoni and his father sense that love and accept it and allow an opportunity for their people to be converted.  Their conversion was so sincere and their love so great that they were willing to sacrifice their lives instead of fighting to protect themselves ever again.  What sweet examples of true love!

Here are a few quotes from Mosiah 28, then Alma 22-28:

"Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble."

"I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy.... if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee."

"As many as believed, or as many as were brought to the knowledge of the truth...and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away.... they became a righteous people; they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren.... There was not one soul among all the people who had been converted unto the Lord that would take up arms against their brethren;

"The great God has had mercy on us.... if our brethren seek to destroy us, behold, we will hide away our swords, yea, even we will bury them deep in the earth, that they may be kept bright, as a testimony that we have never used them, at the last day; and if our brethren destroy us, behold, we shall go to our God and shall be saved.... rather than shed the blood of their brethren they would give up their own lives."

"Our dearly beloved brethren, who have so dearly beloved us.... my beloved brethren, we came into the wilderness not with the intent to destroy our brethren, but with the intent that perhaps we might save some few of their souls.... we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and we supposed that our joy would be full if perhaps we could be the means of saving some.... Now behold, we can look forth and see the fruits of our labors...and we can witness of their sincerity, because of their love towards their brethren and also towards us.  For behold, they had rather sacrifice their lives than even to take the life of their enemy; and they have buried their weapons of war deep in the earth, because of their love towards their brethren."

"His bowels of mercy are over all the earth."

"They were moved with compassion"

"Let us go down and rely upon the mercies of our brethren.... we will give up the land of Jershon.... we will set our armies between the land Jershon and the land Nephi, that we may protect our brethren in the land Jershon."

Love changes us!  Love helps us see outside ourselves.  Love helps us see the greater picture.  We love because He first loved us!  We can learn to love because of Him and His love!

Relatedly, something else that has been inspiring to me lately about love... Christ's Atonement is Evidence of God's Love!  The truths in this article came to life for me just over a week ago when I was snowshoeing in the beautiful Utah mountains.  I was enjoying a peaceful afternoon by myself.  I passed a couple of other hikers, but mostly it was me and the trees and lots of untouched snow.  The world was white.  It was quiet.  It was wonderful!  I love nature.  I love the mountains.  I feel Heavenly Father's love there easily and quickly.  I had some time to sit and enjoy that place and time and peace.  While sitting and thinking and praying for a few minutes the words of a song came to mind:  Our Savior's Love

Our Savior's love Shines like the sun with perfect light,
As from above It breaks thru clouds of strife.
Lighting our way, It leads us back into his sight,
Where we may stay To share eternal life.

The Spirit, voice Of goodness, whispers to our hearts
A better choice Than evil's anguished cries.
Loud may the sound Of hope ring till all doubt departs,
And we are bound To him by loving ties.

Our Father, God Of all creation, hear us pray
In rev'rence, awed By thy Son's sacrifice.
Praises we sing. We love thy law; we will obey.
Our heav'nly King, In thee our hearts rejoice.

I felt awed by His creations, but was reminded that the greatest gift and evidence of His love is more than beautiful mountains and peaceful meadows.  It is His Son, Jesus Christ, and His Atonement.  Because of His perfect life and selfless sacrifice He can offer us the chance to repent, to change, to be better than we are.  That brings a lot of hope and purpose.  There is truly no greater gift or love!  I want to do a better job of utilizing that gift and power and love in my life.  "His arm is extended to all people who will repent and believe on his name" (Alma 19:36).  I was recently reminded of two great talks on the subject:

• A Mighty Change of Heart by President Ezra Taft Benson
• The Divine Gift of Repentance by Elder D. Todd Christofferson

And one final quote and reminder from President Thomas S. Monson, "Love is the very essence of the gospel, the noblest attribute of the human soul. Love is the remedy for ailing families, ill communities, and sick nations."  We can look for love, pray for love, share love, and be changed by love.  That's the plan and that's my goal!

Good Men

I had the chance to be an eavesdropper a bit recently.  I was walking behind a group of men at lunch and happened to hear part of their conversation.  It seemed clear that they desired good things, in relationships and otherwise.  I heard a very similar conversation a couple of men were having on Trax on my way home.  They were recognizing good in people, women in particular, and seemed to have desires to build good relationships.  I work in Salt Lake.  There are troubles and problems here and everywhere, but there are definitely worse places and circumstances.  Basically, I was inspired and grateful to think that there are good men in the world!

Not a day or two later I was at the temple and felt more strongly than I have in a long time that men need women and women need men.  We need a good partner, companion, help meet who is not the same as us; who can help us see things a little bit differently; who can encourage and teach and support and lift and inspire us; who we can encourage and teach and support and lift and inspire.... and love!

I'm grateful for the plan!!

God Loves Us All

I was rushing down the mountain after a lovely afternoon in the fall leaves last week.  Magical!  I had been inspired and as I was driving home the sunset was lighting up the sky and the mountains in such a beautiful way that I had to pull over and take a picture!  :)

As I was rushing out of my car to not miss the moment, I had been so focused (pretty much all afternoon) on the 'beauty all around' that I was startled to see a homeless-looking man in the pavilion near my picture spot.  I may not have bound out of the car with such enthusiasm if I knew the spot was already taken.  I found a place nearby to take my picture and not be in his way.

It really was an incredible sunset and a perfect place to watch.  I love finding good sunset spots - you have to choose them ahead of time; if you try to get somewhere once it's turned pretty you've already missed it!

As I was turning to walk back to my car....I was thinking about this man, sitting and enjoying the sunset.  I knew that Heavenly Father loved Him!  :)  Someone that I may not have thought of wanting to watch a sunset with or maybe even shied away from a little once I did notice him, was remembered by our Heavenly Father.  He loves each one of His children.  He sends beauty and blessings to each of us.  The sun literally rises and shines on each one.  I want to do a better job of seeing and loving everyone as God does.  I'm grateful for the reminder that there is a place for each of us.  We can and need to see and lift each other, as our Father and Savior do.

Never Can I Repay Thee, Lord

I love the song "Savior Redeemer of My Soul" - each version that I've heard, and I heard a beautiful version today that really inspired me.  The lyrics by Orson F. Whitney are powerful and have helped me to better know my Savior, Jesus Christ and the reach of His Atonement and love.

Savior, Redeemer of my soul,
Whose mighty hand hath made me whole,
Whose wondrous pow'r hath raised me up
And filled with sweet my bitter cup!
What tongue my gratitude can tell,
O gracious God of Israel.

Never can I repay thee, Lord,
But I can love thee. Thy pure word,
Hath it not been my one delight,
My joy by day, my dream by night?
Then let my lips proclaim it still,
And all my life reflect thy will.

O'errule mine acts to serve thine ends.
Change frowning foes to smiling friends.
Chasten my soul till I shall be
In perfect harmony with thee.
Make me more worthy of thy love,
And fit me for the life above.

Through Him we can change.  He can make us whole.  We can repent.  We can improve and be more than we are....with His help.  Today I was particularly touched by the phrase, "Never can I repay thee, Lord.....But I can love thee."  :) !!!!  That was profound to me.  I think it struck me because I have felt very blessed lately as a recipient of others' kindness.  Sometimes I have a hard time being indebted to someone.  I think a part of my wanting to "be invisible" is not wanting to be a burden on anyone, wanting to be independent and self sufficient, so that no one has to worry about me.  But I realize that's not possible, not realistic, and prideful.  We can't do it on our own.  We need help.  We need His help, and others' too....and truly "never can I repay thee, Lord."   

Those words helped me realize that I can't repay Him, often I can't repay others....I need to let that go.  He knows that we can't repay Him; He just asks us to love Him, to serve Him, to keep His commandments.  We can do that.  We can love.  We need to love.  That's what we do - we love.  We will not be perfect and will be further in His debt, but we can return to Him and when our one desire is to love Him I believe that He accepts our love and further blesses us (just like King Benjamin talks about in Mosiah 2:23-24).  True love is powerful - His love for us, our love for Him, our love for others....that's what changes us.  <3

Fishers and Hunters

In Jeremiah 16:16, the Lord says through his prophet, Jeremiah, "Behold, I will send for many fishers...and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks."  He is talking about the time of the Restoration of the gospel in the latter-days and the gathering of Israel.  This is an oft-quoted and even memorized verse, but I really appreciated a recent insight shared with me that has opened my eyes to more about what this means for me.

The Savior invited His disciples in Jerusalem to become "fishers of men."

"And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
"And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
"And they straightway left their nets, and followed him." (Matthew 4:18-20)

He invites all of us to come to Him and we can be fishers, too, and share the gospel's message and blessings with others.  When thinking about missionary work we often think about being fishers and shepherds, but I hadn't thought much about the importance of being hunters.  ;)  This may sound too aggressive, but I think it's the example that President Monson has taught.  Be deliberate, search after and find and rescue the one.

In studying and thinking about being a fisher and being a hunter a little bit more I came across a wonderful article in the June 2015 Ensign, "Fishers of Men" by Elder Scott D. Whiting (my bishop when I was a youth, definitely one of the fisherman in my life).  We work together to extend our Heavenly Father's love and message to all of His children.

Here are a few other inspiring talks, videos, songs...

• "Follow Me, and I will Make You Fishers of Men"
• "Come, Follow Me"
• Fishers of Men
• Reaching Outsiders Within:  One by One
• To the Rescue Young Single Adults
• Elder Bednar in England
• The Net Gathers of Every Kind by Elder Neal A. Maxwell, October 1980
• To the Rescue by President Thomas S. Monson, April 2001
• One by One:  The Fifth Gospel's Model of Service by Richard Holzapfel, 2003
• Concern for the One by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, April 2008
• Being a More Christian Christian by Elder Robert D. Hales, October 2012
• Our Responsibility to Rescue by President Thomas S. Monson, October 2013
• Look for the one, June 2016
• One by One (a beautiful song!!) by Elder David A. Bednar, July 2016 (the story)

Have you fished?  Have you hunted?  When have you been fished for?  hunted after?  How did you feel?  When helping others come to Christ we must do the work His way and by His Spirit...and I think often it is one person at a time.

I remember a day on a bus in Pusan, Korea in 2001 when I learned for myself how much our Heavenly Father loves each of His children, individually.  We weren't the only Christian missionaries in Korea.  Religion was actually discussed quite a bit and other churches proselyted...on the streets, on the buses, door-to-door.  It wasn't unusual for someone to get on the bus and start shouting their message to the whole busload of people hoping they could convert a large group at once.  ;)  I would chuckle to myself sometimes when I was sitting on one of these buses, but I have to admit that sometimes I wondered whether that might not have been more effective - why not shout to all the bus, all the world the important message we had of the restoration?  :)  I remember distinctly an impression one of those days, "No, that's not how we do it.  Each person will have their chance to learn and understand and come to know the gospel for himself/herself.  This message, this plan, this gospel is for each individual and He sends one missionary to one individual to teach and bring them to Christ."

That's the same pattern we see in 3 Nephi 11:14-15 when the Savior invites every individual to come and feel the marks in his hands and feet for themselves.  It's the same lesson He gives in the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:3-7.  He loves us and will find us and bring us home....and He asks us to be fishers, and shepherds, and hunters to seek after His sheep.  What a blessing for us and for them!  Our Heavenly Father truly loves each of us!

Que Sera Sera

One of the highlights of my day today - listening to this joyful oldie, but goodie with my Dad and Grandma.  ;)  

Que Sera Sera

When I was just a little girl I asked my mother, What will I be
Will I be pretty, Will I be rich, Here's what she said to me
Que sera, sera, Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours to see
Que sera, sera, What will be, will be 

When I grew up and fell in love I asked my sweetheart, What lies ahead
Will we have rainbows, Day after day, Here's what my sweetheart said
Que sera, sera, Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours to see
Que sera, sera, What will be, will be 

Now I have Children of my own They ask their mother, What will I be
Will I be handsome, Will I be rich, I tell them tenderly
Que sera, sera, Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours to see
Que sera, sera, What will be, will be
Que Sera, Sera

I've spent some time this past week wishing for earlier days (for a few different reasons), but particularly in thinking about my Grandma.  We have enjoyed many neat adventures together over the last 35+ years.  Sweet memories, but I'm reminded each time we talk - memories can disappear (at least for a time).  That can be hard, but even when they do I am uplifted by the happy, kind, loving example of my sweet Grandma!  Even during the confusing and frustrating times she is happy and is a joy to those around her.  What a sweet example that I hope to do better at following!  :D  Worry less, be kind and happy more.  :D

Hope

I shared some similar thoughts (more eloquently) a year ago, but tonight I was again filled with HOPE while listening to the same music about the Savior and His life and love.  Hope did not die when He was killed, but that's where it was ultimately and eternally given to each of us.  

I have always loved the LDS Bible Dictionary's explanation of Resurrection, particularly this ending:
"To obtain a resurrection with a celestial, exalted body is the center point of hope in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Resurrection of Jesus is the most glorious of all messages to mankind."  I was reminded of these words while listening to the cymbals crash with great joy!....and listening to the words of John 11:25-26 in the beautiful song, I Am the Resurrection:

I am the Resurrection and the Life.He that believeth in me, though he were dead,Yet shall he live.And whosever liveth and believeth in me shall never die!

These words particularly touched me and helped me realize that if we believe in Him and rely on Him and trust in Him we truly will NEVER die spiritually ever!!  He is hope.  He is life!!

But for those moments when we wonder how it's going to work out, Thomas sings.....

Sometime We'll Understand

Not now, but in coming years,
It may not be when we demand
We'll read the meaning of our tears,
And there, sometime, we'll understand

Why what we long for most of all
Eludes our open pleading hand
Why ever silence meets our call,
Somewhere, sometime, we'll understand
So trust in God through all thy days
Fear not, for he doth hold thy hand;
Though dark thy way, still sing and praise,
Sometime, sometime we'll understand.

Sometime, we'll fall on bended knee
And feel there, graven on his hand
Sometime with tear-less eyes we'll see
What here, we could not understand
So trust in God through all the days;
Fear not, for he doth hold thy hand;
Though dark thy way, still sing and praise,
Sometime, sometime we'll understand

Joy

Today I'm grateful for a meaningful FHE discussion about JOY:

• What has brought you an increase of joy this last week? (I think this is a great question to consider every week!)  :D
• Is there a hymn or scripture that has brought you an increase of joy?

I'm grateful for the joy I found in the week....

• spending time with family in fun (biking) and work (cleaning the garage)
• managing my priorities and tasks and expectations list better this week - not getting so caught up in all that I wanted to do that I wasn't happy with what I was able to accomplish
• visiting temples
• studying the scriptures....the scriptures were full of JOY this week!
• reading....lots of good things, but particularly this GREAT book and quote about JOY:

That We Might Have Joy by President Howard W. Hunter:
"And what of the meek? In a world too preoccupied with winning through intimidation and seeking to be number one, no large crowd is standing in line to buy books that call for mere meekness. But the meek shall inherit the earth, a pretty impressive corporate takeover--and done without intimidation! Sooner or later, and we pray sooner than later, everyone will acknowledge that Christ's way is not only the right way, but ultimately the only way to hope and joy. Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that gentleness is better than brutality, that kindness is greater than coercion, that the soft voice turneth away wrath. In the end, and sooner than that whenever possible we must be more like him. 'To those who fall, how kind thou! How good to those who seek (p. 9)!'"

• listening to music....it struck me at Church yesterday that Christ lives to bless us....everything listed in this song is something completely wonderful and selfless that He blesses us with (I can't think of anything more that we could need or want)....he wants us to be happy....and He is the one that brings joy!!...I also believe it is a pattern for us to learn from....we can have joy when we love and give and bless others as selflessly....  :D

I Know That My Redeemer Lives 
I know that my Redeemer lives. What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead. He lives, my ever-living Head.
He lives to bless me with his love. He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed. He lives to bless in time of need.
He lives to grant me rich supply. He lives to guide me with his eye.
He lives to comfort me when faint. He lives to hear my soul's complaint.
He lives to silence all my fears. He lives to wipe away my tears.
He lives to calm my troubled heart. He lives all blessings to impart.
He lives, my kind, wise heav'nly Friend. He lives and loves me to the end.
He lives, and while he lives, I'll sing. He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.
He lives and grants me daily breath. He lives, and I shall conquer death.
He lives my mansion to prepare. He lives to bring me safely there.
He lives! All glory to his name! He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: "I know that my Redeemer lives!"
He lives! All glory to his name! He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: "I know that my Redeemer lives!"

One last serendipitous note....as I'm typing up this post about JOY, what should come on Mormon Music Channel 24/7, but this delightful gem by Janice Kapp Perry:

Surround Yourself with Joy
Life holds much of sorrow, that we cannot avoid.
So when you have the chance, when you have the choice,
Surround yourself with joy.
Surround yourself with children, so innocent and sweet
For life can seem so simple if you can make believe.
Surround yourself with music, and you'll find solace there,
For when your heart is tender, your song becomes a prayer.

Surround yourself with friendship, when you feel all alone.
For in the love of others the sweetest joys are known.
Surround yourself with beauty, enjoy God's handiwork.
In sights and sounds of nature, the voice of God is heard.

Surround yourself with silence, for when you are alone
the whisperings of the spirit are quietly made known.
Surround yourself with heaven, in every waking thought,
For there is peace and safety, within the love of God.
Life holds much of sorrow, that we cannot avoid,
So when you have the chance, when you have the choice,
Surround yourself with Joy.

So, what are you doing today to surround yourself with JOY and increase joy in your life?  :)

To Be Known

I have been thinking a lot lately about the importance of being known! I have a lot of thoughts about this and still much to learn and understand, but this is my attempt at trying to organize some current thoughts somehow. ;)

The last few months have been a bit of a transition for me....from some things that were set and comfortable and known to much that is new and starting over. I haven't changed everything, so there are still some things that are known, but I have new neighbors, a new ward, a new commute, a new routine, and hopefully new friends. ;) I enjoy new and change and chances to grow and learn, so I'm grateful for this opportunity, but that doesn't make it easy (especially at the beginning).

I have come to understand that probably the hardest, but most exciting part of change is starting over and not being known - having to prove yourself again. It's an opportunity to decide who you want to be and change some things pretty easily since people don't know the old you, but because they don't know the old you, you have to tell them or show them (or sometimes even remind yourself) who that is. That can be hard.

Starting over the number of times that I have is exciting, but exhausting and overwhelming!  Maybe part of what makes it overwhelming is trying to live up to some kind of expectation that I set for the new.  When seeking change, I'm hoping the new is better than the old, so when I feel like I'm moving backwards at all that can be frustrating. Part of the "backward" can be just getting back to the place I was before - comfortable, known. :) Building reputation, trust, and getting to know people can be exhausting!

One thing I appreciate very much in such a transition is someone who is genuinely interested in wanting to know who I am...not just my name and my job title and where I'm from, but about what really makes me who I am and who I hope to be. Some people are so good at this and they are such a blessing!  I realize even more the importance of being that kind of person myself - getting past the superficial and wanting to learn and really "know" someone....being open, being vulnerable, being there.

There's really no place like home - where you're known. ;) It's a blessing to have people in your life that KNOW you, really know you!  You don't have to explain, they know your background, where you've been, where you hope to go, how you think you might want to get there, and everything in between.  These people are also good at letting you grow and change and become better.

What I'm thinking about doesn't have anything to do with fame or showiness or pride. To me, "being known" is a very quiet, personal thing. I see it very related to the invitation in John 17:3, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."  This is something we do on our own quietly.  

While it's a quiet and personal relationship, it's also very important to spend the time!  In Matthew 7:21-23 the Savior says, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven....And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." There is also Matthew 25:12 where Jesus tells the five foolish virgins, "I know you not" when they come late "saying, Lord, Lord open to us."  The Joseph Smith Translation corrects each of these slightly to "Ye never knew me" and "Ye know me not."  So, I guess what I'm saying is, the ball is in our court - to be known we must know someone else - spend the time, make the effort, love, care, sacrifice.  As we focus on relationships I believe we will be blessed and happy!

I recently read a neat book by Robert L. Millet - Coming to Know Christ.  It touches on some of these same topics and is where some of these thoughts originated.  As much as I would like to be understood and loved, I realize that it is in loving that we are loved and find love....and in knowing that we are known.  ;)  I think that part of this is having the confidence to be yourself (even in new situations) and assume that others want to know you.  ;)

A couple of other interesting thoughts on this subject:

• Mosiah 26:24
• "It Is Not Good That...Man Should Be Alone" - talk by President Kevin J. Worthen

...and I think this is the perfect spot to start the 14-day challenge - #LoveOneAnother! <3

It's that time of year....

Every Christmastime it seems there is a song that keeps finding me and I love this year's song:

Christmas Waltz
Frosted window panes

Candles gleaming inside
Painted candy canes on the tree
Santa's on his way
He's filled his sleigh with things
Things for you and for me

It's that time of year
When the world falls in love
Every song you hear seems to say
Merry Christmas
May your New Year dreams come true
And this song of mine
In three-quarter time
Wishes you and yours
The same thing too

Santa's on his way
He's filled his sleigh with things
Things for you and for me

It's that time of year
When the world falls in love
Every song you hear seems to say
Merry Christmas
May your New Year dreams come true
And this song of mine
In three-quarter time
Wishes you and yours
Everyone
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
May your New Year dreams come true (Merry Christmas)

A Home for Jesus

Today I was uplifted by a Christmas message by Bishop Gerard Causse.  He talked about the blessing of temples and how Jesus now has a home.  While He was here on the earth Jesus didn't have a home.  He spent most of His life, particularly His ministry, traveling to bless and teach others, but now with temples all over the world, He has a home!  We recite the story of His humble birth in a stable because there was not even room in the inn.

As disciples of Christ (particularly the General Authorities, but all of us in our own way) are asked to go where He directs, to travel, to teach, to bless.  We may give up some of our comforts.  Our most important goal should be to make a home for Jesus...in our homes, in our lives, in the temple, by helping others.  Remember... "When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?  Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?  And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:38-40).

This is so applicable today, in large and small ways.  For example - Jesus Would Help the Syrian Refugees.  Victor Hugo said, “to love another person is to see the face of God.”  Instead of letting fear enter our hearts or control our lives we can try to see as He does, love as He does, and this is how we make a home for him - make a home for others, love them, let them in, take care of them physically and spiritually.

When our fears shall flee away!

Looking at the words of the hymns that stood out to my mind and heart today you'd think I'm afraid of something or in need of greater courage?  ;)  Probably true, but I'm grateful to know where those blessings come from....the Lord, following His way, repenting, the sacrament, love, faith, prayer....

Come, Ye Children of the Lord
Oh, how joyful it will be When our Savior we shall see!
When in splendor he'll descend, Then all wickedness will end.
Oh, what songs we then will sing To our Savior, Lord, and King!
Oh, what love will then bear sway When our fears shall flee away!

As Now We Take the Sacrament
As now our minds review the past, We know we must repent;
The way to thee is righteousness--The way thy life was spent.
Forgiveness is a gift from thee We seek with pure intent.
With hands now pledged to do thy work, We take the sacrament.
As now we praise thy name with song, The blessings of this day
Will linger in our thankful hearts, And silently we pray
For courage to accept thy will, To listen and obey.
We love thee, Lord; our hearts are full. We'll walk thy chosen way.

When Faith Endures
I give the Father willingly
My trust, my prayers, humility.
His Spirit guides; his love assures
That fear departs when faith endures.

Elder Richard G. Scott

Elder Richard G. Scott was a gentle leader who taught tenderly of the power of Jesus Christ to heal us and help us find joy.  I loved his book, "Finding Peace, Happiness, and Joy."  I will also always remember his teachings about revelation and treasuring inspiration from the Lord.  Here is a list of all of his General Conference talks that I know I will continue to learn from.

While I didn't know Elder Scott well I have been greatly blessed by example and leadership and testimony.  Here are a few sweet articles and remembrances of his life:

• Elder Richard G. Scott dies
• Elder Richard G. Scott dies at 86
• Elder Richard G. Scott, a gifted man who loved family, faith above all, dies at 86
• Elder Scott welcomed one last visit from President Monson, apostles, and his family
• 23 encouraging quotes from Elder Richard G. Scott
• Senator Lee pays tribute to Elder Scott on Senate floor
• Remembering Elder Richard G. Scott
• Elder Richard G. Scott's Funeral Service

Goodly Parents

Lately I have felt very blessed for having been born of such goodly parents.  They are kind, humble, selfless, happy, fun, diligent, thoughtful, true, loyal, loving, responsible, generous, helpful = GOOD!  ;)

I've always known that they love me and my other siblings.  Even now that we're all out of the house they seem to have found the perfect balance of being involved in our lives.  They taught us and continue to teach us in words and by example the importance of doing what's right and loving others.  They have taught us to be independent, but are always there to help and support when needed.

I've watched them in recent weeks very unselfishly giving of their time and themselves to help me and each one of my siblings with something important (a marathon, shredded tire, babysitting, house projects, moving, fun, listening and I'm sure lots more that I don't even know about).  I've also seen them serve and teach and love others in their sphere of influence (extended family, friends, neighbors) in large and small ways.  Each has had a profound effect on me and I'm sure has been an even more direct blessing to those they reach out to with their love, time, talents (cookies, organizing, patience, etc.), and friendship.

I'm grateful!  I love you, Mom and Dad!

"Thank you for bringing me here."

Lately I've had a few days of rotten eggs, sour milk, and mud (literally), but I know that happiness is a choice and there is probably nothing that makes me more sad than knowing I shouldn't be sad or mad.  Haha!

As I was trying to pull myself out of my particularly funky Friday I had the opportunity to be in the temple and help a few couples just before and after their sealings.  I learn a lot observing and was inspired by a particularly sweet couple who were obviously so in love, but also so kind and thoughtful.  As I took this particular bride to meet her husband before they were to emerge to take pictures with their family this cute groom was so happy to see her and told her she looked gorgeous.  It was so sweet.  This cute bride was obviously just as happy to see him.  In the midst of this sweet moment and as I was walking away and wishing them well the bride turned to me still hugging him and with tears in her eyes and said, "Thank you for bringing me here."  I had only walked her down the hall and around the corner (took me two minutes), but her comment made me think about a few things....

First, what a wonderful thing it is to hear someone thank you for something (however small).  Genuine gratitude and expressing it is so important and changes lives and days!  :)

Second, be you.  I think it is so fun to see who people end up with and am grateful for the different personalities in life.  I think there is something so important about being genuine and real and open and saying what you think - especially if it's something good and nice that will make someone else happy.

Third, life is a journey.  It takes a while to get where we're going and we have no idea what challenges and trials and opportunities might be along the way.  We don't know how to get there or even where we're going sometimes, but if we can be grateful for the journey and wherever the Lord takes us we will be a lot happier.  :)

I loved this article in the June 2015 Ensign - The Path to Palmyra by Matthew Holland.  He talks about all the trials that led the Smith Family to Palmyra, New York in the early 1800's.  Those trials are what prepared Joseph Smith and brought him to the exact place he needed to be.  I think often we don't see or understand how the Lord is leading us sometimes until much later.

I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities and trials along my path and the opportunities to learn and grow.  I like a quote by a man named Jenkins Lloyd Jones who President Gordon B. Hinckley quoted in a talk in 1997:

“[The fact is] most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. …

“Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed.

“The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.” 

I love this!  ....and am grateful for the journey.  :)

Make Me Whole

It was a special day.  It was a special week.  I've had the opportunity the past couple of months and weeks to be a part of a choir performing "Lamb of God" by Rob Gardner - a beautiful presentation with orchestra, soloists, and narrators telling the story of Christ's life, particularly the last week of his life and then His glorious resurrection.  The main message - "Here is Hope...Hope did not die here, but here was given."  :)  I've felt that multiple times while practicing and hearing this music.  I've been touched, uplifted, inspired and had the chance to watch others be touched as well.  I am grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ.  I know that He lives!  "This is He!  Our Hope, Our Deliverer, Our All!  Our comfort by day and our song in the night.  The Resurrection and the Life.  He who shall reign.  In whom we will ever rejoice."

Tonight, at our last performance, I was feeling tired, inspired, but mostly.... searching.... wanting to know the Lord's will and wanting to be healed.  :)  With these thoughts in my mind and while reverently sitting on the stage for the few minutes before the concert was to begin I saw people walking in to take their seats.  I noticed towards the back of the audience someone carrying an individual from a wheelchair, someone with obvious physical limitations, someone that I picture being brought to the Savior when He was here on the earth to be healed.  I was touched by the desire of these people to be in this place to feel of His love and His healing.  I realized again that in some way or another we are all seeking His help and healing.  Our faith and belief brought us together tonight to feel and find that for a few minutes.

A few minutes later Martha was singing.  Jesus had come when he heard of Lazarus' death.  Martha testified of His power to heal, but didn't seem to have any idea that healing and life could come so immediately....

"Lord, if Thou hadst been here, If Thou wouldst have heard us, My brother then would not have died.  No.  If Thou hadst been here.  Thou couldst have saved him.  I know that thou couldst have healed him.  But, even now, I know that if thou wilt ask of God, What Thou wouldst, God will give thee.  What thou asketh, He'll give thee.  I know that he shall rise again Lord.  I know he shall rise again in the resurrection At the last day."  When Jesus testifies to her that He is the resurrection and the life she says, "Yea, Lord; I believe that Thou art the Christ, which should come, The Son of God, But I do not understand..."

This interchange was particularly poignant to me.  I think I have not understood.  I know that Jesus makes it possible for us to live again....eventually, as Martha said, "at the last day."  He can heal us, but He is saying that He is here now, He WILL heal us now, today.  :)

Martha continues, "Touch my eyes and bid them see That my gaze might pierce the veil, And behold the wondrous scene That, in dreams, I've long beheld, Oh, touch my heart and bid it know That ev'ry sorrow is but a moment's tear, And Thou wilt make me whole again.  Touch my ears and bid them hear All the glory of Thy truth, That my hope might come of faith And no more require proof.  oh touch my heart and bid it know That, while in darkness here, The Light is ever near, And Thou wilt make me whole again.  Then touch my lips and bid them sing Songs of everlasting praise, That my soul might then believe And give thanks through all my days!  Oh, touch my heart and bid it know That ev'ry breath I take is by Thy tender grace, And Thou wilt make me whole, again."

She asked to see as He does, to have Him touch her heart and make her whole.  I realize that He can make us, he can make me, whole TODAY.  We don't need to wait.  He is here to heal and bless and lift and strengthen and change us NOW, but we must believe, we must come to Him and let Him change us, let Him make us whole.  I am grateful for His power, His life, His healing, His love!!