The Right Way is to Believe in Christ

I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my testimony today of our Savior Jesus Christ, His mission, His ministry, and His gospel… and the hope that it brings each one of us. 

Twenty years ago, this very day, was my first full day in the mission field.  I was on the other side of the world and excited to learn and to share.  I was humbled, and overwhelmed, and felt inadequate, but I was full of faith in Him and grateful for the message of joy and hope we were sharing.  Of the places I've visited and people I've met in my life since then, Korea and Koreans still hold a special place in my heart. ;)

One thing I heard a number of times as a missionary, and something I'm sure many of you have heard in other places and situations in your life (and maybe increasingly so today), is the idea that... all roads lead to the top of the mountain... it doesn't really matter which one you take or what you believe.  As someone who enjoys hiking, I don't mind a new trail every now and then, but today I'd like to share with you my firm testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ who truly is "THE way, the truth, and the life."[i]

As I was turning the page in the Come, Follow Me manual last week (after having studied Moroni 1-6), I noticed that the title of the lesson for those chapters was… "to keep them in the right way."  I hadn't focused on that phrase in my study, but it caught my attention because I had just read 2 Nephi 25:28-29, which says:  "... the right way is to believe in Christ and deny him not; for by denying him ye also deny the prophets and the law.  And now behold, I say unto you that the right way is to believe in Christ, and deny him not; and Christ is the Holy One of Israel; wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul."[ii]

This was also an important part of Moroni's message: "I, Moroni, will not deny the Christ... None were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end.... their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way..."[iii]

There are many things we think about and strive to do, even as disciples of Christ, but these verses helped remind me of the simple, plain, straight, and narrow way.  As we believe in Christ and deny Him not, we are "in the right way."  He will be the author and finisher of our faith.  As we press forward, steadfastly focused on Him, we can have eternal life.  I'm grateful to know that path, that trail, the right way... even Jesus Christ. 

So, what does it mean to believe in Jesus Christ and to deny Him not?  What does it mean to take His name upon us and serve him with determination to the end?  I think for each one of us there may be a slightly different answer in any given moment... something the Spirit teaches us to focus on... but, in general, I think believing in Christ includes…  

·         learning of Him (who He is, what He does, why He does it), 

·         striving to hear His words and the voice of the prophets,

·         seeking and following the Spirit’s direction,

·         keeping His commandments,

·         remembering Him always,

·         making and keeping covenants,

·         having a broken heart and a contrite spirit,

·         humbly striving to know and do His will,

·         looking for His hand, His handiwork, and His miracles all around us,

·         acknowledging His blessings, His grace, His mercy, His justice,

·         desiring to follow Him,

·         repenting,

·         coming to Him with our concerns,

·         trusting Him and relying on Him,

·         courageously standing as a witness of Him and His goodness,

·         not losing hope in His promises to us,

·         avoiding distractions and keeping Him the focus and most important priority in our lives,

·         rejoicing in Him,

·         sharing our hope in Him with others,

·         looking for ways to love and minister,

·         going about doing good,

·         working diligently,

·         remembering the great things He has done for us and those that have gone before,

·         praying always,

·         giving thanks in all things,

·         inviting others to come to Him,

·         and remaining steadfast in faith in Him.

President Nelson gave a talk at BYU in August 1998 titled "Gratitude for the Mission and Ministry of Jesus Christ.”  In this talk he identifies our Savior’s two objectives as (1) His mission and (2) His ministry.  President Nelson teaches that Jesus’ mission was His Atonement.  He refers to 3 Nephi 27:13-14 as the Lord’s mission statement, when Jesus said: “I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me. And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me.”

I love that clarity!  Jesus' mission was the Atonement; it was why He came to earth.  Isaiah reminds us that “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”[iv]  Without Jesus fulfilling His mission there would be no hope for us.  But He did and there is hope!  He is hope! 

Prophets had this hope before Jesus was born.  I love King Benjamin’s testimony of the Savior’s mission.  In Mosiah 3, he shares with his people what an angel taught him.  The angel said: “I am come to declare unto you the glad tidings of great joy… For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases… And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people. And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning… And lo, he cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the children of men even through faith on his name; … And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.”[v]

The angel’s teachings not only testify of the Savior’s Atonement, but also Jesus’ second objective that President Nelson identifies as His ministry.  Beyond His mission of the Atonement, Jesus also offered an example of the importance of love, ordinances, prayer, knowledge, and enduring to the end.  After discussing each of these, President Nelson says this:  "Surely the best evidence of our adoration of Jesus is our emulation of him."[vi]  I love that!  Jesus Christ is the only way.  He also showed us the way.  The best way we can show our love for Him is by trying to follow Him and be like Him. 

I appreciated the #LighttheWorld invitation earlier this month to identify Christlike examples around us.  That invitation helped me pause to think about some of the attributes and characteristics of the Savior and then recognize where I see them in others.  It also made me think about what it means to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ. 

Jesus Christ heals, He is an advocate and mediator, He offers peace, He finds stillness, He creates beauty, He is obedient, He is humble, He is kind, He is steadfast and immovable, He is meek, He is merciful, He is just, He feeds the hungry, He visits the sick, He sits with one person, He listens, He teaches, He sees people and their needs, He helps others see, He gives His time, He has compassion, He blesses, He prays, He seeks to know and do His Father’s will, He calms, He forgives, He waits patiently, He cheers, He frees us, He fulfills, He calls, He softens hearts, He cares, He mourns with friends, He comforts, He strengthens, He eases burdens, He gathers people, He remembers, He loves, He touches, He walks with us, He comes, He invites us to come, He brings light, He leads, He delivers, and He lifts us up! 

These are also characteristics I observe in family members, friends, and others…  

·       I will never forget a sweet experience I had when visiting my brother’s family in New York City a few years ago.  We were on the subway and someone on our car was asking for money.  Most were ignoring this man’s pleas.  My sweet 4-year-old nephew happened to have a dime or a nickel in his hand and kept watching this man with real concern.  He didn’t say anything but turned to look at his mom a couple of times and after a few seconds of thinking about what to do, he walked across the car and handed this coin to this man.  Suddenly everyone seemed to be paying attention.  The spirit in that entire section of the car was lifted.  This man and everyone nearby couldn’t help but smile.  Obviously, this dime or nickel wasn’t going to save him, but someone seeing him seemed to bless all of us.

·       I also think of my sister and brother-in-law who show up when they know I need help—whether that’s spending a couple of hours putting together a treadmill or bringing their children by to brighten my day from the car windows. 

·       I think of my parents who share light with everyone on their path—whether that’s listening to me, being positive and kind to everyone they meet, or sharing with others.

·       I think of my aunt who had brain surgery earlier this year.  Things haven’t gone as smoothly as she’d hoped, but she continues forward rejoicing in the Lord and His goodness.

·       I think of friends who pray for each other and send uplifting and encouraging text messages.

·       I think of health care and other essential workers this year who have offered kindness and hope in difficult times.

I'm grateful for good examples.  I'm grateful for His example and goodness.  I hope we can each see people around us being like Jesus and maybe even share with them those Christlike attributes we observe.  Then, with His help, we can work to incorporate these attributes and characteristics in our lives, too.  Like Moroni invited us this week, we can “pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that [we] may be filled with [His] love.”[vii]

In October 2017, Elder Christofferson taught, “As we partake of the sacramental bread and water… we would do well to consider how fully and completely we must incorporate His character and the pattern of His sinless life into our life and being… We cannot be content to remain as we are but must be moving constantly toward ‘the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.’”[viii]  And President Howard W. Hunter once taught, “The real Christmas comes to him who has taken Christ into his life as a moving, dynamic, vitalizing force.”[ix]  

In the last general conference Elder Scott D. Whiting taught, “Becoming as Jesus Christ is will require changing our hearts and minds, indeed, our very character, and doing so is possible only through the saving grace of Jesus Christ… Christlike attributes are gifts from a loving Heavenly Father to bless us and those around us. Accordingly, our efforts to obtain these attributes will require heartfelt pleas for His divine assistance.”[x]

President Hunter gave some wonderful examples of becoming more like Jesus Christ, when he invited us in a 1994 Christmas message to… “Mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again.”[xi]

All of these are examples of believing in Christ and denying Him not, helping us to “stay in the right way.” 

I love the Book of Mormon and the powerful witness it provides that Jesus is the Christ!  During this uniquely challenging year, I have been so grateful to be studying it more deeply.  Its teachings of Jesus Christ and His mission and His ministry have provided peace and direction and an increase of the Spirit in my life. 

I’d like to close today with the beautiful story of Christmas as told in 3 Nephi 1.  Here we find powerful examples of people who, like Moroni, would not deny the Christ.  They were watching for the sign of Jesus’ birth here on the American continent: “Behold, they did watch steadfastly for that day and that night and that day which should be as one day as if there were no night...  Now it came to pass that there was a day set apart by the unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be put to death except the sign should come to pass, which had been given by Samuel the prophet. Now… when Nephi... saw this wickedness of his people, his heart was exceedingly sorrowful. And… he went out and bowed himself down upon the earth, and cried mightily to his God in behalf of his people, yea, those who were about to be destroyed because of their faith… And it came to pass that he cried mightily unto the Lord all that day; and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying: Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.”[xii]

In April 2017, President Nelson taught, “True disciples of Jesus Christ are willing to stand out, speak up, and be different from the people of the world.  They are undaunted, devoted, and courageous… There is nothing easy or automatic about becoming such powerful disciples.  Our focus must be riveted on the Savior and His gospel.  It is mentally rigorous to strive to look unto Him in every thought.  But, when we do, our doubts and fears flee.”[xiii]

I testify that Jesus Christ did come.  He was born in a humble place.  He came to do the Father’s will.  He came to save all of us.  He came to provide the way for us to return home to our Heavenly Father.  He came to set an example for us to follow.  We can find joy and peace as we diligently strive to follow Him, stand as witnesses of Him, and share the blessings of His gospel and our Heavenly Father’s plan with others.  He invites each one of us to come unto Him.  When we do, He promises to walk with us and show us the way.  I know He lives and loves us.  I know He is the way, the truth, and the life and that every good thing comes from Him, and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

---

[i] John 14:6.

[ii] 2 Nephi 25:28-29.

[iii] Moroni 1:4, 6:3-4.

[iv] Isaiah 53:6.

[v] Mosiah 3:2-17.

[vi] Russell M. Nelson, “Gratitude for the Mission and Ministry of Jesus Christ,” BYU Devotional, Aug. 18, 1998.

[vii] Moroni 7:48.

[viii] D. Todd Christofferson, “The Living Bread Which Came Down from Heaven,” General Conference, Oct. 2017.

[ix] Howard W. Hunter, “The Real Christmas,” BYU Devotional, Dec. 5, 1972.

[x] Scott D. Whiting, “Becoming like Him,” General Conference, Oct. 2020.

[xi] Howard W. Hunter, “The Gifts of Christmas,” First Presidency Christmas Devotional, Dec. 4, 1994.

[xii] 3 Nephi 1:8-13.

[xiii]  Russell M. Nelson, “Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives,” General Conference, Apr. 2017.

"Bid thine heart all strife to cease"

I've been a little MIA here this year... not because I don't have time or desire or things to record and share.  Hopefully sometime I'll catch up with all (or some) of the interesting, stretching, stressful, exciting, exhausting, and unique blessings and challenges of #2020.

But today I feel like I need to record and share a sweet blessing of guidance and peace.  I've tried to be very careful and cautious with my interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic.  I usually enjoy my quiet time at home, but there's probably been more than even I can handle this year. ;)  I've been grateful, but a little nervous (especially with particularly high case numbers lately) to return to Church meetings in person.  I feel like I'm constantly reevaluating risk factors and trust levels and even faith as I leave my house.

I enjoyed Sunday School online this morning discussing the brother of Jared's faith and example of commending himself unto the Lord. I was planning to watch our worship service online as well, even though I was actually on the invitation list for the first time in about a month to attend in person.  As the time for church grew closer I was more and more uncomfortable with that decision and jumped in my car a few minutes before the meeting was scheduled to begin.  There were a few things that helped me realize I did need to be there, the most important being the chance to partake of the sacrament (for the first time in a month).

I am very grateful for this opportunity to take His name upon me, always remember Him, and keep His commandments, with the promise that His Spirit can be with me.  These promises and blessings are something I've learned to appreciate in a new way this year.  In preparation to partake of the sacrament today we sang “Reverently and Meekly Now,” a beautiful hymn written as if the Savior was speaking to us directly and individually.  The third verse really touched me today:

Bid thine heart all strife to cease; With thy brethren be at peace.
Oh, forgive as thou wouldst be E’en forgiven now by me.
In the solemn faith of prayer Cast upon me all thy care,
And my Spirit’s grace shall be Like a fountain unto thee.

He is the One that can make strife cease.  We can cast on Him all our care.  His Spirit is a fountain of grace.  I'm very grateful for that reminder and the Lord's love and goodness that is for each of us willing to come to Him.

2019 in Review

2019 was pretty great! I accomplished some goals, learned some things, grew a bit, had some fun, and also found new opportunities and direction along the way. Here are a few highlights....

Family / Relationships
I loved spending time with family this year and had quite a few chances.  

• Although I missed the spontaneous family trip to Disneyland in April, I did get to spend a weekend in Carlsbad in March with Matt's family.  
• I made a weekend trip up to Washington at the end of April to see Josh and Kirsten and the Skagit Valley tulips.  
• Many of us gathered together in Utah at the beginning of May to celebrate Grandma Morgan who passed away at the end of April.  She was and is such a blessing in my life.  I learned so much from her and will always remember her happiness, kindness, and love for everyone.  I'm glad I had so many opportunities to spend meaningful time with her in the mountains and beyond.  I miss her, but am grateful for so many happy memories together.
• The same weekend in May we celebrated Mason's baptism.  
• Cari and I (and usually Mason or any of the rest of her family that was willing) spent time hiking together in all the seasons.  Josh and Kirsten stopped by for a few days too and we went to Lake Blanche mostly together (when I could keep up).  Dad is always a willing and encouraging hiking companion when he's in town.
• Matt and Josh surprised me for my birthday and came to hike the Tetons with me and Cari and Mom and Dad.  It was a really sweet weekend.  
• I made another trip to Washington in September for Noah's baptism and Harry's blessing.  It was fun to meet the newest nephew (who is darling!!!) and spend time together in Washington (it's a great place to have two brothers). ;)  
• We all got to be together in St. George and Lehi for Thanksgiving this year.  It was really nice to all be together for a few days.  

I tried to spend a little more one-on-one time with the nieces and nephews this year.  Kayla and I went to In-N-Out to celebrate her elementary school graduation!  Kai and I had fun learning quite a few spelling words together.  Mason and I enjoyed hiking together to Lake Desolation (8 miles... he's a good little hiker!).  Hailey and I have fun doing whatever Hailey's doing.  ;)  She always makes me smile.  Noah inspired me with his football knowledge and catching.  Henri and I wrote notes together at Thanksgiving and he was my best helper with the Thanksgiving puzzle.  Charlie (or Captain America, that day) and I hiked up Rattlesnake Ridge (it was kind of a highlight to see how he'd make everyone smile).  Harry is the sweetest thing--love him!  I need to spend more time with him and am grateful for Marco Polo. ;)

I enjoyed catching up with old friends and roommates who came to town, traveling or hiking or celebrating Chinese new year with other friends, and building meaningful relationships with friends in my neighborhood that I met with regularly to study the scriptures and the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I've learned and grown much at work this year and am grateful for dear friends and mentors and leaders there.  I celebrated weddings and new babies with some friends and mourned with another who lost her father suddenly.  I was grateful to be able to get together with our "Loto Taha family" in December.  Relationships truly are such a blessing and purpose of life!

Traveling 

2019 was a good year for travel!  Here are some of the adventures...

• Australia / New Zealand - This year's travel highlight was Australia and New Zealand in February. It was WONDERFUL! My friend Kat and I visited Sydney where we walked across the harbor bridge and around the harbor, including the Opera House. We took a ferry to Manly and walked around the beaches there, too. We went to church at a Tongan ward and then flew to Queenstown, New Zealand (South Island). We stayed in a great little airbnb and explored the city for a couple of days. Then we spent a couple of nights in Te Auna where we did part of the Kepler Track, and the Routeburn Track, and cruised the Milford Sound. We saw lots of sheep, waterfalls, and gorgeous landscapes. Then we flew to Melbourne where we did a temple session and drove the Great Ocean Road. We stayed in Lorne near the beginning of the road for two nights. The Twelve Apostles were quite impressive. It was a fantastic trip! I'd love to spend a lot more time in New Zealand some day.
• Carlsbad, California - I spent a nice weekend in Carlsbad while Matt's family was living there in March. It was lovely! We could walk to the beach from their house. We spent time in the tide pools, seeing the La Jolla sea lions, and walking around Torrey Pines.
• Kirkland and Snoqualmie, Washington - I made it to Washington twice this year, once at the end of April to visit Josh and Kirsten and see the tulips in Skagit Valley (BEAUTIFUL! Highlight! Must see!); and once in September for Noah's baptism and Harry's baby blessing (wonderful!).
• NORTH DAKOTA - I made it to my fiftieth state, North Dakota, over Memorial Day. It was actually very nice. My friend Melanie and I flew to Bismarck, did a temple session, looked around the state capital, and then drove to Dickinson. We walked around a little bit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and then went on to visit Devil's Tower. We attended church in Casper, Wyoming before stopping along the pioneer trail sites on the drive home--Independence Rock, Martin's Cove, 6th Crossing of the Sweetwater, and Rock Creek Hollow. These were special places I was grateful to see!
• Driggs to Jenny Lake - I celebrate my fortieth birthday hiking 23 miles from Driggs to Jenny Lake with Dad, Cari, Matt, and Josh. One of my very favorite hikes and one of the most beautiful places in the world! I've now done it four times and hope to do it again sometime in my life. Mom was a patient driver and supporter. It was a really fun day (expect for the last three miles of blisters). It was nice to spend a long weekend with my parents and siblings. I'm grateful for their support and encouragement throughout life.
• St. George - I made it to St. George twice this year, for Thanksgiving (with the whole family) and for Christmas (with Mom and Dad). It's a great place to get away to when there's time.

Reading
This year I read the Book of Mormon and the New Testament. This has been my most important reading and study this year. I've loved learning about the Savior! It has changed me. I feel like I know Him better. I want to continue to learn and focus on Him. I know He lives and loves us. I've had the chance to study with family and friends throughout the year which has helped me learn and apply even more.  

In addition to this study, I read 102 books. Here are some of my favorites (in no particular order):

• A Republic, If You Can Keep It by Neil Gorsuch
• Free to Believe: The Battle Over Religious Freedom in America by Luke Goodrich
• Witness for His Names by Jeffrey R. Holland
• His Holy Name by Dallin H. Oaks
• The Priesthood Power of Women by Barbara Morgan Gardner
• L. Tom Perry: An Uncommon Life, Vol. 2 by Lee Tom Perry
• The Second Mountain by David Brooks
• Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin
• From Heart to Heart by Russell M. Nelson
• The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim DeFede
• This is Where You Belong by Melody Warnick
• The Divine Center by Steven R. Covey
• Listening is An Act of Love by Dave Isay
• The Mortal Messiah, Book 4 by Bruce R, McConkie
• Crossings by Melissa Inouye
• The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart
• Insights from a Prophet's Life: Russell M. Nelson by Sheri Dew
• Follow Me to Zion: Stories from the Willie Handcart Pioneers by Andrew D. Olsen
• Love Your Enemies by Arthur C. Brooks
• Daughter of Moloka'i by Alan Brennert
• The Prosperity Paradox by Clayton M. Christensen
• Learning in the Light of Faith by Henry B. Eyring
• Grace Works by Robert Millet
• Where We Belong by Lynn Austin
• Keepers of the Covenant by Lynn Austin
• Blessed by Lloyd D. Newell
• Faith is Not Blind by Bruce C. Hafen
• An Early Resurrection by Adam S. Miller
• First Principles and Ordinances by Samuel Morris Brown
• The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
• What a Friend We Have in Jesus by Chieko Okazaki
• A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner
• Handcarts to Zion by Leroy R. Hafen
• Silent Souls Weeping by Jane Clayson Johnson
• Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver
• Wishtree by Kathrine Applegate

Service / Learning / Other Exploring

• Temples - This year I attended three new temples - Melbourne Australia, Bismarck North Dakota, and Las Vegas Nevada. I'm grateful for the blessings of the temple in my life!
• Service - I was a hostess again at the Festival of Trees in December. I found a few causes to support for Christmas and want to be more involved in the community in 2020.
• Church - I have loved teaching Sunday School this year and learning about the Savior's life and teachings in the New Testament. One of the greatest blessings of my life this year has been a consistent Come, Follow Me study group.
• Fitness and Nature - I was a little more social with my fitness goals this year. For about six months of the year I was pretty consistent working out at my gym before work with a friend. I also found friends and family to take hiking quite a bit this year which was nice. I made it to Desolation Lake, the Snowbird Tram, Albion Basin, Lake Blanche, Willow Heights Lake, Driggs to Jenny Lake via Alaska Basin and Cascade Canyon, and lots of the Draper trails.

I'm grateful for another year. Life is great!

"For now we see through a glass darkly"

The last few months a phrase from 1 Corinthians 13:12 has taken on new meaning for me.  "For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." This verse is surrounded by faith, hope, and charity; characteristics of the Savior. 

This verse is descriptive in a way that I can relate to well.  I've never had wonderful eyesight, but with glasses since I was three and dependable contacts since I was fourteen, I've almost forgotten how blurry things can get.  The last couple of months, probably to celebrate my 40th birthday, I've been seeing more as this scripture describes.  Our eyes really are amazing things!  It's remarkable that there are glasses and contacts and eye drops and surgeries that can help so well, but there's not always a solution and sometimes we either have to trust and/or get used to the new normal.  What I love about this verse most is the reminder that ultimately our Heavenly Father is the one that can truly see things as they are and it's important to try to know Him. ;)  He can help us see clearly.  I wonder if sometimes blurred physical vision might actually be a blessing that helps us to remember to trust in and rely on Him and His goodness and miracles and purposes and really look for Him!!  Maybe we can see Him better if we aren't distracted by things of this world, as beautiful as they might be. 

As frustrating as it is to "see through a glass darkly," I think He's asking us to truly seek Him, see Him, know Him. This year, one of the things that has brought me the most joy has been studying the New Testament. My heart has changed and grown nearly three sizes, I think.  I've always loved the scriptures.  I have great memories of reading and learning with family and friends growing up.  This year I found added light and love and purpose.  I've learned to love our Savior, Jesus Christ, even more.  I feel like I know Him a little bit better.  He is kind, loving, merciful, and just.  He is real and He is present.  He is the Good Shepherd, the Light and Life and Hope of the world, the Prince of Peace, our Advocate, Savior, Deliverer, and Redeemer.

Some of my favorite stories about Him this year include His interactions with the children, the blind man on His path (and Elder Holland's timely reference to this same man in general conference in October made me cry), the widow who gave her two mites, the rich young ruler, the woman at the well, Mary and Martha, Peter, Paul, and each of the disciples.  But I think I loved most of all how He constantly teaches us about our Heavenly Father and His great love and plan and purpose and will (see John 5:17, 30).

A few other verses and phrases I've loved include the following:

• What seek ye? (John 1:38; Matthew 6:19-21, 33; 1 Nephi 10:17-19)
• Ask, God gives good gifts (Matthew 6:8; Luke 11:9-13)
• Go to a solitary place (Mark 1:35)
• Know Him (Matthew 7:22-23; Mosiah 26:22-30)
• Who hath ears to hear, let Him hear... walk by faith not sight... see as He sees (Mark 10:21)
• He is risen! Rejoice!  Come and see, go and tell (Matthew 28:5-10, Philippians 4:4)
• Be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15)
• What is eternal life? How do we obtain it? What lack I yet? (D&C 14:7; John 17:3; Luke 18:18)
• Be as children (Mark 10:13-16)
• Love the Lord, give all (Luke 21:1-4)
• What would you have me do? (Acts 9:6–8)
• A minister and a witness (Acts 22:15a and 26:16b)
• Be of good cheer, believe God! (Acts 27:25)
• If God be for us, who can be against us? Nothing separates us from love of God (Romans 8:31, 35-37)
• Put the law in your hearts (Hebrews 10:16)
• Cast not away your confidence, receive promises; see them far off (Hebrews 10:35-36; 11:13)
• Run with patience the race set before us, look to Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2)
• Overcome by blood of the Lamb and word of testimonies (JST Revelations 12:11)
• Do the Lord's will, fulfill mission (Rev. 10:9-10)
• He stands at the door and knocks (Revelations 3:20)
• Blessing, honour, glory, power to the Lamb for ever and ever! (Revelations 5:12-13)

A few other words and ideas I feel like I heard over and over... unity, peace, humility, revelation, courage, loyalty, abundance, gentle, dear to us, holy, walk with God, love, continue, abide.... and the reminder to see and hear and know... Matthew 11:7-11, 15 is beautiful. "And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he... He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."  Later in Matthew 13:13-16 where the Savior is teaching the Parable of the Sower, He says more about why He speaks in parables and how we need to open our eyes and ears and hearts in order to be converted and healed by Him.

I want to see, I want to hear, I want to understand, I want to know.  My prayers lately have been, "Dear Father, please help me to be able to see what I need to see."  He answers those prayers. :)

There's a Christmas song that seems to go along with this message...
“Do you see what I see… Do you hear what I hear…”

I don't see and know a lot, but what I do see and hear and understand brings me great joy and makes me want to shout... "Hark, now hear the angels sing!  A new King's born today, and we will live forever more because of Christmas day."

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

“Break forth into joy, sing together…for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God” (Mosiah 15:30-31).

“Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel” (Alma 26:16).

"Jesus, our only joy be thou, As thou our prize wilt be;
Jesus, be thou our glory now, And thru eternity."

"Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light."

Although we can't see everything now, we can have faith and rejoice in Jesus who will help us to see, and bring us goodness and light in the meantime. ;)

40!

I made it over the hill, 23 miles of hill, one of my favorite hills in fact.  I'm grateful for my family that helped me get there.  To be honest, thinking of turning 40 was hard for me.  My family was very sweet and helped plan something they knew I would love--hiking and being with them in one of my favorite places! ;)

With my very patient and kind mother as the driver and goodie bag party planner and best supporter, my dad and three siblings and I set out on Saturday, August 31 for an all-day hike from Driggs, Idaho to Jenny Lake, Wyoming.  This same group of five did this same hike together 15 years earlier.  It was fun to be together to do it again.  It was as great as I remembered, with just a few more blisters.  It's a beautiful walk up to the Teton Crest Trail and Alaska Basin, right past the Grand Teton, and then down Cascade Canyon into Teton National Park.

I'm grateful for thoughtful and generous parents, supportive siblings, and a kind brother-in-law and sisters-in-law who not only helped make this adventure happen, but are always so kind and supportive and loving along this whole adventure called life.  It's such a blessing to have such a fun, happy, willing, and good team helping to encourage and lift and cheer all along the way! ;)

50!!

I made it... to all 50 states in the United States of America!  I'm grateful for opportunities I've had to travel and explore and visit so many wonderful places and to live in such an incredible country!  Some of these places I saw when I was young and traveling with my parents back and forth across the country, but many of them I've seen in the last 15 years or so.  My last trip was on purpose to North Dakota... it's harder to pass through on your way somewhere.  ;)  And it was lovely!  Here are some of the highlights and my favorite things about each state (the states in bold are states I've lived in)...

• (AL) Alabama - I don't remember this family trip across the country from Connecticut to Colorado in 1982, but I did travel through. ;)
• (AK) Alaska - Anchorage, Alyeska, Seward, Denali... mountains and animals and flowers and fall in August.  I probably hiked at least 50 miles on 10 trails in a week.  STUNNING!
• (AZ) Arizona - Grand Canyon, Phoenix, Page.  I've made a few trips to and through Arizona over the years.  I think my most memorable adventure was hiking rim to rim of the Grand Canyon in 2009.  Beautiful!  I also loved my trip to Phoenix for a temple tour with Cari in 2017.
• (AR) Arkansas - I drove through the whole state across I-40 in one dry lightning storm of a night in 2012.  I should probably visit some sites off the interstate in the daylight. ;)
• (CA) California - I lived in Los Angeles for a summer as an almost one-year-old and have had many opportunities to go back... Yosemite, San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, the Redwoods, Disneyland, Huntington Beach, San Diego, and Carlsbad to name a few.
• (CO) Colorado - I lived in Colorado Springs for five years (from three to eight years old).  It's where I went to kindergarten, where I was baptized, and where I spent a lot of time in the mountains with my family.  I still have a few pictures in my mind of our neighborhood, my school, and life in Colorado.  We had a view of Pike's Peak directly outside our living room window.  I've loved "America the Beautiful" ever since.
• (CT) Connecticut - I lived in Stamford, Connecticut for six months as a three-year old and I can still remember and have pictures in my head of driving through the fall leaves to get to friends' houses along the Merritt Parkway.  We picked the right six months to live in Connecticut. ;)
• (DC) - Okay, it's not official a state, but I lived there, two blocks from the Capitol, for three months, so it more than counts and is the cherry on top!  ;)  I really love Washington, D.C.!  Living within running distance of the monuments for a summer was magical!
• (DE) Delaware - I've mostly just traveled through Delaware on my way to or from other places
• (FL) Florida - This is a place I need to return to.  We passed through on our drive from Connecticut to Colorado in 1982.  
• (GA) Georgia - I visited Georgia as a little girl, but the trip I remember was in 2002 for my cousin's wedding.  We saw Stone Mountain, the Appalachian Trail, Atlanta, and Gainesville.
• (HI) Hawaii - This is home.  My growing up years from 8 to 18 were spent in Kailua on Oahu.  Paradise!  Grateful!  Yep, people do live there and we actually took FULL advantage of the beach and the mountains nearby.  "I'll never forget where I'm from." ;)
• (ID) Idaho - I've made quite a few trips through Idaho... to and from Rexburg, to and from the Tetons, to and from the PNW.  I could live and retire in Idaho... one of those mountain towns near Wyoming. ;)
• (IL) Illinois - We visited Chicago as a family on one of the hottest days of the year in 1999.  Then we went on to Carthage and Nauvoo.  It was a special trip.  I've been back to Chicago a few times since for work trips--walking around the city, attending the temple, eating pizza.  
• (IN) Indiana - My best memory of Indiana was staying with cousins in Indianapolis on my way to Washington, DC in 2010.
• (IA) Iowa - I love the Iowa cornfields.  That's what I remember about Iowa... driving for a long time... seeing the cornfields... and looking for the baseball field.  ;)
• (KS) Kansas - I remember driving across Kansas a few times, grateful the storms weren't coming our way.
• (KY) Kentucky - This is one I only saw as a kid.  I drove through with my parents in 1981.
• (LA) Louisiana - We drove through on our way from Connecticut to Colorado in 1982.
• (ME) Maine - York Beach, Maine.  We finished up a fun family trip to New York City and Boston at York Beach, Maine in 2005.
• (MD) Maryland - Kensington, Maryland was a weekly visit while I lived in D.C.  I loved being in the temple there.  One of my most memorable visits to Maryland though was visiting Fort McHenry in 1992.  I loved seeing the place where "The Star Spangled Banner" was written.
• (MA) Massachusetts - I really love Boston!  We visited when I was little and as a whole family in 2005.  I went back in 2009 and 2011 with friends.  I love the history, the Freedom Trail, Boston Common, the Charles River, Harvard, the Old North Church, Lexington and Concord.  I took the T and walked in the pouring rain to the temple in 2009.  It was a great adventure!
• (MI) Michigan - We drove through here on our way from Washington to Connecticut in 1982.
• (MN) Minnesota - We drove through here on our way from Washington to Connecticut in 1982.  This is on my list to return to and explore more.
• (MS) Mississippi - This was also along our drive from Connecticut to Colorado in 1982.
• (MO) Missouri - I've visited Missouri twice.  Our family visited Liberty Jail, Adam-ondi-Ahman, and Independence in 1999.  It was memorable and wonderful!  I went back again with my parents in 2012, driving from Kansas City to St. Louis.  We visited both temples, saw Truman's library, Independence, Jefferson City, the Missouri River, Columbia, and the Gateway Arch. 
• (MT) Montana - I love Montana!  Glacier National Park is one of my favorites!  We spent several days hiking around as a family in 2002.  We saw bears, drove the "Going to the Sun" road (after a great ranger talk on how it was built), and continued on to Banff and Jasper, Canada.  Beautiful!
• (NE) Nebraska - I've driven through Nebraska a number of times, but none more memorable than the drive to Lincoln in August 2010 in pouring rain.  I was grateful for the hotel hot tub that night to relax after some white knuckle driving.  I've also spent a little bit of time in Omaha and Winter Quarters.
• (NV) Nevada - I've driven through and stayed a time or two.  Family trips to and through Las Vegas in 1994 and 2015 are probably highlights, and a friend's broken down car in Primm on the way home from Disneyland is another memory.  
• (NH) New Hampshire - We stayed in Franconia, New Hampshire for a night in 2005 and hiked in the White Mountains.  It was really beautiful and steep.  Those mountains seemed rockier than the ones I'm used to out West. ;)
• (NJ) New Jersey - I've mostly just driven through New Jersey to or from New York.
• (NM) New Mexico - We visited four corners while living in Colorado and I've driven through New Mexico a few times since.  I remember driving through Albuquerque on my way back from Washington, D.C. to Utah in 2012.
• (NY) New York - I really like New York!  I love the countryside and the city... Buffalo, Palmyra, New York City, Manhattan, Central Park, the Upper West Side, the Brooklyn Bridge.  Our family trip in 2005 to the city and Palmyra were great!  I made trips back to the city in 2011, 2017, and 2018.  I visited Palmyra for the Palmyra Pageant in 2011.  I visited Buffalo and Niagara Falls in 2012.  
• (NC) North Carolina - North Carolina is a big state.  I drove across the whole state in a day in February 2012 when moving to Utah from Washington, D.C., but not before spending a wonderful Presidents' Day weekend in the Outer Banks.  Beautiful!
• (ND) North Dakota - State #50 was a fun adventure.  I flew to Bismarck with a friend, visited the temple and the state capitol building before driving on to Dickinson and then visiting part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.  This is really a beautiful state and I've heard the sunflowers are incredible a little later in the year. ;)
• (OH) Ohio - I'd driven across Ohio a couple of times, but I flew to Cleveland in August 2012 to meet my parents who were traveling slowly across the country.  While my dad rode his bike, I spent the day in Kirtland with my mom.  It was wonderful!  We also saw Lake Erie and continued on to Buffalo and Niagara Falls.  This was a neat trip!
• (OK) Oklahoma - I drove across Oklahoma and I-40 in February 2012.
• (OR) Oregon - I really love Oregon.  Oregon is probably the state I've visited the most without ever living in.  It feels like another home, party because both of my brother's married girls from Oregon, so I've attended two weddings in the Portland Temple and had fun side trips each time.  We visited Bend, Eugene, Aloha.  I spent a week traveling along the whole Oregon Coast in 2008 which was beautiful!  I traveled back to Portland for work for a week in March 2011.  I love the bookstore, the rose garden, and the greenery. ;)
• (PA) Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania is really a historic and beautiful!  I've visited several times.  We visited Gettysburg as a family when I was little and again in 1992.  I returned to Gettysburg in 2009 and also visited Philadelphia.  We visited the Susquehanna River in 2005.  This is one of the most special places I've ever visited.  We spent a lot of time there (not only because we lost the car keys for a bit, but because it was so peaceful).  I spent a week in a small resort just outside of Uniontown in 2011 for work.  We visited one of Frank Lloyd Wright's homes there.  I returned to Philadelphia and the Susquehanna River and Priesthood Restoration Site in 2016 with some friends which was wonderful.  Philadelphia is full of wonderful history.  I loved visiting Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Reading Terminal, and the Schuylkill River.
• (RI) Rhode Island - We drove through Rhode Island in 2005 as a family.
• (SC) South Carolina - This was another home for three months as a child.  We lived in Lancaster.  I don't remember much, but my parents enjoyed the experience.
• (SD) South Dakota - We drove through here on our way from Washington to Connecticut in 1982.
• (TN) Tennessee - Tennessee is a long state.  I drove all the way across it one night in February 2012.
• (TX) Texas - Texas is a big state.  I think I made some other trips and probably need to make more, but my most recent and memorable trip was finally stopping in Amarillo to sleep after driving all the way from North Carolina while moving across the country. ;)
• (UT) Utah - I was born in Salt Lake City, Utah.  I lived my first two years in Provo while my dad was in graduate school and then six more years in Provo for my own college years.  I've now lived and worked in Salt Lake City for another twelve years, so that's a total of 20 years (or half my life) in Utah, through a variety of times and experiences.  I really do love Utah, the mountains, the people, the seasons, the school opportunities, the work opportunities, and it's where family is generally, so it's got my heart. ;)
• (VT) Vermont - We visited Sharon, Vermont (the birthplace of the Prophet Joseph Smith) as a family in 2005.  This was a beautiful and peaceful place!
• (VA) Virginia - I lived in Crystal City, Virginia for 18 months.  This is a special place.  I was still in running distance to the Washington, D.C. monuments.  Virginia and D.C. is where I learned to love to run.  I spent a lot of time on the metro and walking around the Crystal City area, along the Mount Vernon Trail, and even over to the Pentagon.
• (WA) Washington - I really love Washington!  I lived in Everett for a few months as a two-year-old, but learned to say Mukilteo. ;)  I've been back to visit many, many times and am grateful for family that lives just outside of Seattle and gets me back there often.  It's beautiful!  Some of my favorites include Olympic National Park, the San Juan Islands, Skagit Valley, Mount Rainier, the North Cascades, Pike's Market, Kerry Park, and Snoqualmie Falls.
• (WV) West Virginia - We visited Harper's Ferry in 1992.
• (WI) Wisconsin - We drove through Wisconsin on our way from Washington to Connecticut in 1982.
• (WY) Wyoming - I really love Wyoming--the Tetons, the Wind Rivers, Farson, Devil's Tower, Martin's Cove, the 6th Crossing of the Sweetwater, Rock Creek Hollow, Star Valley.  It's kind of amazing!

Explore. Dream. Discover.  There's more to see and explore, but I'm grateful for opportunities that have allowed me to see and enjoy so much of our wonderful country and look forward to seeing and learning more!

(Some day I'll have to go back and pick a favorite picture from every state, but for now here are a few I have handy on my phone from a few recent travels.)

Looking Forward to 2019

This year I need some goals.  I need to progress.  I need to accomplish something.  :)

I realize that anything I accomplish will be tied to my desires, so I've spent some time thinking about what I really want and need in my life (What seek ye? - see John 1:38 and Ether 12:41) and hope to connect my goals to these things, so that I'm able to accomplish the most meaningful good and improvement.

Desires:
* To know and love the Savior, Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father better, and have the constant guidance of the Holy Spirit.
* To learn and do His will, to build the kingdom of God, to help gather Israel, to fulfill my mission, to keep my covenants, to be ready, worthy, waiting, watching for the Savior’s return, the celestial kingdom, and eternal life, I want to be there--don't want to miss it!  This probably involves having a broken heart, a contrite spirit, and being humble enough every day to follow Him!
* To find an eternal companion, and build a happy marriage and family; find companionship, real friends, and build meaningful relationships; while always working to strengthen family relationships!
* To find truth, understanding, wisdom, peace, contentment, simplicity, clarity, direction, order, focus, purpose, meaning, happiness, joy.
* To find opportunities to learn, grow, progress, develop skills and talents, serve, help others, be useful and fruitful!
* To improve, repent, get ride of pride, be more selfless, more faithful, more thoughtful, more generous

Goals:
* Consistent faith-filled prayer.  Being more grateful, humble, full of love, and concern for others.
* Consistent meaningful study.  There is much I want to know and understand.  I want to work on gathering together in one the truth I learn.  I hope to find a consistent way to record what I learn, including a revelation/prayer journal, helping me to act on the things I learn and recognize progress in living the gospel better.  I'd like to continue my study of the standard works and the names, words, mission, and characteristics of Christ (including a focus on the Topical Guide and "The Living Christ").  I look forward to studying the New Testament and all of the Come, Follow Me resources for Sunday School this year.  I also plan to read the Book of Mormon at least twice focusing on a specific topic each time.  I'd like to read and study some selected BYU devotionals and continue to add to my favorite talks list, as I have time and hear good ones.  I also hope to find ways to have meaningful gospel discussions with family, friends, and others.

* Consistent meaningful service.  This year I want to find somewhere I can spend regular time helping others, besides the other things I hope to help my friends and family with, as needs arise.
* Consistent temple worship.  I feel like this hardly needs to be a goal--I love the temple and it's a great blessing to be there each week.  I hope to continue this habit and include more of my own family history work in the process.

* Learn, grow.  I hope to learn more this year, by reading and experiencing the world.  I plan to simplify my book reports a bit, but continue to read as much and to write.  I also plan to travel some and learn more about the world around me.  I had a pretty loose goal last year to work on improving my piano skills.  I'd like to be more focused on that and/or possibly Spanish this year.  There may be other gifts, talents, skills I can cultivate and I really want this to be a focus this year of using my time to learn and grow in the best ways and hopefully find joy in the process.  (I was inspired by President Eyring's art exhibit at the Church History Museum the last few months and how he used his "extra" to learn, create beauty, and find joy... I can limit social media and other distractions and do that too, in my own artist ways.)  I also plan to be a diligent journal keeper this year.  It's been a long time since I've been diligent in that regard and want to change.  And in all of these things that I learn, I hope to involve other people. ;)  Learning and growing in relationships is a key.  ;)

* Healthy lifestyle.  I hope, plan, intend to be more healthy this year--eating better, exercising more consistently, etc.  I may sign up for one race this year, I will definitely do a lot of hiking, but mostly I just want to work on being healthy--more water, less sugar and hopefully less weight.  ;)

* Side projects.  I don't know if saying these things out loud/writing them down officially will help them happen (making me more accountable) or jinx me, but I'd like to maybe create a blog or instagram page that's focused on sharing a reason for my hope (about the Savior and his gospel) each day (or so).  I'd also like to gather enough of my studying thoughts into one about some gospel principle that could become a poem and/or hymn.  And several have mentioned they'd like to see some of my instagram photos turned into a book.  Maybe I'll try to get serious about that in someway.  We'll see. ;)

Things I'm Looking Forward To:

I realize that in the past some of my "goals" were really just "things I'm looking forward to."  They're important and make life fun and you do have to plan to make them happen, so here's that list:
* Australia / New Zealand in February
* California in March
* Washington in April and September
* North Dakota + a few other highlights along the way in May/June
* St. George a few times
* Lots of hiking, to include a special all-day favorite in Idaho or Washington ("over the hill party")
* More temples
* Maybe someplace exciting for Christmas?

2018 in Review

2018... was a good year!  I worked towards some goals - I tried to simplify and build relationships.  I have a lot more work to do, but I think there was also some fun along the way.  Here are a few highlights of the year....

Traveling

• St. George - I made it to St. George three times this year - President's Day weekend, Labor Day weekend, and Christmas.  It's always nice to spend time with Mom and Dad and it's starting to feel more like a place I know and really quite like.
• Idaho - Cari and I went on our second annual sisters' trip in May.  We had a great time visiting two new temples - Star Valley and Idaho Falls.  I think I could for sure live in Star Valley.  I can see myself retiring to a little mountain town like that someday.  We also had a chance to spend a few hours in Rexburg where Cari had a fun time reminiscing.  
• Washington - I spent a few days with Mom and Dad as they drove up to visit Josh and Kirsten in Washington in July.  We stopped in the Tri-Cities area, went to the Columbia River Temple and explored the paths and sunset along the Columbia River.  We had a couple of days in Seattle to see Josh and Kirsten's favorite places and then several days together on the Olympic Peninsula.  Some of the highlights were the Sequim lavender fields, Port Angeles, Lake Crescent, sunset at Salt Creek looking across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Victoria, hiking Hurricane Hill, Sol Duc Falls, Marymere Falls, Rialto Beach, Second Beach, and Ruby Beach.  I flew home via Boise to make a stop at the Boise and Meridian temples on Pioneer Day.  It was a wonderful way to celebrate!
• Sundance - We spent a fun few days together with the whole family at a house in the mountains near Sundance in August.  It was wonderful to be together for talking, hiking, games, memories, and celebrating mom and dad's 40th anniversary (a little early).
• New York City / Washington, DC - It was a treat to spend a few days with Matt and Megan and their family in Manhattan in November, while Josh and Kirsten were also visiting.  We had a fun two days exploring the city--walking many miles together from the Brooklyn Bridge to Chinatown, Madison Square Park, Midtown, and all corners of Central Park and Riverside Park, listening to Josh quote lots of movies, enjoying the fall leaves and the Upper West Side.  Then I took the bus/train to/from Washington, D.C. for a couple of days.  It was wonderful to be back there, see some friends, spend time with Sarah and meet her darling twins, and walk around the Mall in the fall.  Highlight!

Reading
This year I read the Book of Mormon twice.  The first time through I studied about truth.  It's full of truth!!!  In a world that wonders where we can find truth this book is such a blessing!  The second time through I renewed my study of Jesus Christ, His names/titles, His words, His characteristics, and His mission (as President Nelson invited us to do by the end of the year), but I also focused on knowing the Lord's will for me.  I found a lot of direction and joy.  It was a great blessing to study these words.  I'm grateful for the power of the Book of Mormon in helping me draw closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ.  I'm looking forward to starting again.  I'm still working my way through the Old Testament, and look forward to jumping into the New Testament.  Just today I finished reading all of the General Conference talks since the year I was born (a project that I've been working on for about three years or so now... this year I read about 1,000 talks from 2001 to 2018).  I'm grateful for chances to learn and study.  I'm grateful for prophets in the land (anciently and this very day)!  Their words help me to focus on what's most important.  Here is a list of some of my favorites (that I intend to continue to add to).

In addition to this study, I read 75 books this year.  Here were some of my favorites (in no particular order): 

• The Standard of Truth by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• Teachings of President Russell M. Nelson
• Refugee by Alan Gratz
• A Proper Pursuit by Lynn Austin
• The Zookeeper's Secret by Jeffrey A. Thompson
• The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie
• Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
• Left Neglected by Lisa Genova
• Boundaries by Henry Cloud
• Reading People by Anne Bogel
• I'd Rather be Reading by Anne Bogel
• Everybody Always by Bob Goff
• Love Lives Here by Maria Goff
• As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner
• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
• Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist
• Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall
• Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
• How Not to Die by Michael Greger
• The Thing with Feathers by McCall Hoyle
• A Christ-Centered Christmas by Emily Freeman

Service / Learning / Other Exploring

• Temples - This year (in addition to weekly temple visits here in the Salt Lake valley) I attended five new temples - Star Valley Wyoming, Idaho Falls Idaho, Columbia River Washington, Boise Idaho, and Meridian Idaho.  I'm grateful for the blessings of the temple in my life!
• Service - I was a hostess again at the Festival of Trees in November.  I found a few causes to support for Christmas and look forward to dedicating more time to community service in 2019.
• Church - I was involved in my ward and participated in a lot of ministering visits this year. I have a testimony of the importance of reaching out and loving others.  I also had the chance the last few months to teach Sunday School.  It has been a great blessing to learn more about the Old Testament and share my testimony of the truth on a regular basis.  I love the scriptures and the covenants and promises that our Heavenly Father has made with His children since the beginning.  It's clear to me that we're living at a time that many prophets have seen and foretold.  I'm grateful to be here now and hope I'm doing my part.  I also enjoyed being part of our ward and stake choir.
• Fitness and Nature - I ran the Mount Nebo Half Marathon in August (just a month before much of that beautiful canyon was destroyed by a huge fire).  I also spent a good amount of time hiking, which always does my body and mind good.  Some of this year's favorites included the Bell Canyon Waterfall, Desolation Lake, Snowbird Tram, Albion Basin, the Draper trails, Stewart Falls, Lake Blanche, Willow Heights Lake (multiple, many times with a variety of friends and family), and (what's becoming somewhat of a Christmas Eve tradition) Observation Point.  
• Relationships - This was something I tried to focused on this year, but it's hard to measure or see progress.  I don't know how successful I've been, but I'm grateful for relationships, people--family and friends--that give life meaning.  I was able to spend time with all of my immediate family on multiple occasions this year, which was a great blessing.  I've tried to get to know new people.  I've spent more focused time on my relationship with Heavenly Father and the Savior.  I hope that each of these relationships can grow further in 2019.
• Other Events - It was fun to celebrate Paul Dean's wedding with the Loto Taha crew in July.  The rest of us that are here in Utah got together again in August.  What a great group of people, dear friends!  Sarah was cute and gathered some other great MPA friends in DC in November.  One of my favorite ways to talk and be with people this year was hiking.  I invited quite a few people to join me this year, where I'd usually go by myself, and had a great time!  The beautiful world, exercise, and good people--there's not much better.  I also tried to support and be a part of the lives of those I care about...funerals, sporting events, inspirational events, birthdays, etc.

I'm grateful for another year.  Life is great!

I love the Book of Mormon!

I love the Book of Mormon.  I know it's the word of God!  As I studied it most recently I have been reminded again of the importance of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  He is the only way to salvation and true happiness and joy.  He is here.  He loves us.  Our Heavenly Father sent Him because He loves us.  They have a plan.  They send prophets.  They send the Holy Spirit.  They keep their promises.  We learn Their commandments and promises and blessings as we study the scriptures and pray.  We are happy and blessed as we keep Their commandments and live the gospel of Jesus Christ.  They want us to return to Them, become like Them, find lasting joy, and share that joy with others.

Here are some of my favorite bits of joy and counsel this time....

• Look for and record the goodness of God.  Recognize His hand.  Learn His dealings.
• Rejoice and share your joy in the Lord.
• Be obedient and faithful, keep the commandments.
• Give thanks.
• Desire to see, hear, know.  Cry unto the Lord, believe.  Seek Him diligently, with holiness of heart. 
• Be proactive, turn to the Lord, solve problems, be willing to work.
• Be humble.  See the Lord's vision.
• Believe in His promises.  Trust in His power.  He will teach, show, lead, feed.
• Follow the Spirit and the Lord's direction through the fertile parts of the land.
• PRAY FOR OTHERS!  (I was surprised how much I saw this.)
• Seek God's glory and brothers' welfare.  Bear others' burdens.  
• Pray, study, keep a record.
• Choose eternal life, do His work, live His way, be happy.
• Bless children and posterity with covenants.  Know the covenants.
• Delight in the Lord, the scriptures, covenants, truth, justice, mercy, the plan.  
• Ponder these things.  Learn His law.
• Rejoice.  Give no place for the enemy of the soul.
• Care about others.  Serve.
• Remember His words.  Pray.  Give thanks.
• Teach and testify of Christ.
• Come unto Christ, feast on His love.  Offer our whole souls to Him, give all.
• REPENT.  Be reconciled to God.  Seek to do His will.  Obey.
• Teach and keep the commandments.  Prosper.
• Rejoice.  Love God and men.  Serve.
• The knowledge of the Savior will spread to all.  Salvation is only through Christ.
• Repent, call on His name, believe in God, covenant to change.  Be His.  Retain His name, hear His voice, turn to Him, trust Him, serve Him.
• Apply hearts to understanding.  Write the commandments in our hearts.
• Give.  Build unity and love.
• Submit cheerfully and with patience.
• Remember His mercy, exercise faith, repent, become like Christ.
• Seek joy of the gospel.
• Be humble, be grateful.
• Rejoice, praise, glory in the Lord.
• Be content with what the Lord has allotted to me.  Desire to share.  Remember Christ is joy.
• Recognize and kick out evil.
• Be diligent, patient, long-suffering waiting for fruit.
• Pray continually.
• Give to those in need!!!!  Be charitable.
• Do as the Lord commands (even when we don't know why).
• Be steady, faithful.
• Inquire of the Lord to learn truth.
• Be humble.  Get rid of pride.  Cleanse the inner vessel.  
• Have faith.  Trust.  God delivers and preserves.
• Forgive.  Rejoice in others' greatness.
• Gather together in the strength of the Lord.
• Yield hearts to God... fast, pray, love, be humble, have faith, have joy, be purified, sanctified.
• Pride is the beginning of downfall and leads to destruction.  Cleave to God.
• Do good, don't boast, lay up treasures in heaven.
• Remember, keep, and teach the word of God.
• Don't let the devil have your heart.
• Don't ask contrary to His will.
• Repent, hearken.  Listen to what the Lord puts in your heart.
• Remember, believe, rejoice, be firm and steadfast with unwearied diligence.
• Know the Redeemer.  Be gathered.
• Turn hearts to the Lord, listen to His prophets humbly, get rid of pride and follow the Lord.
• Be clean, do miracles.
• Repent, COME TO HIM, bring a broken heart and contrite spirit.
• Seek after righteousness with a pure heart.
• Be salt, be a light, give, love.
• Pray humbly, in secret.
• Have heart and eye single to Him and His glory.
• Seek first the kingdom of God.
• Ask, seek, knock.
• Minister, bring others to Christ.
• Be ready to meet Jesus.
• Pray for the Holy Ghost, with desire.
• Open hearts to understand.
• Do all the things Christ taught.  Know what He taught.
• Pray, fast, do the Father's will.
• Repent, endure, come to Him, be sanctified by the Spirit.
• Taste and know of the goodness of God.
• Remember the Lord.  Believe in Jesus Christ.
• Be faithful even when you're alone.
• Seek Him!!!!!
• Exercise faith, be sanctified, receive more.
• Commend selves to Him.
• Be humble, be grateful.  Remember the things the Lord has done.
• Have faith, hope; be steadfast; do good works; glorify God.
• Have faith so He can do miracles.
• Seek Jesus.
• Repent with a broken heart and contrite spirit.
• Rely upon Christ.
• Recognize God's will.
• Do good.
• Pray with real intent, sincere heart, and faith in Christ.
• Cleave unto God and every good thing.
• Have hope through the Atonement of Christ.
• Be meek and lowly of heart.
• Pray with all of your heart to be filled with His love!
• Pray continually.  Be humble, repent.
• Be bold and full of love (no fear).
• Be steady, unchanging.
• Recognize and remember the mercy of God.
• Endure by diligence unto prayer.
• Pray for others.
• Labor diligently to conquer the enemy of righteousness.
• Be faithful in Christ and He will lift you up.
• The Holy Ghost will help you know truth.
• Deny not the power of God.
• Recognize and use the gifts of God.
• Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him; deny yourselves of all ungodliness.
• Be sanctified by the grace of God.

Bring them hither

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

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

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

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