Prompt Promptings

A few years ago, I met Jessica.  We first met at a little get together at a friend's house.  I remember her talking to me about her photography business and how she had a goal to make family photos affordable.  (If you are in the Boise area, check out her business page.  Her great newborn shots make me want to Benjamin-Button-ize my kids.  With 9 kids of her own, she does an amazing job with kids - she can even get my non-smiling boys to smile right at her.  She's magic!)

A few months later, we moved across town and ended up in the same ward (congregation) as her and her family.  However, she served in Primary (and I didn't) so I only ever saw glimpses of her in the hall.  I'd heard some more about her from my friend, Erin.  Our conversations would go something like this - I would say, "Oh really!  How did you know that Target does...(fill in the blank)?"  And Erin would respond, "Jessica."  Or, I would say, "Where did you find that?"  And Erin would say, "Oh, Jessica told me about this great deal at...."

I thought, "Sheesh...she is way too cool for me."  I figured she was a super-amazing supermom.  But I did still want to get to know her a better.  Besides, I was still working on making new friends since we had moved.  However, I didn't really have any reason to go talk to her about something.  I mentioned to Doug one day as we were pulling into church that I thought it would be cool to get to know her better.  A couple of days later, I was called in to meet with a member of the Bishopric.  Jessica was being called as the new Primary President and would like me to serve as one of her counselors.  I guess I had found my "in".  Our entire presidency became fast friends.  (As a bonus, her oldest has become my boys' favorite babysitter.)  For the record, it turns out she is a super-amazing supermom, but she is also a totally real and a totally tangible type of mom.

We've now been serving together for 2 and a half years.  That is a lot of church lessons that we have heard from one another.  One of my favorite "Jessica Sermons" is about a couple of promptings she received from the Holy Ghost and I asked if I could share it here.

Two of the most profound promptings I've had came within 24 hours of each other. My Dad was dying of cancer and I had been out to see him earlier in the day when the prompting came to go visit and sit with him again.  I was pregnant and tired and emotionally spent, but I decided to go anyways. I sat with him for an hour or so and just held his hand and felt his spirit.  I kissed his forehead before I left and felt grateful that I had spent that time with him.  

The next morning, I woke up and my plan was to clean the house really good and to go over to my parents later in the day.  The prompting came to take a shower and get dressed instead.  I ignored it and kept cleaning.  The prompting came again.  Again, I ignored it.  While I was cleaning, the call came that my Dad had no pulse and to come quickly to be with my mom.  

I was frantically trying to shower and to get the kids ready to get to my mom's house.  While I was in the shower the power went out and I didn't think anything of it until I tried to leave my house and realized the garage door opener doesn't work without power.  I ended up using the emergency release to get the door open but, when I went to close it after I got the car out, I discovered the manual lock didn't fit so I ended up pounding it with a hammer until it locked.  I was frantic and not really thinking straight and all I could think about was "Why didn't I just shower when I had that prompting!"  We would have been out of the house before the power even went out.

I'm so grateful that I listened to the first prompting because that was the last time I saw my Dad alive.  I learned a great lesson from not listening to the second prompting.  The outcome of that day would have been the same whether I listened or not.  My dad's time on earth was done, but my Father in Heaven was trying to make that hard day just a bit easier for me and I didn't let Him by ignoring that prompting.  

The other day I was watching a message from Ruth Todd at BYU Women's Conference.  The sound-byte that most resonated with me was, "We were not given the Holy Ghost 'just in case.'  He is there to guide us."  I feel that, at times, I struggle with making sure the Holy Ghost is in the driver's seat and not just my backup plan.  But, really, who else do I know that is more aware of the correct choices to make to lead to ultimate happiness.  I have found that with a number of friends, Jessica included, that if I ask advice about a parenting conundrum, they usually offer some advice but also mention that they have prayed to know what would work best for their child.  Sometimes I forget go to that ultimate source for advice before going to my friends.

Another lesson I was taught about the Spirit occurred as I was reading Doctrine and Covenants a couple of weeks ago.  I was sitting in the temple, waiting to meet Doug.  I had just been able to do some of the work for my grandmother and the spirit was strong.  Section 11 is one of my favorites.  I've read it hundreds of times but this time I noticed something new.  In verse 13, it states that not only does the Spirit enlighten your mind but it fills your soul with joy.  I don't think of myself as an angry or sad person but, really, who doesn't need more joy?  And it makes sense, doesn't it?  As we gain more of the Spirit in our lives, we gain a greater eternal perspective.  An eternal perspective, in turn, helps us face our daily and earthly challenges with optimism and faith in the future.

I am grateful for the Gift of the Holy Ghost and the joy it has brought to my life.  I am grateful for the direction it has provided even when I didn't necessarily know that I was being directed.  I am grateful to know that my boys will have that gift and influence in their life to guide and protect them and to give them joy.

Guest Post: Lending My Son to the Lord

I feel so honored to have had so many amazing guest posts lately!  This one is from Trina over at Tidbits From Trina.  (And you can find her on facebook too!)  I love her amazing ability to find gospel lessons in everyday life.  When we first moved into our current ward, she taught the Sunday School class and I don't think she will know how many lives she blessed through that calling.  Her missionary doors are about to rotate as her son comes home and her daughter goes out.  Gratefully, we get to read some of her thoughts about being a Missionary Mom.  This post has already changed my life.  Pay attention to the part about prayer and it may change yours too.  I also love the extrapolation of Hannah's story.  I got a bit choked up while thinking of Trina's words while looking at the image of Hannah and Samuel.

One of my favorite scripture stories is of Hannah and Samuel.  The faithfulness, gratitude and honesty she showed the Lord by giving her son to him is astounding, especially when you consider the story that brought them to that point.  Imagine the emotions she must have felt when she took her sweet boy, just weaned, to the priest, Eli, to be raised unto the Lord.  Her sacrifice is among some of the greatest.  I've come to really love Hannah over the past two years.  Although the magnitude of our sacrifices is different I've drawn relation and comfort from her experience and her spirit. 

I always knew my son, Kalten, would serve a mission.  From the time he was small it was his chief goal. He never could decide “what he wanted to be when he grew up” as long as he was a missionary first.  When he was in junior high he made two goals.  The first was to serve a mission.   The second was to not kiss a girl to ensure he went on a mission.  I had nineteen years to enjoy him and prepare myself to send him off for two years.  Hannah only had a few years, probably 2-3 before sending him off for the rest of his life. 

I remember the day we dropped him off at the Missionary Training Center.  Many tears were shed and I just kept wanting one more hug.  In case you’re wondering, you can’t get enough hugs to last two years.  It just doesn't work.  I’m sure there were many tears shed by Hannah the day she dropped her son off at his training center (the temple).  When I dropped off my missionary I felt many conflicting emotions.  I was depressed and excited and sad and happy all at the same time.  I've had periods of mourning and depression-feelings I’d never thought I’d experience in regard to sending him on a mission.  I've cried because I miss my boy.  I've longed for the sight of his face, the sound of his voice, even the embarrassment he was so flawless at providing me.  But the greatest, most prevalent feeling I've had because of his missionary service has been pure joy.   It’s in these moments of such joy that it’s all been worth it.

I don’t believe it’s a coincidence that in the scriptural account right after Hannah leaves Samuel with Eli, she sings praises to the Lord.  She too, felt that eternal joy of knowing her child is a servant of the Lord.  Hannah’s psalm is beautiful.  In it she recognizes the power, strength and goodness of the God her son will serve.  1 Samuel 2:1-10 starts with these words, “And Hannah prayed and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord, my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.”  Hannah uses a term that I love.  “…I have lent him to the Lord.”  You might think this is opposite what we've been taught, that our children are on loan from our Heavenly Father, to us, to raise in righteousness so that they can return to Him.  I agree with that too, in fact both are correct and they don’t contradict but stand together.  I believe Hannah understood very well the concept that we could be together again as families and that this was part of the road that she needed to travel to ensure she could be with her son again.  In a sense, God loaned Samuel to her, she loaned him back to the Lord, and therefore they will both get him in the next life.  What an example of giving all that we have for the Lord’s purposes. 

Because of Hannah’s great sacrifice she received blessings.  One of the obvious is that her son was raised up to be a prophet.  Another is the children she was blessed with-another three sons and two daughters.  I have no doubt that this was one of her favorite blessings.  Hannah had wanted to be a mother more than anything.  Principally, it was her pleading for a child that set this story in motion. 

For This Child I Prayed by Elspeth Young

The blessings we've received have been tremendous.   Hannah’s story is one of them as you can see but there are others, many others.  Let me share a few.

Kalten’s safety  was a huge concern of this worrywart mom.  President Gabrielson shared a scripture with me the night Kalten was set apart as a missionary.  D&C 84:88  And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face.  I will be on your right hand and on your left and my spirit shall be on your hearts, and mine angels round about you to bear you up.   – Now that’s a blessing!  For me and my son.

We’ve been blessed financially.  Even though we've had hours and benefits cut we've made it through and no one has starved to death.  In fact, we've been overwhelmed at the generosity by some very sweet “helpers” who've contributed to Kalten’s mission.  One amazing donation from an anonymous person has been overwhelming and such a blessing when we really needed it.  I’ll never forget that.

Kalten has become quite tidy from what I understand.  He loves to clean and he expects a certain level of tidiness from his companions.  He’s asked for cleaning tips even!  Something I never expected from one of my sons!  Moms, tell me you wouldn't love that!

Elder Browning is so much closer to the Lord, it’s evident in the emails he sends as well as the calls we get from people in Ohio who come in contact with him and want to just tell us what an awesome son we have.  What rewarding calls and what a reward for this mom to know that her son has a personal relationship with God.  Mosiah 5:13 says, “For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?”  Serving a mission has truly helped him to get to know the Lord.  He is about the Lord’s business.  It’s been his only focus for almost two years.  He depends on the Lord for, well, everything.  He knows the Lord!

He LOVES to learn and study.  He often tells us a new way he’s studying.  Most recently he’s copying down the Book of Mormon, word for word and writing down his thoughts and related scriptures as he does.  He has developed a great work ethic and wonderful habits that he’ll carry into the next chapters of his life. 

We are so much better at FHE.  We aren't perfect but we do better than we ever have before.  It’s easier than it used to be.  And we have more lessons instead of just family activities.  There’s a greater balance and our family is better for it.

Our girls are also developing better relationships with God.  They are each so much more focused on Him and what he wants.  Two of them have decided to also serve missions and our third daughter is considering it.  Whatever is decided, each of our girls is developing into wonderful young daughters of God which thrills this mom.

I feel like a successful mom.  This is a real blessing for me.  I went through a frustrating time where I felt I haven’t been what I should be as a mom.  I’m realizing that I've done a great job.  The Lord has helped me feel peace that I didn’t have until Kalten was into his mission.  Peace of mind is a godsend.

Each contact is a blessing.  I feel so blessed to have access to technology that keeps us in touch.  It’s a rule that each missionary writes home.  Kalten has not only been great at this but perfect.  A few times I didn't receive anything then later found it in my spam folder.  I LOVE to live in a time when communication like this is possible.  I feel for those who served 100 years ago, who’d go months or even years without hearing from their loved ones.  Hannah saw her son one time each year when she and her family went to the temple to make their sacrifice.  We've had the privilege of 5 calls from our missionary.  The first was the day he flew from the MTC to Ohio.  We also received calls on Christmas and Mother’s Day each year.  Each of these is truly a blessing from the Lord!

Lessons learned aren't only for the missionary.  For instance, I learned something from these calls.  I've thought about how much I love my boy, how bad I want to hear his voice, his thoughts, what’s happening etc.  I realized it’s much the way our Father must feel about us.  I've become much more aware of my prayers.  He too, looks forward to hearing from us.  When I’m half asleep and falling into bed, I try to remember how much I want to hear from my son and realize my Heavenly Father loves me even more than that and wants to hear from me too.  The lessons I've learned and the insights I've gained are invaluable.

Each of these blessings has brought joy.  I don’t know a better way to say it.  I’m happy, content, elated, satisfied, at peace, hopeful, and the list goes on.  I had a taste of these feelings before I “lent my son to the Lord”, and they grow more dominant each day.  I am grateful to a Heavenly Father and his perfect son who are not just willing but desirous to grant us blessings and peace and joy.  I’m also grateful for a son that has given all for two years to honor them.  Oh how blessed I am.   “My heart rejoiceth in the Lord...I rejoice in thy salvation!”

Guest Post: Angels Round About Us

You probably remember the story of "Little Fighter Eli" and his amazing parents.  (If not, go here to see his story and see some pictures of sweet Eli.) In the introduction to a piece that Liz let me borrow from her blog, I stated, "As I read how this young mother endured the rollercoaster of doors seeming to open to a road of health, only to be closed in the most heartbreaking ways, I was awestruck by her faith and perspective."  Eli passed away in May of last year.  (Please keep all of them in your prayers as we approach May 25th.) 

I am so excited that Liz agreed to share some of her thoughts about eternal families for a guest post.  Even as I opened the email that had her post in it, I felt the spirit letting me know that what she said is true.  Her words reminded of something Elder Scott said when discussing the death of his wife, "First of all, ... I didn't lose her.  She's on the other side of the veil.  We've been sealed in that holy ordinance of the temple, and we'll be together forever.  And at critical times in my life when I need help, I can feel impressions come through the veil in such a real way that often I just [think,] 'Thank you, Jeanene.'" Liz shares a sweet testimony of this same thing and it is so reassuring to consider that aspect of the promise of eternal families.

From the time I was young, I vividly remember my parents and church leaders teaching me about eternal families and the wonderful blessing we have of living with our loved ones forever.  I always appreciated this magnificent gift but never realized how miraculous the Plan of Salvation is until Logan and I held our seemingly healthy baby in our arms for the first time.  Before Eli was born, I was told in a blessing that through our experiences of becoming parents, I would gain a greater understanding and love of the Plan of Salvation.  I quickly dismissed the thought that something might happen to Eli and convinced myself that the powerful emotions and feelings I experienced as I held my baby in my arms were giving me that great understanding of Heavenly Father’s divine plan. 

As Logan and I attempted to come to terms with Eli’s passing just 4 ½ months after he was born, I knew that the only thing keeping me afloat was my knowledge of where he had gone and the great reality that we would be given the opportunity to one day raise him.  As I allowed myself to step back and take a deep breath, I became aware that I was being taught certain truths that I desperately needed to know in order to find some measure of peace regarding our situation.

Just one week after Eli died, Logan and I found ourselves in the office of a member of the Stake Presidency having our temple recommends renewed.   Naturally, this sweet man asked me how I was doing and then shared what has now become my favorite piece of doctrine on eternal families.  He pointed out that when we think of our loved ones that have left us we often imagine them in some faraway place.  However, he reminded me that the spirit world, where Eli is now, is right here on Earth.  “Remember that he is not far from you.  He couldn’t be nearer to you and Logan or involved in your every day lives more than he is now.”  Oh, how I clung to that idea!  I was also told of a quote from an apostle who said that our loved ones who pass away are “far more interested” in us from the other side of the veil than they were while they were here because they have the ability to be.  The phrase seems cliché but Logan and I truly have a guardian angel.

When I muster the strength to see things from a much broader perspective, somehow everything that’s happened all feels right and seems to have played out just like I, (or my spirit), knew it would.  I am convinced that in the pre-existence we knew what we would experience during our lives and one reason we agreed to come is because of the people we would have by our side.  As I look back on my life before Eli was born, I know he helped me through things I could not have managed alone.  I obviously didn’t know it at the time but it’s clear to me now that he has always been near.  I would give anything to have him here today but I know I need him on the other side even more.  I know he can bless my life over there in ways he would not have been able to had he stayed here.     

While we often hear people describe babies or children that have passed on as “playing in the clouds” or “being held by Jesus”, I find great comfort in the doctrine that Eli is actually a mature, adult spirit right now.   I love reminiscing on memories of the adorable baby he was but I find just as much happiness imagining him in his prime, teaching the gospel, and performing all types of wonderful work.  We will get to hold him in our arms again but for now, I know he is often holding us.  

Small & Simple Things: Part 2

One of the reasons I wanted to split this guest post into two parts was that a full talk can be a bit overwhelming to read in one sitting and it is such a good talk that I wanted to make sure the 2nd half wasn't neglected.  I love Deborah's insights on the story of Mary and Martha.  Like her, I at times have been a bit bugged by this story because I get defensive for Martha.  (Thankfully, Martha was much more humble than I am and took the Savior's counsel as she should.)  Deborah's perspective helps me to see where I can improve.

She also discusses a story of their daughter needing to be hospitalized.  When The Lion was in the hospital, I remember trying to think of someone that I could talk to that would understand what I was going through in trying to be there for my hospitalized child but feeling guilty for not being with my other child.  I thought of Deborah, knowing she had been through a similar situation, but felt odd calling her up out of the blue.  (At the time we weren't in the same ward and hadn't really kept in contact.)  Then, out of the blue, she called me.  She said she had heard we needed to spend some extra time in the hospital and wanted to call to see not only how Spencer was doing but also how I was doing.  We talked for awhile and she provided much needed comfort.  I think the greatest comfort was that I knew that Heavenly Father had heard my quiet, little request for a friend.  I am so grateful for her willingness to listen to that prompting and not feeling awkward about an "out of the blue" phone call.  I honestly doubt she will ever know what it meant, (and still means), to me.

I also love the quote at the end of the talk by Sister Reeves.  Here you go -

The 2^nd thing I wanted to share is:

Simplify our lives, and in simplifying, define what matters most:

In a talk by Elder L. Tom  Perry  entitled “Let Him Do It with Simplicity” he said, “In our search to obtain relief from the stresses of life, may we earnestly seek ways to simplify our lives.”

Right there he gave us a key equation “simplifying our lives = stress relief”.  I believe all of us could use a little stress relief in our life.

I recently listened to talk by Jenny Phillips where she talked about the story of Mary and Martha.  In Luke 10 it states, Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Marth received him into her house.  And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.  But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.  And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:  But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

I never realized how much there was to be learned from this story and, to be honest, this story used to bug me a little bit because Martha was working so hard and Mary left her to do all the work.  If I was Martha, (and I often am), I wouldn’t have been super happy, but as I came to understand the real lesson Christ was trying to teach I realized the wealth of knowledge hidden in this sweet story.

What caused Martha to be so weighed down and troubled about many things that it caused her not to take the time to sit at Jesus feet and be taught?  I am going to rephrase the question for us.  What causes us to be so weighed down and stressed, (and busy, might I add), that we don’t take time put the most important things first?  Think personally about what things in your life are causing you to be Martha.

Among trials and everyday stress how do we establish proper priorities?

Referring back to President Uchtdorf’s talk “Of Things That Matter Most”, he taught about this very thing.  He talked about tree growth and when seasons are ideal a tree grows at a normal rate, however, during seasons when growing conditions are not ideal, trees slow down their growth and devote their energy to the basic elements necessary for survival.  “Therefore it is good advice to slow down a little and steady the course and focus on the essentials when experiencing adverse conditions.”

A few years ago, our daughter, Kayelee, was in the hospital.  She was diagnosed with a very rare blood disorder if you want to call it that and things were very scary.  It was one of those moments in life that I had no idea my story would be written this way.  I remember at that time feeling so many different emotions as her condition was very scary and sometimes I wasn’t sure how many days were left.  I remember being so grateful for each and every day, so grateful for another day with her, so grateful for each one of my children and just how precious they are.  It made me realize my family and the gospel were my number 1 priorities and it was essential I put them first in my life.  I remember one particular family home evening, she was finally able to come home from the hospital, just for a short time and we took our family to the temple grounds.  It was a Monday night so no one was there and we just sat on the temple grounds as a family and sang primary songs.  The words of families can be together forever and I love to see the temple brought such peace and tears just flowed.  I was so grateful at that moment to have my whole family with me and I was reminded again what was most important.  I will never forget that special day; it is a memory I will cherish forever.

I remember at that time I was reminded of what mattered most.  The difficulties we were facing forced us to slow down a bit and devote our energy to the things that were essential.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught, “We have to forego some good things in order to choose other things that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen families.”

What things are most important to you?

I think on the top of our list should be Heavenly Father, Christ and our families. Those are personally my greatest treasures.

How do we put those things first in our lives? You’ll have to answer those questions yourself, personally, but I am going to give you a couple tools:

Last week Joe and I had the opportunity to take our older 3 kids to the Saturday morning session of conference and during that session there was the sweetest talk given by Linda S. Reeves in her talk she said this:  “I must testify of the blessings of daily scripture study and prayer and weekly family home evening.  These are the very practices that help take away stress, give direction to our lives, and add protection to our homes.  Then…we can petition the Lord for help and expect great guidance from the Spirit, knowing that we have done what our Father has asked us to do.”

And so I want to challenge each of you to pray daily, read your scriptures daily, and have weekly family home evening.  Just like she said these are the very practices that help take away stress and give direction to our lives.

I know all of us want direction and stress relief.  I know I do.  Right now Joe and I are in the process of building a home.  This has taken so much of our time, and added a lot of stress I might add.  Things don’t feel super simple right now among all the other things we have to do… plus build a house.  But, I was reminded this week that I am also building children, and in the midst of the chaos of things that often takes our time building children is way more important than building a home.

I am going to do my best to make sure I am putting personal and family prayer, personal and family scripture study and weekly family home evening as priorities and I am confident life will be simpler and the most important things will get done each day.

Small and Simple Things: Part 1

I am very excited about this guest post!  Deborah was one of my first friends when we moved to Idaho and I have been so grateful for her example to me.  She is an amazing mom of 7 great kids ranging in age from 6 month to 12 years.  I had her oldest son in Webelos in our old ward and I am so, so impressed with this young man.  I hope our boys grow up to be just like him.

She gave this talk about simplicity in church a few weeks ago.  Since the boys were miraculously well-behaved, I was able to listen and I loved many of the messages she shared.  Look forward to Part 2 in the next couple of days.  Here is Part 1 -

When I was a little girl, I always wanted lots of babies.  I continued to feel that way all of my life it was a dream of mine.  Now I am a mom, and I have lots of babies and I couldn’t be happier.  I love living my dream.

With that being said, there are parts of this role or job I had no idea even existed when I was small or even since I have grown up.  I truly had no idea some of the things that would become part of my story.  This leads me into my topic.  The bishop called me and asked me to speak on simplicity, “let him do it with simplicity”.  I’ll be honest - being a mom of 7 doesn’t often coincide with the word  “simple”, so obviously I needed the topic more than probably most of you.  Bear with me as I share some of my thoughts as I have studied this topic.  I know everyone isn’t a mom or isn’t me and doesn’t view things the way I do, but hopefully I’ll be able to reach all of you as I speak “simply” in terms of the gospel.

After praying and reading a lot this week about this topic there were two things that stood out to me when it comes to simplicity, the first being:

The gospel is simple! Simple as that!

In Alma 37:6-7 it reads:  Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.  And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls.

The Lord uses small and simple things to confound the wise.  Often, I think as members of the church, we try and complicate things.  The Lord used a very humble and unlearned boy to restore his gospel on the earth today.  I think probably because he knew he would listen.  

When I see people question things about the gospel it is often because they are way over thinking things and looking for answers to questions in unreliable sources because it just can’t be that simple.  I really feel like it is that simple; God put it in simple terms so that even the child could understand and gain a testimony.  If it’s not that simple to you, then maybe you are over thinking things.

In a talk by president Uchtdorf entitled “Of Things that Matter Most”, he shares the following story:

There is a beauty and clarity that comes from simplicity that we sometimes do not appreciate in our thirst for intricate solutions.  For example, it wasn’t long after astronauts and cosmonauts orbited the earth that they realized ballpoint pens would not work in space. And so some very smart people went to work solving the problem. It took thousands of hours and millions of dollars, but in the end, they developed a pen that could write anywhere, in any temperature, and on nearly any surface. But how did the astronauts and cosmonauts get along until the problem was solved? They simply used a pencil.

The story is told that the legendary football coach Vince Lombardi had a ritual he performed on the first day of training. He would hold up a football, show it to the athletes who had been playing the sport for many years, and say, “Gentlemen, … this is a football!” He talked about its size and shape, how it can be kicked, carried, or passed. He took the team out onto the empty field and said, “This is a football field.” He walked them around, describing the dimensions, the shape, the rules, and how the game is played.   

This coach knew that even these experienced players, and indeed the team, could become great only by mastering the fundamentals. They could spend their time practicing intricate trick plays, but until they mastered the fundamentals of the game, they would never become a championship team.

I think most of us intuitively understand how important the fundamentals are. It is just that we sometimes get distracted by so many things that seem more enticing.  Printed material, wide-ranging media sources, electronic tools and gadgets—all helpful if used properly—can become hurtful diversions or heartless chambers of isolation.

Yet amidst the multitude of voices and choices, the humble Man of Galilee stands with hands outstretched, waiting. His is a simple message: “Come, follow me.”  And He does not speak with a powerful megaphone but with a still, small voice. It is so easy for the basic gospel message to get lost amidst the deluge of information that hits us from all sides.

The holy scriptures and the spoken word of the living prophets give emphasis to the fundamental principles and doctrines of the gospel. The reason we return to these foundational principles, to the pure doctrines, is because they are the gateway to truths of profound meaning. They are the door to experiences of sublime importance that would otherwise be beyond our capacity to comprehend. These simple, basic principles are the key to living in harmony with God and man. They are the keys to opening the windows of heaven. They lead us to the peace, joy, and understanding that Heavenly Father has promised to His children who hear and obey Him.

I have a friend who recently left the church. As I saw the process unfold, it saddened me so much.  I truly believe had she focused on the small and simple things she would have never ended up where she is at.  I challenged her before she completely left the church to read her scriptures and pray daily for a month to see what that would do for her since at the time she wasn’t really doing those key things.  She wouldn’t do it.  All she had learned in her 30+ years of life about the gospel and she wouldn’t take the time to simply read and pray.

Focus on the small and simple things of the gospel, and, again, remember Alma 37:6-7.

Guest Post: Happiness

The first ward that Doug and I were in when we got married was perfect for us.  The experiences and people have left a powerful impression upon me and changed my life for the better.  I was so impressed with so many of the ladies in the ward that I decided I wanted to do a little something for them.  With much effort and discernment, I made a list of only 5 that were my VIPs (Very Inspiring People) for that year.  Among them, was a sister named Janet Rowley.  (I want to grow up to be a Janet Rowley.  She is an amazing scriptorian and her testimony is as solid of a testimony as I have ever felt.)  The day I delivered my humble VIP package, Janet wasn't home and so I left it with her daughter, Liz, who was in high school at the time.  I did not have a lot of interaction with Liz but saw her around town a few times and was always impressed with her.  

Last spring, Janet shared on facebook a post from Liz's blog about how Liz's new son, Eli, was struggling with some health problems.  I began following the story, posting updates on my blog and facebook and trying to get the word out about benefits for Eli.  As I read how this young mother endured the rollercoaster of doors seeming to open to a road of health, only to be closed in the most heartbreaking ways, I was awestruck by her faith and perspective.  Eli passed away in May.  (This coming January 4th would have been his first birthday.)  I was able to make it down to UT for the funeral where Liz and her husband, Logan spoke.  Liz's talk can be found here.  Her entire blog is filled with strength and wisdom beyond my comprehension.  It also has a lot of adorable pictures of little Eli so please go give it a read.

Liz is working on another post for us as well but, in the meantime, I wanted to just copy this post from a few weeks ago.

I was hanging out with a few friends last week and we were having one of our many wonderful conversations about life when someone said to me:  "Liz, you always seem so happy.  Is it a front put on around people or is it real?"  Without hesitation, I responded:  "It's real.  It's absolutely real."  Although I'm sure she already knew what I said next, I added:  "It's amazing what the gospel can do for you as long as you allow it to bless your life."

From the time I was little and attending primary I remember being taught by my family and church leaders that the gospel would bring us peace and comfort during all phases of life and that the gift of the spirit would be one of the greatest blessings we would ever receive.  What I don't remember learning (I'm sure it would be difficult to explain this to a kiddo) is that we would have to allow the peace of the gospel into our lives - it would never force its way in.

I'm slightly embarrassed to admit this but I don't think I fully understood the concept of allowing the gospel to bless my life until recently.  Logan and I had received the heartbreaking news of Eli's diagnosis, we were living in a hospital and we had told our family and friends that in order to keep him as healthy as possible we didn't want any visitors coming to see him.  While we knew this was the best decision for his health, it was very difficult isolating ourselves for so long.  The staff was incredible and I care about them more than they'll ever know, but I desperately longed for the life I imagined we'd have when I got pregnant.

While I knew those thoughts were only natural, I hated that I was feeling and thinking that way.  I wanted to wake up each day excited about my life and anxious (in a good way) for what was to come.  I told myself that in order to genuinely feel those things, I needed to first pray and ask for those blessings and second, prove to God that I had the necessary faith in his promises to bring me that peace and happiness I wanted so much.

Many things in life are much easier said than done and for me, this was one of them.  I knew I needed to give up all fear and doubt so I could prove that I trusted in God's plan for Eli and for me and Logan but that was so difficult when so much was at stake.  The best example I can compare this to is when you are asked to close your eyes and fall backwards and someone promises they will catch you.  You stand there with your eyes closed, often for awhile, before reluctantly allowing yourself to fall.  Fear and panic rush through you and you're sure you're going to hit the ground hard when at last someone catches you.  There's no better feeling, is there?  That is exactly what I experienced, but 10x better when I finally stopped trying to do things on my own and allowed God to truly take over.

Rather than celebrating milestones parents typically look forward to, we found joy in things like successfully taking 5+ oral meds in one sitting, bravely completing a dose of chemo, not fighting nurses too much when a new IV was placed or mouth care was done and most importantly:  doing the above mentioned things plus much more with a smile on his face!

I would be lying if I said things were never difficult after that because boy, they sure were but I am amazed to this day at how much love, peace and comfort I felt and continue to feel every sing day.  Logan and I experienced a parent's worst nightmare yet the happiness we feel is almost tangible and we know that has come, just like we were promised in primary, because we allowed the gospel to work miracles in our lives.

Life couldn't be more different right now from how Logan and I imagined it would be yet it's still wonderful.  My heart aches to hold Eli and watch him grow up and not an hour goes by that i don't think about him and long to see his all-telling eyes stare up at me with all the confidence in the world but I know my time to experience those things will come sooner than I can imagine and I would hate to miss out on this incredible chance at life I have been blessed with.  while I am tempted at times to ask God: "Why?" I instead thank him for the perfect guardian angel Logan and I now have and offer all the gratitude I can muster for catching me before I fell.

~Perfect Baby Angel Eli~

Guest Post: From the Heart of a Homemaker

I am really excited about this guest post.  I spotted this post on my friend, Chelsea's blog and really wanted to include it here.  Thankfully, she was more than willing to let me share it.  Chelsea and I met a while after we had moved to Idaho.  We became insta-friends but she and her husband ended up moving shortly after they got here.  Thankfully, she is not too far away so her sweet baby girl can  (someday) have a play date with The Lion.  I am grateful for the short few months we were in the same ward with them and the friendship that developed! 

A little while ago, Jason and I were talking about some of the little things that make home, home. 

One of the things Jason mentioned is having a lot of baked goods around the house.  (what a guy!  haha the way to their hearts, really is  through their tummy!  haha) I felt like, "Shoot, I can do that!" and after stepping up my game a little - well, let's just say it did not go unnoticed - I realized, it is such a simple thing, but it really does add a taste of home, and makes a difference.

I mentioned this to his mom last time we visited and she showed me this AWESOME little booklet that they had used at a Relief Society activity on this topic - filled with several quotes that are just too good, not to share.

Here they be:

The Gift in the Kitchen Table
"Food is so pleasurable and powerful that it plays an essential role in creating a home that works.  For your home to feel solid, meaningful, dignified, and warm, you must have the means and skills to produce good, nutritious food, to dream up pleasant menus, and to set the table and serve the food in an attractive manner that is familiar and comfortable to (family and) guests."

--Cheryl Mendelson Home Comforts:  The Art and Science of Keeping House

"I thought I was just cooking casseroles and soups but I have created the venue, the reason to gather because I prepared a meal to share with my family.   Something special happened."

--Julie B. Beck

"Family mealtime traditions nurture our families physically, mentally, spiritually and socially."

--Stephen R. Covey

"Create loving mealtime traditions.  Make dinnertime a family commitment.  It is important for family members to make an effort to be home for dinner, if possible.  Put time, effort and enthusiasm into creating the sacred place, the reason for your family to gather...There is something about a kitchen table."

--Marianne Jennings

"Let us make our kitchens creative centers from which emanate some of the most delightful of all home experiences."

--Barbara B. Smith

"I wonder why I don't just send them to their rooms with a chicken pot pie and Wheel of Fortune.  I don't because I am giving them the gift of the kitchen table."

--Unknown

Nurture
"Mothers who are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children, can be a powerful force for strengthening families when they use mealtimes to gather loved ones.  They follow the example the Savior to calm, teach, and help their families remember important things as they feed, cultivate, educate and rear at the consecrated tables in their homes."

--Julie B. Beck

"To solidify important spiritual teachings, the Savior fed people physically.  When teaching his higher law to 5,000 people, he filled them with loaves and fishes (Matt 14:15-21).  Before his atoning sacrifice, he called his disciples not to a final meeting but to a last supper.  Then he taught them to "love one another, as I have loved you,"  (John 13:34).  Each week, we are nurtured by the Lord as we partake of the emblems of his atoning sacrifice, represented by bread and water - to essentials of life."

--Julie B. Beck

"The kitchen table nurtured.  It was my constancy amid the insecurities of crooked teeth, more freckles than skin, and geography bees on state capitals."

--Marianne Jennings

"True power is found in the hands of a worthy nurturer, especially at mealtimes."

--Unknown

Celebrate
"After our whole family has survived another day, with all of its up and downs, we come together in teh evening and celebrate together.  We don't have to wait for birthdays or holidays to be happy together.  Life is short!"

--Janene Wolsey Baadsgaard

"It's important to bring a cheerful attitude to the table.  I think my children will forgive me if I overcook the meatloaf as long as I don't forget to bring my sense of humor to the table."

--Unknown

"He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast."

--Proverbs 15:15

"I believe families who laugh, last."

--Unknown

She also shared with me this SUPERB talk by Shirley R. Klein, given at a BYU devotional.  (Protect Our Homes, Renew Our Powers is the link!)  I absolutely loved reading this talk - in fact, I read it twice just to glean any other gems I might have missed the first time.

She talks about protecting our homes, and how the seemingly simple habits and rituals we create in our homes, (simple as mealtime), create a firm foundation and safe haven for our families.

Two of my favorite quotes from this article, (although it's ALL good - you should really read it!) were:
"The time will come when only those who believe deeply and actively in the family will be able to preserve their families in the midst of the gathering evil around them."

--President Spencer W. Kimball

"Everyday events in our home can seem so simple that we overlook the importance of them - like the children of Israel who were smitten by a plague of snakes.  To be healed they just had to look at the serpent of brass on a pole, (see Numbers 21:8-9), but because it was so simple, many did not do it.  In 1 Nephi 17:41, we read, "Because of the simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished."  Everyday activities in our homes may be simple, but because they are simple, frequent, and repeated they offer important opportunities to build individuals and families.  Begin now to form habits of recognizing the sacred nature of everyday life."

--Shirley R. Klein

I especially love this last quote - I had never applied this scripture to my life in this way.  But I think it is so true!  I think a lot of times we don't think things like a home-cooked meal, eating dinner together, and helping out to clear the dishes are really that important, or influential - "that's too simple, that's not really what we need to heal us as an individual, as a family, as a society" - and we don't do it.  But in doing this we are underestimating the power and influence of a true homemaker - with all her casseroles, laundry folding, story-telling and kissing bandaged knees included.  Because really it's not about the casserole, the laundry, the bedtime story or the bandaid - it's about building individuals and families.

I believe that by these small and simple things, great things are brought to pass.

--Occupation:  Homemaker...I take my job seriously...and I Love It!

Guest Post: Is There a Bishop in the House?

Our first guest post is from Lindsay from Lindsay and Company.  I've never actually met Lindsay.  She is a "friend-in-law".  Her husband, Blake, was one of Doug's college roommates and one that Doug really admires.  When we got married, Doug added a bunch of his friends' blogs to my blog list so that he could keep up to date on them.  I started clicking on them in order to learn more about his friends.  I think Lindsay is the only one I am yet to meet.  Part of that is probably because they live in NYC.  The fact that they fit their family of 5 into 600 square feet is quite amazing and I often think of Lindsay as I'm trying to control John during walks in our little subdivision.  How does she manage 3 kids while walking the streets of New York?  Wow!  As the title implies, Lindsay's husband is serving as the Bishop of their ward.  So, no, frequently the Bishop is not in his house.  Here are her thoughts - 

Anne’s invitation to write a guest post came at a particularly challenging time for me.  My husband, Blake, who has been serving as the bishop of our Brooklyn, New York, ward for the last three years, had spent the last month or so away on bishop-related absences (meetings, interviews, new-member visits, a variety of welfare issues, and so on) which had culminated in being away for three [very long] days upstate chaperoning our stake’s youth conference.  I was exhausted, and weighed down by the burden of loneliness that comes when you find yourself supporting someone in a calling of this magnitude.  I was exhausted from having to fill my role as mother, as well as fill in for all of the time Blake had to be away, and my three young children (ages 6, 4, and 16 months) were driving me absolutely crazy.

So what better time to write about the blessings that come from fulfilling and supporting the call to serve as bishop, right?

Actually, this invitation was a blessing in and of itself because forcing myself to consider the good that has come from this calling has helped to keep me from turning into a bitter bishop’s wife – at least for now. ;)

Sometimes it’s hard to see the blessings amidst the trials – a “can’t see the forest for the trees” sort of thing.  At least it’s often that way for me. There is a literal burden placed upon a bishop, and everyone in his family feels it, whether it be from deep concern for a particular welfare case or the lonely hours spent without your husband or father.  But despite the difficulty in sometimes seeing them, those blessings are in fact there.  And, just as a forest is filled with thousands of trees, they are also abundant.

Blake’s call to serve came as we were nearing the maximum length of time we had originally planned on staying in Brooklyn.  Living in New York City had been a wonderful adventure, but it was not without its sometimes insurmountable challenges, including, but not limited to, the high cost of living, the lack of basic amenities (by suburban standards, anyway), and the great difficulty in maneuvering daily life here with small children in tow.  But on that fateful spring evening, when our stake president sat down with us in our living room, we realized that the Lord had other ideas about the length of our life here.  We had not yet firmly made any other plans, so we accepted the call, but not without the hope that somehow our life here would become a little more comfortable.  While the heavens didn’t pour down upon us over night, they did trickle enough for us to never leave us wanting.

Another area in which we have never been left destitute is the availability of the Spirit in our home.  It has been there to comfort, to guide, and to answer time and time again.  Some of the most tender experiences I’ve had with Heaven have been in the last while Blake has been serving as bishop.

The last blessing I’ll mention here is how this calling has made Blake a better husband, a better father, and overall a better person.  Maybe it’s the guilt of having to so often be away from us physically and mentally.  Or perhaps it’s the fact that his understanding of the principles of the gospel have increased. But whatever the reason, I’ll take it!

The call to serve as and support a bishop is no cakewalk, but through the trials and challenges we’ve both learned a lot, which is itself another blessing.  And as we have been blessed these last 3 ½ years, I know we will continue to be blessed throughout the remaining time of his service and perhaps even beyond.