Unwearyingness

For various reasons, recently I've been thinking a bit about weariness, about joy, about service, about purpose, about authenticity, about motivations, about why we do things.  I think sometimes I turn life into a checklist and my calendar into a puzzle trying to fit in as much as I can.  I like to be productive, and accomplish good things, but sometimes the checklist leads to weariness and I lose the joy and the love and the reason I'm doing any of it in the first place.

We recently had a discussion in Sunday School about the scripture from Doctrine and Covenants 64:33-34, "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.  Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days."

I love this verse.  I think it's encouraging.  The Lord loves us.  He wants to bless us.  He knows our hearts.  That's what He requires from us - our hearts and minds willingly given to Him.  To do His will.  It doesn't have to be anything larger than that.  It's simple and small, really.  I think we (or at least I) sometimes get overwhelmed creating a much larger checklist of unreasonable expectations.  For the first time ever, I think I realized that here the Lord was teaching us how to not be overwhelmed.  He wants us to be engaged in His work, and in doing good, but most importantly He wants our hearts.  If our hearts are His, if we simply LOVE, He will lead us to what He needs us to do, and we don't need to worry about the rest.  If we truly love Him, if we love others, if that love is our focus and motivation behind anything on our checklist, we will not be weary.  He's not only inviting us to do good, but to find the joy in doing it because our hearts will be set on Him.  Whatever trials, responsibilities, opportunities to serve, and anything else that comes will not make us weary, because our hearts are His.  And He will help us do His will and His work.... however large or small that is.

Listening to President Nelson speak at President Monson's funeral yesterday, I made another connection about the importance of unwearingness.  The Lord tells Nephi in Helaman 10:4-5, "Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.  And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will."

Nephi and President Monson were "not weary in well-doing."  They gave their hearts and their lives to the Lord, and spent their time blessing others.  We are blessed by their examples, by what they did, and how they did it.  We might serve in different ways, but like them, we can't give up.  We keep going.... with love and enthusiasm and joy.  We do what we can do and what the Lord asks.  We love the Lord; then we will be able to serve Him with unwearingness in whatever capacity He asks us to.  As one of President Monson's favorite songs teaches.... 

If the way be full of trial, weary not  :) 

If the way be full of trial, weary not; If it’s one of sore denial, weary not;

If it now be one of weeping, There will come a joyous greeting,
When the harvest we are reaping, weary not.
Do not weary by the way, Whatever be thy lot;
There awaits a brighter day, To all, to all who weary not.

If the way be one of sorrow, weary not; Happier will be the morrow, weary not.
Here we suffer tribulation; Here we must endure temptation;
But there’ll come a great salvation. Weary not.
Do not weary by the way, Whatever be thy lot;
There awaits a brighter day, To all, to all who weary not.

If misfortunes overtake us, weary not; Jesus never will forsake us, weary not.
He will leave us never, never; From his love there’s naught can sever;
Glory to the Lamb forever, weary not.
Do not weary by the way, Whatever be thy lot;
There awaits a brighter day, To all, to all who weary not.

2018 Goals

In reflecting back on 2017 and thinking about some goals I've been trying to work on for a while, this year I want to simplify and focus on relationships!  Jesus taught that the most important commandment is to "love the Lord...with all [our] heart,... soul, and... mind" and then to "love [our] neighbour."  I know this and say it a lot, but this year I want to live it and prioritize it better.

I've been thinking about this the last few days and then when I heard of President Monson's passing early this morning, one of the first quotes I saw someone remember him by was from a 2008 talk where he said, "Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved."  He talked so much about love and lifting others, "Every day of our lives we are given opportunities to show love and kindness to those around us.... Love is expressed in many recognizable ways: a smile, a wave, a kind comment, a compliment. Other expressions may be more subtle, such as showing interest in another’s activities, teaching a principle with kindness and patience, visiting one who is ill or homebound. These words and actions and many others can communicate love. May we begin now, this very day, to express love to all of God’s children, whether they be our family members, our friends, mere acquaintances, or total strangers. As we arise each morning, let us determine to respond with love and kindness to whatever might come our way."  And even more than he talked about it, President Monson lived it, and blessed so many individually and all of us by his example.

I want this to be my focus this year - people, relationships, love, kindness, and the Spirit that will help to direct and lead to the best ways to serve and the people that need to be noticed.  It's easy to get caught up in schedules, do-to lists, goals, checklists (even if they have some good things on them), but I think for me some of these have become a distraction from what's most important.

When I say I want to focus on relationships, here are a few specific ways:

• Heavenly Father - Most importantly, I want to strengthen my relationship with my Heavenly Father.  I'm a pretty consistent pray-er in my heart.  I feel like many and most of my thoughts are drawn out to and directed towards Him - expressing gratitude here and there, asking for help and guidance, thinking about His tender mercies - but I know that I need to be more focused in more formal and faith-filled prayers and will make this my highest priority this year.

• Jesus Christ - Knowing the Savior better is related and important.  He is my Advocate with the Father and the perfect example for what I need to become to make it home to Heavenly Father.  I loved and learned a lot last year studying the Book of Mormon specifically looking for the Savior - his words, his names, his mission, and his character.  I hope to continue this study in the Old Testament and other scriptures this year. 

• Holy Ghost - We learn truth and are guided and comforted by the Holy Ghost.  I would like more of that in my life and hope to be more attuned to His direction and ready to act.

• Me - One part of my focus on relationships this year is about me, I hope not selfishly, but I'd like to better know and love myself, be true to myself, worry less about others' expectations, and give myself permission to be me. :)  I want to learn and work on cultivating some talents - music, photography, writing, reading, language, hiking, running, cooking - and of course include some travel time (maybe Australia/New Zealand, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Florida?). 

• Family - I want to be more thoughtful about meaningful time with my family members this year - grandmothers, parents, siblings (and their spouses), niece/nephews, and extended family.

• Friends - Friends add much to the joy of life and I'd like to deepen relationships this year.

• Strangers - I hope to always be aware of those around me and find ways to lift and help.  I hope to find ways to consistently serve.

I realize, even in thinking about and articulating these goals, that relationships are work.  It takes being proactive and selfless, vulnerable and open, thinking more about someone else, listening, giving, being thoughtful, but I know relationships are rewarding and the reason we're here - there are people to love!  I want to do better.  <3

Happy New Year!

2017 Highlights

2017 was a great year!  I worked towards some of my goals - I tried to simplify, pray, express gratitude, build relationships, learn, travel, serve, read, hike/exercise, and I think there was a little more purpose and light.  Here are a few more specifics and highlights of the year....

Traveling

• St. George - I made it to St. George twice this year - President's Day weekend and Thanksgiving.  It was nice to relax and spend time with my parents.  This year included hiking in and around Snow Canyon; biking the river trail and into Zion's National Park on Thanksgiving - really fun; putting up Christmas decorations and watching Hallmark movies (two of my favorite things); and the temple.
• Phoenix - Cari and I went on a first ever sisters' trip.  It was really fun!  We spent Easter weekend in Phoenix attending the three temples in that city (Mesa, Phoenix, and Gilbert), watching the Mesa Arizona Easter Pageant, and hiking most of Camelback Mountain.  It was a great weekend and fun new tradition (I hope)!
• Kansas City to St. Louis - I spent a long weekend meeting up with Mom and Dad on part of their cross country trip.  I got to drive across Missouri with them.  I flew into Kansas City and we attended the Kansas City Temple, visited the Independence Visitors' Center and the Harry Truman Library.  Then we got to visit Sedalia and head on to Jefferson City for a couple of nights.  We stayed near the state capitol building and explored that as well as the path along the Missouri River (which was extremely high and muddy this May) and the MKT Trail in Columbia.  We watched a few tornado clouds along the way, too, which was kind of exciting!  (We're not in Kansas anymore.)  Then we made our way to St. Louis.  We biked part of the Katy Trail in St. Charles, attended the St. Louis Temple, saw the St. Louis Arch, and walked across part of the famous Eads Bridge.  It was really fun to explore Missouri and spend time with my parents.
• San Diego, Oahu, and The Big Island - The big trip this year was to Hawaii and it was wonderful!  We met as an immediate family and spouses on the Big Island for a week.  Some of the highlights included Waipio Valley, our own private beach (with manta rays and sea urchins), Pu'uhonua O'Hanaunau, swimming/kayaking with the dolphins at Kealakekua Bay, sunset at Kahaluu Beach and Makalawena Beach, Punaluu Black Sand Beach with the turtles, Volcanoes National Park, waterfalls of Hilo, Saddle Road, the Waikaloa, Pololu Valley, Kailua-Kona town walking, and the Kona Hawaii Temple.  I left a few days early to stop in San Diego where I visited the San Diego Temple and the Mormon Battalion Historic Site and the sea lions at La Jolla.  Then I got to visit Oahu for a couple of days to do all my favorite things - sunrise at Lanikai, hike to the bunker, run the beach from the boat ramp to the rock, swim at Kalama Beach, Kailua pool, Makapuu, hike to the lighthouse, Kokohead Stairs, and friends at church in the Keolu Ward.  It was a wonderful trip!
• New York City - It was a real highlight to spend Christmas weekend with Matt and Megan and their family in New York City.  It was rainy and freezing but wonderful!  I walked nearly 50 miles while I was there from Times Square, to the Upper West Side and all the "You've Got Mail" sites, to Riverside Church and Columbia University, to Central Park (and the Columbus Circle Holiday Market), to the Brooklyn Bridge, Battery Park, Wall Street, the Freedom Tower, Washington Square Park, Soho, Greenwich, the Flatiron Building, to Bryant Park, the Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall (and the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular), the High Line, Chelsea Market, Christmas Eve Children's Nativity Mass at St. Paul the Apostle Church, the Lincoln Center and to Church/the Temple.  It was fun to see the city all decorated for Christmas and to explore, but the best part was spending time with Matt's family.  Some of my favorite things - scootering around town and the Bryant Park "race track" (even in the cold and rain), learning about all the subways, finding all the best parks and bagels and books, watching and singing Star Wars, racing cars, putting together puzzles, acting out the nativity, eating chocolate and all of Megan's delicious dishes, praying, playing, and just talking and being together. :)

Reading
I read 90 books this year, plus the Book of Mormon twice.  The first time through I studied about love and charity - and it's FULL of love!  ;)  The second time through I studied about Jesus Christ, his names/titles, his words, his characteristics, and his mission - I learned a lot about our Heavenly Father, as well, and our Savior's mission and love.  Truly the Book of Mormon is a testament of Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation, our purpose here on earth.  I'm grateful for it and know it's the word of God.  This was a wonderful experience and I hope to continue this focus as I read the Old Testament next year!  I also read much of the Doctrine and Covenants, and about 1,100 General Conference talks (from 1983 to 2001).  I'm grateful for chances to learn and study.  

Here were some of my favorites books of 2017: 

• Seek This Jesus by Neill F. Marriott
• That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon's Perspective on Faith & Family by Tom Christofferson
• One by One by David A. Bednar
• Be Thou An Example by Gordon B. Hinckley
• Changed Through His Grace by Brad Wilcox
• Worth the Wrestle by Sheri Dew
• Planted: Belief and Belonging in an Age of Doubt by Patrick Q. Mason
• Love Kindness: Discover the Power of a Forgotten Christian Virtue by Barry H. Corey
• Let God Love You: why we don't, how we can by Wendy Ulrich
• Loveable: Embracing What Is Truest About You, So You Can Truly Embrace Your Life by Kelly Flanagan
• Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living by Shauna Niequist
• Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
• Friends Divided: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson by Gordon S. Wood
• Joseph Smith: The Prophet and Seer by Richard Neitzel Holzapfel
• How We Got the Book of Mormon by Richard E. Turley, Jr.
• The Inevitable Apostasy and the Promised Restoration by Tad R. Callister
• The First Fifty Years of Relief Society: Key Documents in Latter-Day Saint Women's History by Jill Mulvay Derr
• At the Pulpit: 185 Years of Discourses by Latter-day Saint Women by Jennifer Reeder
• The Witness of Women: Firsthand Experiences and Testimonies from the Restoration by Janiece Johnson
• QB: My Life Behind the Spiral by Steve Young
• An Unseen Angel: A Mother's Story of Faith, Hope and Healing after Sandy Hook by Alissa Parker
• Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry
• Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan
• The Girl With Seven Names: A North Korean Defector's Story by Hyeonseo Lee
• A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea: One Refugee's Incredible Story of Love, Loss, and Survival by Melissa Fleming
• The Lightless Sky: A Twelve-Year-Old Refugee's Harrowing Escape from Afghanistan and His Extraordinary Journey Across Half the World by Gulwali Passarlay
• The Boy Who Spoke to the Earth by Chris Burkard

Service / Learning / Other Exploring

• Temples - This year (in addition to the weekly temple visits here in the Salt Lake valley) I attended six new temples - Mesa Arizona, Phoenix Arizona, Gilbert Arizona, Kansas City Missouri, St. Louis Missouri, and San Diego California.  I'm grateful for the blessings of the temple in my life!
• Service - I finished my weekly teaching at the ESLC in May, but have filled in as a sub a few times and still enjoy being a part of the community and learning with the sweet refugees.  I also helped at a Mother's Day event for homeless women in May, and was a hostess again at the Festival of Trees in November.  I also started to develop a giving strategy, setting aside some money that I'd like to give each year to worthy causes to help make a difference for good in the world and community.
• Church - I was involved in my ward this year and got to know a lot of people, mostly through visiting teaching and missionary outreach - we had two baptism this year.  I also enjoyed our ward choir and a chance to sing in an interfaith concert in April.
• Fitness and Nature - I ran the American Fork Half Marathon in June (my new favorite half - I might have to do it again).  I also spent a good amount of time hiking and in nature - my happy place!  I tried to bring along friends and family a few more times this year, which was fun.  Some of the highlights include Lake Blanche, Red Pine Lake, White Pine Lake, the Snowbird Tram, Willow Heights Lake, Dog Lake, Cecret Lake, Albion Basin, Lakes Mary, Martha, and Catherine, Bell Canyon, The Living Room, and lots of other adventures in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons and the Draper trails.  I'm grateful for our Heavenly Father's beautiful creations and how being out in them helps me feel close to Him!  
• Relationships - This year I tried to focus more on individual relationships with family, friends, and everyone around me.  I don't know that I made it to my goal of 365 thank you notes, but I was more conscious of goodness and blessings around me and tried to express that any chance I got to friends and strangers.
• Other Events - I finished up as our BYU MPA class rep this year, but not before I had the chance to help out with some presentation reviews for the EMPA graduating class, and attend our yearly board meeting.  I also attended our yearly picnic and an Education Week fireside which was nice.  The best MPA related news this year though, was a Loto Taha reunion - it was so fun to spend time with my first team of great friends!  A couple of other fun events - I don't see many movies, but this year I did really enjoy La La Land (by myself on Valentine's Day - kind of great!) and Wonder.  I also loved seeing the Nutcracker, hearing the Christmas concert at the Cathedral of Madeline, and taking a tour of the Provo MTC's new addition - brought back so many sweet memories!  

Life is great!

Deliberate Pruning

I've been thinking a little bit lately about the importance of being deliberate, disciplined, focused.  I think there is value in being agreeable, flexible, go-with-the-flow, but we must also stand by our convictions, have convictions to begin with, be steady and steadfast.  We make choices every day.  Goals help us make choices that will help us reach our potential or at least push us to something greater than a go-with-the-flow mentality might.

Lately I've felt a bit distracted and scattered, with good things, but it's left me feeling like I'm running in circles and I don't know for sure what I'm accomplishing.   I want to be ready and available and flexible to serve where the Lord needs me, but I don't think that means we shouldn't make our own plans or be deliberate about how we spend our time and energy.  I think distractions are much less appealing and don’t really bug us when we're focused, set, disciplined, firm, and steadfast in our faith and direction and centered in our foundation. We won't be blown about by every little ‘good’ thing when we’re focused on Christ and doing the will of the Father (like He did). ;) We talk a lot about the firm foundation keeping us from falling, but I think it also keeps us from wasting our time, drifting, and not accomplishing all that we can and need to do.

One thing that got me thinking about this was my rose bushes.  I'm not a gardener, but I've learned a lot watching nature and plants the last few months.  My roses were beautiful for a couple of weeks and then became a little unwieldy and I remembered Jacob 5 and thought maybe I should prune them and dig about them and nourish them a bit.  ;)  Well, ever since nearly slicing my ankle open while trimming our bushes when I was in high school I've kind of steered clear of clippers, so I was using scissors for the recent pruning of my "thorn bushes."  This makes is slightly difficult to be very exact and now I feel like my bushes just got a bad hair cut.  ;)  A gardener would have had the right tools and known just where they needed to be trimmed so that they would grow in the direction they should and come back healthier.  I could have and should have learned a little more before taking the scissors to them.

President Uchtdorf reminds us that: "Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light. It comes from placing our attention and efforts on the basics of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.... Let us simplify our lives a little. Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship—the path that leads always toward a life of meaning, gladness, and peace.”

I also thought it was incredible that less than 24 hours off the vine all of my roses were DEAD!  There's another lesson (see John 15).  We must be connected to the vine.  That's the foundation, the focus, the life.  A recent discussion in Sunday School got me thinking about what we learn.  We shouldn't be distracted by the fluffy newsfeeds, but go deep, study, seek wisdom, be intentional and specific about what we desire to learn.  The Lord will teach us, but what is it we want to learn, what do we want to become? The responsibility to learn and grow is on us. We must ask, seek, knock. We must be proactive and then rely on the Lord. I think there are blessings and knowledge and answers the Lord is waiting to give us individually (like Elder Holland says), but we must ask. He won’t force us to do anything and He doesn’t just hand us the answers. We need to work and invest our time and heart into learning and becoming like Him on purpose.  I don't think it will happen otherwise.  ;)

Here were a few interesting articles that I liked that kind of highlight different ways we can be intentional, deliberate, live on purpose for good - set priorities, stay connected, be valiant, and, one of my favorites, be thoughtful, even surprise people with your thoughtfulness:

• The leaf without its trees, without its purpose 
• What one skill will ensure your children's marriage success? 
• 'Essentialism' from a gospel perspective 
• Nurturing love at home
• How to parent like a minimalist
• Be Valiant in the Fight of Faith

Being Enough

I caught a bit of Forrest Gump on T.V. recently and was struck by his statement, "I'm not a smart man, but I know what love is."  Truly, I think he did, more than most, know what love is!  Love is humble. innocent. caring. genuine. kind. and thoughtful.  I was grateful for that simple reminder.

Recently, I've felt lacking in many ways.  I feel like I've been running in circles, but not getting anything done.  I've been giving a lot of time and what I see as love that doesn't seem to be right or enough.  ;)  I guess at least I'm not standing still, but maybe I need to stand still to figure out better what love really is.  ;)  I wonder sometimes:  What's the point?  What should I be doing?  Will I ever measure up?  What am I trying to measure up to anyway?  Where's the joy?

About the same time I started asking myself these questions I was uplifted up by these words:

1. "You're supposed to be here.  You're trusted.  You're loved.  When you're doing your best don't worry about being inadequate."

2.  President Ezra Taft Benson taught in the October 1989 Ensign, "A Mighty Change of Heart":  "We must not lose hope. Hope is an anchor to the souls of men. Satan would have us cast away that anchor. In this way he can bring discouragement and surrender. But we must not lose hope. The Lord is pleased with every effort, even the tiny, daily ones in which we strive to be more like Him. Though we may see that we have far to go on the road to perfection, we must not give up hope."

3.  Worry less about expectations and what people think.  Concentrate on Him and what He wants you to do or say.  Forget yourself.  You might worry about what the Lord thinks of you and parts of your patriarchal blessing that are not fulfilled, but there is a great deal still to happen in your life.  Much more can happen than you expect!  Mortal life is not the beginning or the end.  The key for all of us is to do all we can now.

Remember the seed that Alma teaches us to plant.  It is that we “begin to believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his people, and that he shall suffer and die to atone for their sins; and that he shall rise again from the dead, which shall bring to pass the resurrection” (Alma 33:22).  Everything flows from that truth!  The seed needs depth.  Don’t let the cares of the world choke it out, but be very fruitful!  "For I, the Lord, will cause them [those whose hearts are honest and broken and spirits are contrite, and who are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice] to bring forth as a very fruitful tree which is planted in a goodly land, by a pure stream, that yieldeth much precious fruit” (D&C 97:8-9).

The reward is exactly the same for the person who increased their five talents to ten and the person who increased their two talents to four, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”  Be diligent with what you have!  Don’t compare!  Look to the Savior and others close by to improve and develop your own Christlike character, but remember that anything, if we’re diligent, is sufficient! Cultivate and apply your talents!  Nourish the seed and the spirit that’s in you!  Don’t be content with where you are.  Keep going.  Develop spiritual gifts.

Live with gratitude for all that you have – answers to prayers, talents, the Lord manifesting His hand in your life.  “He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more" (D&C 78:17-19).  Be aware and acknowledge His hand.  Express gratitude.  He wants to give us more!

Pray.  Sit and spend quiet time with the Lord.  You’re no stranger to your Heavenly Father.  He knows us.  His love is perfect and complete.  “Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God...he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month….And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten” (Joel 2:23, 25).  Don’t worry about lost time and opportunities, your time wandering in the wilderness.  What the locusts have eaten God can make whole!  Progress, have joy in life!  Increase your talents, be a blessing to those around you.  Desire to reach and serve Him!  Rejoice in all that’s to come and what already has.

4.  The Lord loves and blesses us one by one.  "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.  And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying:  Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him" (3 Nephi 11:13-16).  He blesses us with many tender mercies  and He uses us as resources to bless others.

2016 in Review

So, apparently I didn't make any real official and formal goals last year (that I recorded), so I exceeded expectations, right (or at least I'm still alive and got out of bed every day)?!  ;)  It was a good year and I'm grateful for each day.  I'll try to be better focused and actually accomplish something in 2017, but here are some highlights of 2016:

Reading
I read too much this year (93 books to be exact), but I guess that's what an almost daily Trax ride is good for (and without other goals reading is my default).  ;)  We did have a semi-successful family book club as well, which was fun.  You can click on the links for my individual reviews, but here were some of my favorites:

• In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon
• Life is Good:  The Book by Bert and John Jacobs
• Love Does by Bob Goff
• The Contrite Spirit:  How the Temple Helps Us Apply Christ's Atonement by Bruce C. Hafen
• That We Might Have Joy by Howard W. Hunter
• The Enoch Letters by Neal A. Maxwell
• Raising Up A Family to the Lord by Gene R. Cook
• Walk Tall, You're a Daughter of God by Jamie Glenn
• Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
• No Greater Love by Mother Theresa
• Coming to Know Christ by Robert L. Millet
• The Promise of a Pencil by Adam Braun
• Grit by Angela Duckworth
• When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
• Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt
• Hidden Places by Lynn Austin
• Living Your Covenants Every Day by Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt
• The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery
• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

But my real favorite, not listed or counted above, was the Book of Mormon.  I'm grateful for this incredible book!  I know it is truly the word of God and living it's teachings will make us happy today and eternally.  This year I focused on JOY, studying, looking for joy...and there is much!  The greatest joy seems to come from gratitude, remembering God, faithfulness, obedience, righteousness, family, work, worship, covenants, service, the temple, freedom, truth, scriptures, prophets, repentance, Christ, conversion, missionary work, and the Spirit.  If you haven't read this book yet it needs to be first on your list!  ;)

Traveling

• St. George - I made it to St. George three times this year - President's Day weekend, July 4th weekend, and Thanksgiving.  It was nice to relax and spend time with family hiking and running Snow Canyon, biking the river trail, getting out of the cold, exploring the new parks, feeding the ducks, watching movies, talking, hanging out, watching the rain storms, seeing a play and the live nativity at Tuacahn, and Christmas lights at the St. George Temple.
• Zion - We had a nice Kunzler Family Reunion near Zion National Park over the July 4th weekend.  It was nice for so many of us to be together.  We had some nice devotionals, a good hike, good food, swimming, a service project, and some fun games.  It was a nice week starting with a stop in St. George and then a stop on the way home at Bryce.
• Idaho - After a few days to hang out with most of the immediate family (just minus Josh and Kirsten) in Lehi, Draper, and Salt Lake (fireworks, hiking the Y, Freedom Festival parade, donuts, slip-n-slide, and Albion Basin) we spent another day all together at Lava Hot Springs.  Then the #MorganBoyz and Mom and Dad and I spent another couple of nights in Driggs, Idaho so that Dad, Matt, Megan, and I could hike Table Mountain.  BEAUTIFUL!  One of my favorite hikes and areas on the planet!  Then Mom and Dad and I drove home via Rexburg.  It was a nice week!
• Vancouver - I spent Labor Day weekend in Vancouver, Canada with my parents and Matt and Megan and their family.  Lovely!  We drove through the pouring rain from Seattle to Whistler, but then enjoyed Whistler village for a couple of days - biking, walking, swimming, hiking Blackcomb/Whistler mountain (with the help of the incredible peak-to-peak gondola).  What a neat area!  Then we spent a another night in Vancouver stopping to hike along the way.  Some of the highlights:  Noah's birthday, Church at the Squamish Branch, hiking "The Chief," Lynn Canyon, walking along Lion's Gate Bridge at sunset, the Grouse Grind (Matt's PR and my surviving and enjoying the muddy mess straight up the mountain through the canopy of trees), and Stanley Park.  It was a great weekend!
• Philadelphia - Kind of last minute I joined some friends for a few days in Philadelphia.  It was a great adventure.  I probably walked close to 20 miles in 2 days all around the city, from river to river.  ;)  It's a wonderful place!  Some of the highlights:  Logan Square, Benjamin Franklin Parkway (and all its flags and fall leaves), LOVE sculputre, City Hall (and watching them set up Christmas), Reading Terminal, Chinatown, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Constitution Center, Christ Church, Elfreth's Alley, Penn's Landing, Benjamin Franklin Bridge (across the Delaware River), the Free Library, Rodin Museum, the Art Museum steps and the Rocky Statue (at sunset while the city prepared for a run the next dayd), the Schuylkill River, Boat House Row, and the Fairmount Water Works.  There is so much history and culture.  I really like Philadelphia - it seems to me a combination of Boston and Washington, D.C.  We also got to attend the new Philadelphia Temple.  It's beautiful, designed so closely after Independence Hall, helping you remember and feel the spirit of freedom and brotherly love.  Then the main highlight of the trip was visiting the newly renovated Priesthood Restoration Site in Harmony, Pennsylvania.  I can only think of a few places in the world more sacred or special and important.  This quiet spot along the Susquehanna River was a place of growth and learning and peace for Joseph and Emma Smith.  I remember visiting Harmony eleven years ago with my family as a part of a trip around the Northeast.  This was one of my favorite places because of the peace, simplicity, and profound power.  I was grateful for the chance to return, now with a beautiful visitors' center, introductory video, restored homes of Elizabeth and Isaac Hale and Joseph and Emma Smith, and peaceful pathways to the river and the sugar bush.  In addition to the visit of John the Baptist and the restoration of the priesthood, this little area was also where most of the Book of Mormon was translated.  What blessings to the world!  It was wonderful!  On our way to the visitors' center attended church at the Scranton Ward.  It was a great weekend topped off by a stop at Valley Forge where the highlight was a walk around 'Mount Joy' through one of the most beautiful forests of fall leaves!  Great weekend!
• Christmas - It was nice to not have to travel anywhere for Christmas, but to get to spend time with family.  I enjoyed having Josh and Kirsten stay with me for a few days and hanging out quite a bit at Cari and Mike's house to celebrate.  We did some singing, visiting, golfing, hiking, sledding, elf-ing, and just hanging out and having fun.  We had some nice time visiting with Grandma Morgan and Grandma Kunzler as well.

Other Learning / Exploring

• Temples - The temple is always a highlight of my year and week.  This year I attended the Salt Lake Temple often, the Draper Temple quite a bit, the Oquirrh Mountain Temple once, and I had the -chance to attend four new temples - Provo City Center, Twin Falls Idaho, Rexburg Idaho, and Philadelphia Pennsylvania.  I'm grateful for the blessings of the temple in my life!
• English Teaching - Since June I have been teaching an English class to refugees every Tuesday night through the ESLC.  It has been a wonderful opportunity to meet some special people and learn from them.  Right now I have students from Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, South Sudan, Congo, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, North Korea, and Bhutan.  They have overcome much and have such positive attitudes and desires to learn.  I enjoy being a part of the community and learning with them.
• New Ward - They created a new mid-singles ward in Sandy in June.  It has been nice to get to know some new people and have some new opportunities for service - visiting teaching and missionary outreach work mostly, but a highlight has also been the ward choir!  I'm grateful for music, for chances to serve, and opportunities to learn and worship.
• Hiking - One of the happiest parts of the year has been time in the mountains...chasing flowers and fall leaves mostly, but just being outside is a blessing!  The highlights were Table Mountain in Idaho/Wyoming and the mountains of Canada (Blackcomb/Whistler, "The Chief," the Grouse Grind), but I also loved the Wasatch.  I hiked Grandeur Peak, Red Pine Lake, the Snowbird Tram, Willow Heights Lake, Dog Lake, Cecret Lake, Lake Blanche, Lakes Mary, Martha, and Catherine, and lots of other adventures of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons as well as Bell Canyon and the Draper trails.  I'm grateful for our Heavenly Father's beautiful creations!  
• Running - I didn't do as much running this year, but did complete the Hobble Creek Half Marathon in August (which was actually more like 14.1 miles since we had to walk about a mile from the bus to the starting line before we began).  It's a beautiful course down the canyon and on a lovely path through Mapleton and it was fun to do with Dad!
• Mission Reunion - We had a wonderful and unique mission reunion this year to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Church in Korea.  An all-missions, all-years reunion was held at the UVU events center in September.  It was so neat to see so many friends and feel the spirit of missionary work and Korea!  What a great blessing in my life that continues to bring joy!
• BYU MPA - I'm glad to still have a close association with the BYU MPA program as one of the class representatives to the board.  I spent a day in Provo for meetings in November.  It was fun to reconnect and learn what's going on lately.
• Light of the World Garden - While not a huge thing, I did enjoy a visit to the new Light of the World Garden at Thanksgiving Point.  These beautiful statues portray the life of Christ so wonderfully in a lovely setting.  

Life is good!

Korea - An Important Part of Who I Am

It was 16 years ago this week that I began one of the greatest adventures of my life - serving as a full-time missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Busan, Korean.  This experience has continued to bless my life, as it did this week very directly when we got together for a very special mission reunion.  Every missionary that ever served in any mission in Korea....for the past 60 years was invited and it was WONDERFUL!  I enjoyed seeing old friends and companions, but was particularly grateful for the chance to be reminded of who I was 14-16 years ago.

I was reminded of the courage and quiet confidence I had as a missionary.  I was full of purpose and meaning and confidence....in the Lord and His plan....and great love for a particular group of people.  Being around those people and the language and the memories helped me to remember who I truly am.  I had a strong testimony before I left on mission and I really wanted to share it, but having the chance to share it in Korea helped me to keep it simple and focused on the most important things and words that I knew.  ;)  There was no fear....just faith and love!

There are many things I wish I knew before I went.  I was kind of immature, but I also had an almost childlike faith and confidence.  Being with missionaries and Koreans again helped me feel and remember those experiences and the person I was then.  I'm proud of that person and time in my life.  I feel like these people knew the real me, the person I want to be.  I have grown in many ways since then, but have maybe lost some of the faith and confidence in myself.  I was grateful for the reminder of who these people know me as.  I immediately felt the same special happiness and confidence when surrounded by those memories.  I remember the greatest compliment I ever received as a missionary was from an investigator who told me that I had a heart like a Korean.  ;)

Koreans aren't shy, bu they are humble and teachable, they love and give and care about each other, they're united as family.  Being together as missionaries from several generations with the shared love for this wonderful group of people was uplifting.  There is a unique sense of belonging and unity among Koreans and those who served there - pride, joy, unity, gratitude.  I remember Elder Eyring coming to speak to us at a mission conference in 2001.  He talked about Helaman chapter 3 (see Helaman 3:24-27) and how thousands of people would join the Church in Korea because of the continual faith and prayers of the returned missionaries who loved these people and continued to pray for them.  I thought of this promise and have increased my faith and prayers for these people that I love!  :)

Here is a video of the program from that night.  Obviously it doesn't include the one-on-one time visits which were the highlight, but it does capture some of the culture, and history, and miracles, and blessings of being a part of this group.  One particular blessing I found was at 1:07:20 in the video.  It's a picture of some servicemen in Korea - some of the first "missionaries" - and right near the top middle of the picture is my Grandpa Morgan who was there at that time.  That is something very special that we share - a love for Korea and the sweet people of that land.  I'm grateful to remember who I am....and who I can be because of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Life's Purpose

I just saw this video the other day - Oregon to Patagonia.  I like it and what it made me think about (and maybe I was thinking way too much, but I've read a few related books and scriptures lately that got me thinking more about the message here)!  It's interesting and inspiring - live intentionally, do what you love, make things happen, don't just let life happen, act and don't be acted upon.  What do I really want to do or need to do?  ;)  More importantly, I wonder, what is the right balance....

In some ways the life portrayed here seems somewhat selfish?  Of course - this was just a year, and I can't judge his heart or reasons or purpose or options - of course it's better to be out exploring the world and bettering yourself than sitting at home.  He was doing good along the way, too (even in inspiring others that don't know him with the video); travel and caring to learn about others opens us up to that, but how do we find the right balance for living our lives proactively, setting our goals and working towards them and waiting on the Lord and doing His will?  Who is really in charge of our lives?  How do we live courageously, proactively, and humbly, selflessly?  Being responsible and routine may not be so bad - maybe some of the purpose and point of life is steadiness, but even in our habits I do think we need to be intentional and choose our life and live it fully.

Maybe these ideas contradict and I'm making no sense, but I wonder if sometimes our goals or desires keep us from something else the Lord wants us to do and be?  Is it possible to be too focused or stubborn that we miss something else that might be more important?  How can we be selfless and still loyal to our goals?  How do we best strive to improve and make the most of life while being humble enough to give it all up when and if and as we have to?  Do we have to?  How does it work? ;)  How do we balance responsibilities, desires, talents, hobbies, and the Lord's will in our life?

What's the difference between fun, joy, purpose, and meaning?  What should we be pursuing here on earth? growth? learning? becoming?  How do we find the proper balance between that intense focus and trying to accomplish something, recharging our batteries, doing something we love, and selflessly giving our lives to the Lord?
Thoughts?!

I don't think we can judge anyone else's purpose or life (so I hope that's not how this sounds), and I think there are many ways to find the right balance in life.  We are each so different, but I found these talks and thoughts helpful to me in thinking about these questions:

• Developing a Christlike Character by President David O. McKay
• Christlike Attributes - the Wind beneath Our Wings by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
• The Character of Christ by Elder David A. Bednar
• Give Us, This Day, Our Daily Bread by Elder D. Todd Christofferson
• 10 Characteristics of Jesus Christ and How to Develop Them
• Christlike Attributes

As President McKay said, "Man’s chief concern in life should not be the acquiring of gold, or of fame, or of material possessions. It should not be the development of physical prowess, nor of intellectual strength, but his aim, the highest in life, should be the development of a Christ-like character."

At Conference Time

"At conference time, at conference time, the Brethren [teach us] what to do, so [we] can live in happiness at conference time and all year through."

I love General Conference!  I'm grateful for the guidance and direction, the answers, the peace, the hope, the happiness, the clarity!  Some of the themes I saw - choose faith, keep the commandments, follow the prophets, seek and follow the Holy Ghost, this is the Lord's Church, apply the Atonement!

Many of my personal thoughts about conference (aside from the personal direction I received for me) had to do with thinking about humility, pride, gratitude, and being accepted of the Lord.

A few of my favorite specific quotes / ideas / thoughts include:

President Uchtdorf: Simplify; Start where you are; God will take us as we are - we just need a willing heart, desire to believe, trust in the Lord; He sees us for what we can become!; Take responsibility for your relationship with the Lord

Elder Ballard: The Lord's grace is sufficient; what will you become through the Atonement of Jesus Christ?

Elder Maynes: Center our lives perfectly in Christ; let Him mold us

Sister Marriott: Become yielded and still; wait on Him; He takes us as we are and makes us more!

Elder Lawrence: What lack I yet? The Holy Ghost gives customized counsel; What is keeping me from progressing?; Allow the Holy Ghost to lead us home

Elder Foster: I know what comes next, I'll help you through it

Elder Montoya: Smile

Elder Oaks: The Atonement provides strength to overcome

Elder Andersen: Faith is not by chance, but by choice

President Eyring: The Lord is with us in His work; when we do our part He adds His power and magnifies and multiplies; claim the promised gift of the Holy Ghost

President Monson: Let your light so shine!; Be an example of the believers

Elder Renlund: A calling is not about you...it's about the Lord and His work; we must see others through Father's eyes and be filled with the pure love of Christ

President Nelson: I loved his sweet tribute to Elders Packer, Perry, Scott and Sisters Perry and Packer; I loved how he so powerfully and directly said that TODAY was the day President Kimball's prophecy was being fulfilled - women need to stand up and make a difference for good; I loved the story of Sister Nelson asking him if he was done crying and telling him to go to work; "whatever your circumstances, we need you to speak up"; I loved everything about his talk and I need to do something about it!! :)

Elder Schwitzer: The world needs disciples of Christ who can communicate the gospel clearly to the world; desire to inspire, not impress

Elder Christofferson: We're all on the same journey; we need the Church; we need to help each other (as family) come to know the Lord and build the kingdom of God on the earth

Sister Stephens: If ye love me keep my commandments; His laws are love; His commandments are a manifestation of His love; obedience to His laws helps us show our love to Him

Elder Bednar: Again, such a sweet tribute and clear declaration of the Lord's pattern in calling prophets!

I'm grateful for a living prophet and apostles and for their guidance.  I know they speak for our Heavenly Father and we will be blessed as we follow....even magnified and multiplied and strengthened.  ;)

Focus, Priorities, Character

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught in General Conference in April 2001 about the importance of having an eternal perspective. He said, "Our priorities are most visible in how we use our time. Someone has said, 'Three things never come back — the spent arrow, the spoken word, and the lost opportunity.' We cannot recycle or save the time allotted to us each day. With time, we have only one opportunity for choice, and then it is gone forever."

I have been thinking a lot about priorities and focus and character over the past few months and have learned more from....

• This video - The Science of Character
• This book - Essentialism:  The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

This quote captures a lot of my thoughts:  "Our highest priority is to protect our ability to prioritize."

Waiting or not making a choice or being distracted by too many (even good) things can keep us from doing that which is most important!  I'm reminded of how important it is to keep the main thing the main thing.  ;)  To not be distracted, to not be paralyzed by choices, but to be deliberate in making decisions helps us focus, prioritize, and build character.

Seek not to be cumbered

While seeking for some personal direction recently....this is what I found:

"Tarry not many days in this place....think not of thy property....
Seek not to be cumbered.  Forsake all unrighteousness."

The main takeaway - seek not to be cumbered!  I love that!  Basically - don't worry or stress, especially about things that don't matter.  That message was reinforced in my mind through music:

• If I Listen With My Heart
• I Am a Child of God
• The Lord My Pasture Will Prepare
• My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
• Consider the Lilies

Here are a few of my favorite lyrics from 'Consider the Lilies':

      He clothes the lilies of the field
      He feeds the birds in the sky
      And he will feed those who trust him
      And guide them with his eye

      Consider the sheep of his fold
      How they follow where he leads
      Though their paths may wind across the mountain
      He knows the meadows where he leads

      
      He clothes the lilies of the field

      He feeds the lambs in his fold
      And he will feed those who trust him
      And make their hearts as gold

For some reason, I have always heard the last lines a little bit differently and it especially touched me in the setting where I was listening:  "And He will heal those who trust him and make their hearts as one."

Earlier this week at the Education Week Devotional at BYU, Elder Neil L. Andersen gave a neat talk entitled A Compensatory Spiritual Power for the Righteous.  He counseled us to be prayerful, but not overly concerned.  I love that and believe that it fits right in to this message and thought of the importance of trusting in the Lord and not being cumbered or overly concerned by other worries. As he teaches, the power and confidence comes from choosing goodness and righteousness.  I recommend the whole talk!....and seeking to not be cumbered (it's a work in progress for me)!!

Another good reference is 3 Nephi 13:25-34.  Something I need to study and consider further is the question and balance and need to trust the Lord to prepare our pasture while working responsibly and with all diligence to be self-reliant.  Maybe more on that later....

Be a Light

I happened to get up right in time today to hear Lloyd Newell's message from Music and the Spoken Word and I was inspired and grateful for the light it brought into my life and the reminder to be a light to others:

"Moonlight, with its soft, silver tones and the enchanting mood it casts, has captured our fancy for centuries. It has been the subject of countless poems, songs, serenades, and evening walks. We marvel at how bright a full moon can seem sometimes, even though we know it is merely reflecting the light it receives from the sun. In fact, our full moon, at its very brightest, only reflects about 12 percent of the light that reaches it.

All around us, objects reflect or absorb light. Snow reflects almost all the light that reaches it, while black asphalt absorbs it, which explains why roads get so hot on sunny days. And what about us? How much light do we reflect? Do we brighten the world for others and share the hope and cheer of a sunny outlook? Or do we only take, pulling in energy but never giving any back?

There are countless ways to share light with others. When we extend a helping hand, when we take time to listen, when we give a sincere compliment, when we teach a child, we are reflecting light. Mother Theresa said, “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” Yes, even something as simple as a smile bounces light and love back into the world.

We are drawn to people who reflect joy and optimism. They seem to have a luster, a light, a glow about them. We find ourselves not only wanting to share their company but also striving to emulate their example, to shine with similar brilliance. Unlike the moon, snow, or asphalt, we can choose how much light we give. We can decide to reflect the good around us and help others see “the bright side.” Very often, when our goal is to provide as much light as we can, we inspire others to do the same. If everyone made this simple choice, perhaps our collective radiance would be enough to light up the entire world."

The weekly broadcast also included one of my favorite (and related) songs - Give, Said the Little Stream.

I also love this month's First Presidency message by President Monson - Stand as a Light.

"I would like all of the youth of the Church to know that they are children of light. As such, they have a responsibility to be “as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). They have a duty to share the truths of the gospel. They have a calling to stand as a temple beacon, reflecting gospel light to an increasingly dark world. They have a charge to keep their light aflame and burning brightly....

With a strong testimony of the Savior and His restored gospel, you have limitless opportunities to shine. They surround you each day, in whatever circumstances you find yourselves. As you follow the example of the Savior, yours will be the opportunity to be a light, as it were, in the lives of those around you—whether they be members of your own family, classmates, co-workers, mere acquaintances, or total strangers.

When you are a light to the world, people around you will feel a special spirit that will make them want to associate with you and follow your example."

Must Go THROUGH!

I remember hearing a song when I was growing up about something being too high that you can't go over it, too low that you can't go under it, too wide that you can't go around it, so you have to go right through!  I don't think I understood the song at the time, but I have been thinking about this concept A LOT lately.

It seems like every other article, blog, scripture, and talk I've read lately says something about the importance and necessity of going THROUGH something.  Each of these experiences is for our learning and progress and ultimate happiness, but they are often the very things that we pray away and just want to be over!

Someone pointed out this blog post.  I love this child's question and the discussion that follows and what it got me thinking about - Why didn't the angel just take him out?

While preparing a Sunday School lesson about agency I was searching through some of Elder Bednar's talks about acting and not being acted upon.  I came upon a few great thoughts:

Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease (April 2014)

The Atonement and the Journey of Mortality (April 2012)
"Nephi is an example of one who knew, understood, and relied upon the enabling power of the Savior. Recall that the sons of Lehi had returned to Jerusalem to enlist Ishmael and his household in their cause. Laman and others in the party traveling with Nephi from Jerusalem back to the wilderness rebelled, and Nephi exhorted his brethren to have faith in the Lord. It was at this point in their journey that Nephi’s brothers bound him with cords and planned his destruction. Please note Nephi’s prayer: “O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren; yea, even give me strength that I may burst these bandswith which I am bound” (1 Nephi 7:17; emphasis added).

Do you know what I likely would have prayed for if I had been tied up by my brothers? “Please get me out of this mess NOW!” It is especially interesting to me that Nephi did not pray to have his circumstances changed. Rather, he prayed for the strength to change his circumstances. And I believe he prayed in this manner precisely because he knew, understood, and had experienced the enabling power of the Atonement.

I do not think the bands with which Nephi was bound just magically fell from his hands and wrists. Rather, I suspect he was blessed with both persistence and personal strength beyond his natural capacity, that he then “in the strength of the Lord” (Mosiah 9:17) worked and twisted and tugged on the cords, and ultimately and literally was enabled to break the bands.

The implication of this episode for each of us is straightforward. As you and I come to understand and employ the enabling power of the Atonement in our personal lives, we will pray and seek for strength to change our circumstances rather than praying for our circumstances to be changed. We will become agents who act rather than objects that are acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:14)."

Then Elder Bednar discusses Mosiah 24:14-15 and Alma's experience when his people are being persecuted by Amulon.

"What was changed in this episode? It was not the burden that changed; the challenges and difficulties of persecution were not immediately removed from the people. But Alma and his followers were strengthened, and their increased capacity and strength made the burdens they bore lighter. These good people were empowered through the Atonement to act as agents and impact their circumstances. And “in the strength of the Lord” Alma and his people were then directed to safety in the land of Zarahemla."

In the Strength of the Lord (October 2001)

These thoughts remind me that life is all about what we're becoming.  If life were easy and happy all the time we wouldn't grow.  This ties right into the another Sunday School lesson (The Fall of Adam and Eve and the need for opposition).  I also love this quote President Faust shared in October 2004:  "Dr. Arthur Wentworth Hewitt suggested some reasons why the good suffer as well as the wicked: “First: I don’t know. Second: We may not be as innocent as we think. Third: … I believe it is because He loves us so much more than He loves our happiness. How so? Well, if on a basis of strict personal return here and now, all the good were always happy and all the bad suffered disaster (instead of often quite the reverse), this would be the most subtle damnation of character imaginable.”"

Relatedly, Brigham Young taught, "Instead of searching after what the Lord is going to do for us, let us inquire what we can do for ourselves." 

And Elder L. Tom Perry said, "I have sometimes wondered what would have happened if Nephi has asked the Lord for tools instead of a place to find ore to make the tools. I doubt the Lord would have honored Nephi's request. You see, the Lord knew that Nephi could make tools, and it is seldom that the Lord will do something for us that we can do for ourselves."

So, life is kind of all about "going through."  That's where we'll grow and learn what we can and need to become and that is why we're here - to become something more.  Neat!

Truths Worth Knowing

I am grateful for the life and example of President Boyd K. Packer.  He truly was a Watchman on the Tower.  There are many things I learned from him, his example, and his teachings.  He was clear, bold, true, and steady.  I'm grateful for his words and witness of Jesus Christ.  A few of his talks that I love include:

• Truths Most Worth Knowing - November 2011
• The Twelve - April 2008
• The Touch of the Master's Hand - April 2001
• Reverence Invites Revelation - April 1991
• The Library of the Lord - April 1990
• The Mediator - April 1977
• Spiritual Crocodiles - April 1976

As President Monson said, President Packer was a diligent, devoted disciple of Christ.  I will miss the steadiness and goodness he brought to the world, but I will always remember his love for the Lord, his family, and for doing what's right.  I loved this article about his sacred grove and will always remember his family walking in and out of his funeral.  What a beautiful legacy and reminder of what's most important!  They truly are a testament to him and his life!  What an inspiration!

Sunday Strengthening

Today was a difficult, but wonderful day that helped me see who I am and who I need to be.  I wasn't quite prepared, but had the opportunity to publicly share and defend my testimony of some very important principles that are being challenged right now.  The experience (after all was said and done) strengthened me and helped me clarify and understand even more surely what I believe and also how I need to prepare to do that better and with greater love in the coming days. :)  I'm grateful.  I love the Lord.  I know that our Heavenly Father loves us (and every one of His children, our brothers and sisters) perfectly and His plan is perfect!  Jesus Christ is the way!  The quest of our lifetime is to learn Their plan and live Their teachings. ;)


A few things that strengthened me today:


Divine Attributes of Christ:  Virtue.  Our visiting teaching message this month was particularly sweet and important to me today.  President Faust taught, "Virtue in its fuller sense encompasses all traits of righteousness that help us form our character."  President Hinckley adds, "Love of God is the root of all virtue, of all goodness, of all strength of character."  And I love this quote from the lesson:  "Through His virtue, Christ can heal, enable, strengthen, comfort, and cheer when we choose with courage and faith to reach out to Him."  While talking with several different sisters about how virtue empowers and strengthens us I was inspired by their examples of goodness and


Why Marriage, Why Family by Elder D. Todd Christofferson, April 2015.  I don't know if there could have been a more timely talk to study in Relief Society and I learned much!  A few highlights:

"If in the course of our mortal experience, we chose to “do all things whatsoever the Lord [our] God [should] command [us],” we would have kept our “second estate.” This means that by our choices we would demonstrate to God (and to ourselves) our commitment and capacity to live His celestial law while outside His presence and in a physical body with all its powers, appetites, and passions. Could we bridle the flesh so that it became the instrument rather than the master of the spirit? Could we be trusted both in time and eternity with godly powers, including power to create life? Would we individually overcome evil? Those who did would “have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever”—a very significant aspect of that glory being a resurrected, immortal, and glorified physical body. No wonder we “shouted for joy” at these magnificent possibilities and promises."

"A family built on the marriage of a man and woman supplies the best setting for God’s plan to thrive—the setting for the birth of children, who come in purity and innocence from God, and the environment for the learning and preparation they will need for a successful mortal life and eternal life in the world to come. A critical mass of families built on such marriages is vital for societies to survive and flourish. That is why communities and nations generally have encouraged and protected marriage and the family as privileged institutions. It has never been just about the love and happiness of adults."

"Our claims for the role of marriage and family rest not on social science but on the truth that they are God’s creation. It is He who in the beginning created Adam and Eve in His image, male and female, and joined them as husband and wife to become “one flesh” and to multiply and replenish the earth.  Each individual carries the divine image, but it is in the matrimonial union of male and female as one that we attain perhaps the most complete meaning of our having been made in the image of God—male and female. Neither we nor any other mortal can alter this divine order of matrimony. It is not a human invention. Such marriage is indeed “from above, from God” and is as much a part of the plan of happiness as the Fall and the Atonement."

"In the premortal world, Lucifer rebelled against God and His plan, and his opposition only grows in intensity. He fights to discourage marriage and the formation of families, and where marriages and families are formed, he does what he can to disrupt them. He attacks everything that is sacred."

"To declare the fundamental truths relative to marriage and family is not to overlook or diminish the sacrifices and successes of those for whom the ideal is not a present reality....everyone has gifts; everyone has talents; everyone can contribute to the unfolding of the divine plan in each generation. Much that is good, much that is essential—even sometimes all that is necessary for now—can be achieved in less than ideal circumstances. So many of you are doing your very best. And when you who bear the heaviest burdens of mortality stand up in defense of God’s plan to exalt His children, we are all ready to march. With confidence we testify that the Atonement of Jesus Christ has anticipated and, in the end, will compensate all deprivation and loss for those who turn to Him. No one is predestined to receive less than all that the Father has for His children."

"May we each find approval in His sight. May marriages flourish and families prosper, and whether our lot is a fulness of these blessings in mortality or not, may the Lord’s grace bring happiness now and faith in sure promises to come."

Final Judgment.  I had prepared to teach this lesson which brought me to these beautiful quotes and an even more real discussion than I had anticipated that helped me truly see "how great the wisdom and the love" of our Father's "grand design where justice, love, and mercy meet in harmony divine!"

The Measure of our Hearts by Elder Marvin J. Ashton, October 1988
When the Lord measures an individual, He does not take a tape measure around the person’s head to determine his mental capacity, nor his chest to determine his manliness, but He measures the heart as an indicator of the person’s capacity and potential to bless others.

Why the heart? Because the heart is a synonym for one’s entire makeup. We often use phrases about the heart to describe the total person. Thus, we describe people as being “big-hearted” or “good hearted” or having a “heart of gold.” Or we speak of people with faint hearts, wise hearts, pure hearts, willing hearts, deceitful hearts, conniving hearts, courageous hearts,cold hearts, hearts of stone, or selfish hearts.

The measure of our hearts is the measure of our total performance. As used by the Lord, the “heart” of a person describes his effort to better self, or others, or the conditions he confronts.

The Challenge to Become by Elder Dallin H. Oaks, October 2000

In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to know something, the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become something.

The Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become. It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.

The Master’s reward in the Final Judgment will not be based on how long we have labored in the vineyard. We do not obtain our heavenly reward by punching a time clock. What is essential is that our labors in the workplace of the Lord have caused us to become something. For some of us, this requires a longer time than for others. What is important in the end is what we have become by our labors.

According to the Desires of our Hearts by Elder Neal A. Maxwell, October 1996

Therefore, what we insistently desire, over time, is what we will eventually become and what we will receive in eternity. “For I [said the Lord] will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts” (D&C 137:9; see also Jer. 17:10).

God thus takes into merciful account not only our desires and our performance, but also the degrees of difficulty which our varied circumstances impose upon us. No wonder we will not complain at the final judgment, especially since even the telestial kingdom’s glory “surpasses all understanding” (D&C 76:89). God delights in blessing us, especially when we realize “joy in that which [we] have desired” (D&C 7:8).

However, in contrast to God’s merciful plan for our joy and glory, Satan “[desires] that all men might be miserable like unto himself” (2 Ne. 2:27).

Like it or not, therefore, reality requires that we acknowledge our responsibility for our desires. Brothers and sisters, which do we really desire, God’s plans for us or Satan’s?

Righteous desires need to be relentless, therefore, because, said President Brigham Young, “the men and women, who desire to obtain seats in the celestial kingdom, will find that they must battle every day”. Therefore, true Christian soldiers are more than weekend warriors.

“Do you,” President Young asked, “think that people will obey the truth because it is true, unless they love it? No, they will not”. Thus knowing gospel truths and doctrines is profoundly important, but we must also come to love them. When we love them, they will move us and help our desires and outward works to become more holy.

Promises Are Sure.  The music and messages of sacrament meeting helped me remember the great love our Savior has for us and the need for us to show our love for Him.  I was also reminded of the importance of remembering the Lord's promises.  He keeps thems.  We have also made promises with Him and must remember to keep them, too.  (President Eyring taught this sweetly in October 2012.)

Mormon 9:21, "Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth."

Psalms 12:6, "The words of the Lord are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times." 

O Savior, Thou Who Wearest a Crown

No creature is so lowly, No sinner so depraved,
But feels thy presence holy And thru thy love is saved.
Tho craven friends betray thee, They feel thy love's embrace;
The very foes who slay thee Have access to thy grace.
Thy sacrifice transcended The mortal law's demand;
Thy mercy is extended To ev'ry time and land.
No more can Satan harm us, Tho long the fight may be,
Nor fear of death alarm us; We live, O Lord, thru thee.
What praises can we offer To thank thee, Lord most high?
In our place thou didst suffer; In our place thou didst die,
By heaven's plan appointed, To ransom us, our King.
O Jesus, the anointed, To thee our love we bring!

God of Our Fathers
God of our fathers, whose almighty hand Leads forth in beauty all the starry band
Of shining worlds in splendor through the skies, Our grateful songs before thy throne arise.Thy love divine hath led us in the past; In this free land by thee our lot is cast.
Be thou our Ruler, Guardian, Guide, and Stay, Thy word our law, thy paths our chosen way.From war's alarms, from deadly pestilence, Be thy strong arm our ever-sure defense.
Thy true religion in our hearts increase. Thy bounteous goodness nourish us in peace.


My main take-aways from this day of strengthening:
* We owe all of our love and loyalty to our Heavenly Father and His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Their plan and Their love is perfect.  Their promises are sure.
* I need to spend more time and energy in knowing and loving and serving the Lord and defending Him with love.
* "There is but one who offers perfect love.... In the arms of His love there is safety....peace.  There is one who is just.  There is one we can trust.  We are safe in the arms of His love."  (The song is beautiful and this talk by Elder Maxwell is incredible!)
* "The Lord needs valiant servants to do His work in the latter-days, who follow the teachings of Jesus and serve His people in a loving way....I'll stand for truth, I'll stand for right.  The Lord can depend on me."