2015 in Review

Looking back on 2015 it's kind of remarkable all that has happened!  In no particular order here are some of my adventures, highlights, and take-aways:

• I worked as an ordinance worker at the Salt Lake Temple.  Highlight!  Although I do appreciate a Saturday morning sleep-in or run or free weekend all the more now.  ;)
• I attended two new temples - Payson and Seattle.  Wonderful!
• I sang in three different choirs - ward choir, the Witness Music presentation of Rob Gardner's Lamb of God during Easter (really neat!!), and I was a part of the Salt Lake Temple Workers' Choir for the yearly devotional (incredible experience!)
• I bought a house!  Kind of exciting, kind of terrifying, very educational.
• I ran a marathon (my version of the Ogden Marathon which was more accurately two half marathons with a little drive in between) and two official half marathons (Big Cottonwood and Snow Canyon).
• I read a lot of books!  Some of my favorites:  Press On by Joseph B. Wirthlin; Return unto Me by Kerry Muhlestein; The Conservative Heart by Arthur Brooks; Essentialism by Greg McKeown; Gifts from the Sea by Anne Lindbergh; Truths Most Worth Knowing by Boyd K. Packer; Wonder by R. J. Palacio; Ezra Taft Benson: A Biography by Sheri Dew; The Wright Brothers by David McCullough; Power to Become by David A. Bednar; Teaching Your Children Joy by Linda and Richard Eyre; Belonging to Heaven by Gale Sears
• I spent time with family!  Always a highlight!!!  We enjoyed a wonderful week together in Las Vegas at the pool and remembering to 'stay by the tree.'  I spent several Sunday evenings and Thanksgiving with extended family.  I visited St. George a few times and spent lots of quality time with my parents - they're pretty great!  I got to be hostess for a few family gatherings (thanks for coming, Josh and Kirsten!) and visited my sister's house more (she and her family really know how to be host(esse)s).  I loved being in Seattle for an extended Christmas weekend - highlight!  Washington is beautiful and meeting a new nephew is the sweetest and getting on an airplane at least once a year is a must!  Thanks, Matt and Megan!  :)
• I deepened relationships.  I learned a lot about who I am, what I'm looking for, having confidence, and getting to know and be inspired by good people in large and small ways.  Relatedly, I learned again the importance of being happy, being grateful, being open, being vulnerable.  I'm grateful for friends, friendships, relationships, and opportunities to give and grow.  Much more to learn!  ;)  
• I enjoyed opportunities to share and teach the gospel.  I watched three new members join the Church and saw part of their conversion as I had the chance to teach Gospel Principles for much of the year.  HIGHLIGHT!!  I love the simple gospel truths, the plan of salvation, and the chance to testify of Jesus Christ!  What it's all about!!!
• I enjoyed lots of BEAUTIFUL wildflowers, fall leaves, and sunsets while consistently hiking and enjoying being outside and appreciating our Heavenly Father's creations!  One of the ways I see and feel God's love!
• I have a renewed testimony of the importance of and gratitude for prayer, scripture study, studying the gospel of Jesus Christ, learning the words of the Prophet and Apostles and following in faith.
• I have a greater appreciation for the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the hope and peace and joy and change it can bring!

May Christ Lift Thee Up

"My son, be faithful in Christ; and may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever." - Moroni 9:25

I love the Book of Mormon!  I know it's the word of God - an important record of ancient prophets written for our day that brings us to Christ!  As I finished reading it again today in a special place I was reminded of this verse.  I love Mormon and Moroni and their examples of faithful service, commitment, and goodness during a time of great wickedness....even when they were alone they focused on what was most important and found HOPE in Christ!  What a necessary example for us today and just the reminder I needed in my life!

It seems somewhat related to this article I read recently - Faith as a mustard seed

Also very related and connected - I love the temple!  It is full of so much peace and clarity and light and truth and blessings and joy and perspective!  I found that again tonight and I'm grateful!  It's good to make the effort to go (even and maybe especially on a cold, snowy night)!  I was also reminded of what a beautiful pattern the temple is for our lives and homes.  It's clean and uncluttered, it's simple, it's beautiful!  There is light and peace.  I think some of this comes from the fact that there are no distractions - the only thing you will find really to pick up or look at are scriptures!  And I don't think there's much else that you need.  ;)  It made me think about my home and how I organize it and make it beautiful and create it as a space to focus on what's most important - a comfortable place to read the scriptures and have my mind opened up to the blessings of heaven!  In the temple it really feels like we can be uncovered from any barriers and the blessings and direction come right down to us!

Just after learning and thinking about these things, someone at Church shared Alma 8:14-15 which gives similar hope:  "And it came to pass that while [Alma] was journeying thither, being weighed down with sorrow, wading through much tribulation and anguish of soul, because of the wickedness of the people who were in the city of Ammonihah, it came to pass while Alma was thus weighed down with sorrow, behold an angel of the Lord appeared unto him, saying:
"Blessed art thou, Alma; therefore, lift up thy head and rejoice, for thou hast great cause to rejoice; for thou hast been faithful in keeping the commandments of God from the time which thou receivedst thy first message from him. Behold, I am he that delivered it unto you."

Christ lifts us up!  He sends angels and blessings and comfort and direction and peace....even when we are weighed down with trials and sorrow, and especially when we are working to serve Him and His children.  He is there watching over us.  "With blessings unmeasured my cup runneth o'er." (See "The Lord is My Shepherd")

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)

Witnesses

I have been reminded lately of the importance of witnesses, particularly witnesses of Christ.  I recently saw "Savior of the World" with my family.  It is wonderful!  Everyone needs to see it or read it or listen to the music or study the scriptures referenced (or all of the above)!  It is a sweet testimony of the Savior and His mission.  I've always loved the shepherds role in the story of Christ's life, but I was particularly touched at the end of Act 1 when the shepherds tenderly come to visit and witness the Savior's birth and then obediently, diligently, immediately and enthusiastically proclaim His birth to all they can find:  "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."

Then at the end of Act 2 Jesus teaches His disciples to feed His sheep.  It occurred to me while watching that the very best way we can feed His sheep is to testify of Him and bring others to Him - the Good Shepherd, the Great Redeemer.

I have also been reading a wonderful book by Elder Oaks, With Full Purpose of Heart.  My favorite part of this book happens to be the chapter about being a witness of Christ.  I appreciated Elder Oaks' very clear call to each of us to be a witness of Jesus Christ - to teach and testify of Him and live our lives according to His teachings.

"'The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it (Joseph Smith, p. 21).'"

"How do members become witnesses beyond the mere fact of their membership? The original apostles were eyewitnesses to the ministry and resurrection of the Savior (Acts 10:39-41). He told them, 'Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth' (Acts 1:8; Acts 10:42-43). However, He cautioned them that their witnessing would occur after they had received the Holy Ghost (Acts 1:8; Luke 24:49). An eyewitness was not enough. Even the witness and testimony of the original apostles had to be rooted in the testimony of the Holy Ghost (p. 21)."

"The mission of the Holy Ghost is to witness of the Father and the Son (2 Nephi 31:18; 3 Nephi 28:11; D&C 20:27). Consequently, everyone who has received the witness of the Holy Ghost has a duty to share that testimony with others (p. 22)."

"Those that have the gift to know must give their witness so that those who have the gift to 'believe on their words' can enjoy the benefit of that gift (p. 23)."

"As I see the deterioration in religious faith that has happened in my own lifetime, I am convinced that we who are members of His Church need to be increasingly valiant in our testimony of Christ (p. 25)."

One final witness of Christ - the December 2015 Ensign includes a powerful article by President Boyd K. Packer - A Witness of the Savior Jesus Christ.  These are very tender insights from one of His chosen leaders.  And now each of us must "seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of them, may be and abide in [us] forever" (Ether 12:41) and then we must go share our witness with the world!!  :)

Fear not!

I LOVE this short little clip - "Fear not!"

"Despite life’s hardships, the message of the Lord to each of us is the same today as it was to the shepherds keeping watch two thousand years ago: 'Fear not.'" — Elder L. Whitney Clayton

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.

Guide Me to Thee

The lyrics of this song have been coming to my mind over and over the past few weeks.  I think they are instructive, but also particularly pertinent and important today:

Guide Me to Thee
Jesus, my Savior true, Guide me to thee.
Help me thy will to do. Guide me to thee.
E'en in the darkest night, As in the morning bright,
Be thou my beacon light. Guide me to thee.

Through this dark world of strife, Guide me to thee.
Teach me a better life. Guide me to thee.
Let thy redeeming pow'r Be with me ev'ry hour.
Be thou my safety tow'r. Guide me to thee.

When strife and sin arise, Guide me to thee.
When tears bedim my eyes, Guide me to thee.
When hopes are crushed and dead, When earthly joys are fled,
Thy glory round me shed. Guide me to thee.

When silent death draws near, Guide me to thee.
Calm thou my trembling fear. Guide me to thee.
Let me thy mercy prove. Let thy enduring love
Guide me to heav'n above. Guide me to thee.


The world follows a different path and priorities, but I know we will be happy as we follow Him!!  I loved a thought brought up by our Sunday School teacher today while we were discussing Timothy and Titus and how to finish our course with faith.  She mentioned 1 Timothy 1:6, "some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;"  What a phrase - "vain jangling"!!  ;)  It paints a picture in my mind and turns me back to the words of this song and prayer - "Guide me to Thee"!!

I'm also reminded of a quote I read recently by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin.  He shares an example from the life of President Heber J. Grant:  "A few weeks before President Heber J. Grant passed away, one of the Brethren went to visit him in his home. Before the man left, President Grant prayed, “O God, bless me that I shall not lose my testimony and keep faithful to the end!” Can you imagine President Grant, one of the great prophets of the Restoration, the President of the Church for nearly 27 years, praying that he would keep faithful to the end?  No one is immune from Satan’s influence and temptations. Do not be so proud to think that you are beyond the adversary’s influence. Be watchful that you do not fall prey to his deceptions. Stay close to the Lord through daily scripture study and daily prayer. We cannot afford to sit back and take our salvation for granted. We must be anxiously engaged our whole lives."

Fall

My favorite thing in the fall - running to the mountains to catch the "golden hour."  :)

Stomach Tied in Knots

It's a real thing.  I seriously felt like my appendix might be bursting or something worse.  Apparently there are a few things that can cause knots.  Buying a house is one of them.  ;)

PS - They were gone 48 hours after I signed the papers.  Phew!!

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.

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.  ;)

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

Christ's Atonement is Central to the Plan of Happiness

Everyone needs to watch this short three-minute video:
Elder Holland's testimony from the Garden of Gethsemane of Christ's Atonement.

This is what it's ALL about!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Sunday my heart is full.....of gratitude, and peace, and clearer understanding of the importance and centrality and hope and blessings of the sacrifice and Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  I loved studying our study school lesson today - The Atonement.  I recommend it and have more to learn and study myself, but am grateful for the peace I've felt in remembering how important it is to turn to our Savior, Jesus Christ in everything.  He can heal us.  He is hope.  He is the way.  He is the truth and the life.  He and His Atonement are central to everything that brings happiness in our lives now and forever.

The Work

I'm grateful for the strength and ability and opportunity to work....to try to make a meaningful contribution in the world....for good!  After a couple of full weeks and days I've been feeling a bit tired, but also invigorated.

Two thoughts about work came into my mind today...

The Prophet Joseph Smith said, "The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done” (History of the Church, 4:540).

Obviously there's more work to do because He hasn't said that it's done yet.  :)  That's exciting and motivating to me!  I can feel His hastening of His work.

Tonight I walked into the temple feeling a bit weighed down by responsibilities and felt immediate peace.  Then I recognized the music being played on the organ as this beautiful sacrament hymn connecting in my mind the importance of doing the work He gives us!

Behold the Great Redeemer Die
Behold the great Redeemer die, A broken law to satisfy.
He dies a sacrifice for sin, That man may live and glory win.

While guilty men his pains deride, They pierce his hands and feet and side;
And with insulting scoffs and scorns, They crown his head with plaited thorns.

Although in agony he hung, No murm'ring word escaped his tongue.
His high commission to fulfill, He magnified his Father's will.
"Father, from me remove this cup. Yet, if thou wilt, I'll drink it up.

I've done the work thou gavest me; Receive my spirit unto thee."

He died, and at the awful sight The sun in shame withdrew its light!
Earth trembled, and all nature sighed, In dread response, "A God has died!"
He lives--he lives. We humbly now Around these sacred symbols bow

And seek, as Saints of latter days, To do his will and live his praise.

I'm grateful for the temple.  I'm grateful for His work, for His love.  I know that He sustains us as we desire and WORK to do His will!  <3

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.