Thank You for Waiting!

Message by Elaine, given February 21, 2009 at Stake Conference, Saturday Night Adult Meeting.

When Pres Christensen told me the theme of the meeting I thought, "That's a great theme!" My part was the "Be Still" part; "waiting patiently on the Lord". I love this theme. It touches my heart, Even amidst all my fear while Pres. Christensen was asking me to speak I was having some reassuring thoughts like: I have experience with this that I can share. I can testify of this. As each of you surely can too.

The next day at Terry's chemo treatment I was thinking about those experiences that I just knew I could share, but I wasn't coming up with much. I turned to Terry and told him of my stupor of thought. His reply was, "BE PATIENT, THEY'LL COME!"
I love his advice. They did come. I remembered many experiences that I've had. I wish I could share them all, but I only have a few min.

Terry has been my best friend for over 29 years now and he has often helped me learn how to accept things that I cannot change.

I have had a tendency to worry a lot. One day, years ago, when I was talking with Terry about a concern or worry I had he just looked at me and said; "Why do you worry about things like that?" Does worrying change or solve anything? Honestly - it just makes me feel worse. That was an eye opener to me. Worrying is not very productive. I have tried to not worry about as many things since then.

When we cannot change the challenge we are faced with we must Let it go. Our Savior has already gone through this for us. He understands. No matter what the issue is - turn it over to Him.

A few years ago we were asked to give Sac Mtg talks. The topic I was speaking on was faith and obedience. (here is a very short version of the story)
I forgot my notes and there was no time to return to get them. This was a major problem for me - I write things out word for word. I knew I had to practice what I was preaching - have faith that the Lord would help me thru my talk and be obedient in keeping my assignment.
I prayed hard, asked the kids to pray for me, and asked Terry to give me a blessing. I jotted down a few notes, and felt the Spirit prompt me as I spoke, then, about 15 minutes into my talk I felt my mind go blank (more common for me :) I should have been comfortable there, but I wasn't) Fear and panic began to set in, I thought "What now?", then just as quickly as the fear set in a sweet peace came and I heard "Just close now, This is enough!" So I did. I sat down with a sigh of relief and a feeling of peace. I had accomplished a tremendous task - but not on my own. I had turned it over to the Lord & He helped me thru this difficulty.

I do testify that praying to your Heavenly Father and then continuing in faith brings great results. Tell Him your concerns - tell Him everything, poor out your heart, Then trust in Him, HE SENDS US GUIDANCE AND PEACE!

Richard G. Scott said; “Humble, trusting prayer brings consolation, solace, comfort, direction, and peace the unworthy can never know.”
(we might take note of a few things in that quote)
- the need to be humble,
- the importance of trusting prayer,
- and the fact that we must be worthy.
Remember "the Lord cannot dwell in unholy places".

The latest encouragement I hear often from my husband when I have a concern is simply - “It’ll turn out better than you think!” and it usually does. These loving little reminders help put my mind at ease. They help me remember to be still and wait patiently on the Lord. They remind me to focus on the things that I can change, let go of the other. They are encouragement to proceed with trust. Trust in the Lord.

One scripture given to me for this message is Psalms 27:14 “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart.”
Elder Wirthlin’s inspiring council in his last conference message was simply- “Come what may and love it!”
Instead of worrying, accept it, love it. Be of good courage, and He will strengthen us.

Just before Thanksgiving 2004, Terry was diagnosed with small lymphocytic lymphoma / chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We were concerned - his health was deteriorating fast. He would be starting chemotherapy treatments the first of Dec. Our hearts were heavy. What was going to happen to our family? We tried to understand what lie ahead for us, but we weren’t sure.
What we did know was that worrying wouldn't help, and we knew where to turn.
My personal slogan has often been - “The Lord is my strength!” Where else can we go for peace?
We prayed, and asked each of our fathers to give Terry a blessing. We have found peace and comfort and strength.
We still don’t have all the answers. Terry is not cured. He is in the middle of his 3rd set of treatments within 4 1/2 years. But - we just keep on keepin on. We are waiting, striving to remain true to the Lord, accepting what comes our way, and looking forward to a bright future. We feel safety. We feel peace. We feel love. And we know that “it’ll turn out better than we think!”
I testify that we can find peace amidst the storms that threaten us. Our Heavenly Father knows of our heartache and suffering. He loves us and wants the best for us. We must never doubt this.
He does not always intervene in the course of events, but He has promised the faithful peace even in their trials and tribulations. (Elder Joseph B Wirthlin, May 2000 Ensign)

There were other scriptures given to me for this evening, all with a similar message of waiting on the Lord. I followed some of the foot notes and was led to 2 Nephi 6:13 where I had previously written a note in the margin that said: “to wait = to remain true to Him, to remain strongly attached while staying put or still until something expected happens.” I love that little bit of info.

Waiting on the Lord is not just waiting - it requires something -
- It requires remaining true, and strongly attached to Him.
- Remaining true requires faith. "It is after the trial of our faith" that the blessings come.
- It requires living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
- It requires staying put, with our feet firmly planted in gospel soil.
- It requires charity - charity suffereth long, is not easily provoked, beareth all things, and endureth all things.
- Staying put requires being steadfast and immovable.
“Ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men” (2 Ne 31:20)
To be steadfast in Christ implies keeping covenants. Each week we renew our baptismal covenants to “take His name upon us”, to “always remember Him,” and to “keep His commandments”. (D&C 20:77) Doing these things gives us hope to carry on. It changes our hearts, allowing us to feel the love of God in our lives.

Christ said, “I am the Way!” and He meant it. He is the way to find peace.

I love this quote from Elder Dallin H Oaks, he said; “The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the brightest light and the only hope for this darkened world”

I testify that “when we live the gospel, the Lord helps us meet our challenges.” “It will not eliminate all of our problems, but the gospel will give us direction to help us solve our problems and the comfort and peace we receive from living close to the Lord can help us face those problems without panic or fear. (#3 Living the Gospel Daily)

Living close to the Lord is so important. “If we develop a relationship with Christ, ... we will have a quiet confidence that will see us through any trial. Whatever the anxiety, or fear, or frustration, we have only to remember the Lord’s comforting words to the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Liberty Jail, ‘My son, peace be unto thy soul.’ To each of us, Christ will always be there to say ‘My son or my daughter, ... peace be unto thy soul.” (Church news Oct 8, 1994, Elder Ladd)
Terry had such an experience during a Spanish Branch Sacrament Mtg one day as he was telling the members about his health condition. He felt Heavenly Father's love for him personally and he heard the comforting reassurance that everything would be alright.

In the midst of chaos, we must pause and must listen for the Spirit that tells us, “All is well”. There is great cause to be concerned, but there is greater reason to be at peace. (May 2003 Ensign, Blessed by Living Water)

One day in the temple, while I was expecting our 7th child, I was saying a quite prayer, asking that this child be a girl. I had confidence that the Lord could make it so. While I was petitioning the Lord I heard, “This one isn’t, but the next one will be!” My thoughts and attitude changed drastically. It was as if I stood up and threw my hands in the air and spoke out loud the words, “What do you mean the next one, there isn’t going to be a next one!”
My goodness! What was I thinking? Who did I think I was talking to? Where did I think that message came from? I had been given a message that should have been a “tender mercy” - meant surely to calm my soul and prepare me for what was to come. But, I shrugged it off, ignored it, even denied it. I put it out of my mind and never thought of it again.
Then, after we had our 8th child, and it was our first girl, I was lovingly reminded of that experience in the temple a few years earlier. I felt the much deserved chastisement and was quite humbled. Did He not “tell me in my mind” the things that I should know, that would help bring peace to my heart and my soul?

I testify that we must listen, we must accept these messages from the Lord, sent thru the Comforter, for just that purpose, to comfort us. This comfort sent to us will surely make the waiting easier.

I testify that we must exercise faith in the Lord, in His teachings, His promptings, and in His limitless power. We can grow in faith only if we are willing to wait patiently for God’s purposes and patterns to unfold in our lives, on His timetable. Remember that “faith is things which are hoped for and not seen.”

Before I close, I testify that these things which I have spoken of are true. Being still and waiting patiently on the Lord may not be easy, but it will be worth it.

Isaiah 30:18-21 reminds us “...blessed are they that wait for him... this is the way, walk ye in it.”

While sitting in the waiting room at the clinic last week I heard a receptionist lift up the phone and say “Thank you for waiting!” It was said so sincerely that it touched my heart. Of course I knew of my assignment at the time so it meant a little more than it might have otherwise.
After hearing it I thought of how I’ve always hoped that the Lord would be able to say to me “Well done thou good and faithful servant”, and this day, because I now understand more fully what it can mean, I add another phrase I might like to hear Him sincerely say, - “Thank you for waiting” 



First posted at http://waitingpatientlyonthelord.blogspot.com/

Breathing Easier!

I spoke in our Stake Conference meeting Saturday night, adult session. It was a new experience and quite nerve racking. I survived! President Christensen asked me to speak and told me that the theme of the evening would be "Be Still, and know that I am God!" and that my part would be the being still part, waiting patiently on the Lord. I really did love that theme, it touched my heart and made me think of the many things that I have experienced in my life that fit that very theme.
It really is nice to have done, and in a strange way I am so grateful to have been asked to speak because it was so wonderful to remember those wonderful things in my life. I couldn't share all of my experiences that I had, but I shared some, and I pondered much and had some other points I felt helped me be still through the years, and it just felt so good to review these things.
The next day at Sunday Conference there was a young primary age girl that was asked to speak. She got to the pulpit and just started to sob. She was so nervous. I felt like I knew the exact feeling she was going through. I wanted to give her a hug. Her father stood behind her and comforted her for a minute or so, and then she began her talk. She read it so well and the message was great. It touched my heart.
Life sometimes seems so difficult that we feel like we just can't do it, but when we trust in the Lord we can do anything. He will always be there to help us through it.

I've been TAGGED!

OH NO! BrittanyJo got tagged a few days ago and I told her that she could not tag me!!!!! :) She didn't, but Angie did. I can tell BJo no, but I guess I can't tell Angie no.
Sorry it's taken me so long to respond. I just found out tonight! I've been studying in my spare time. (for my talk Sat. night)

Here are the rules:
1) Post rules on your blog
2) Answer the six '8' items
3) Let each person know by leaving them a comment.

8 favorite TV shows: (I've listed mine in no special order)
1. NCIS
2. Lingo
3. Psych (boy did I ever have a brain cloud that the first time I wrote that out)
4. Ace of Cakes
5. Murder She Wrote
6. Burn Notice
7. Monk
8. Um! many Hallmark shows
(Maybe I needed to take note of this list - some might be a bit violent, I'll have to be careful.)

8 things I did yesterday:
1. laundry
2. went to ML to get more supplies for the cabin remodeling project.
3. helped with a few projects in the cabin (mostly watching and gophering :) . go-for-ing)
4. studied for my stake conference talk (I have to speak in the adult session Sat. night)
5. picked up Anthony after scouts.
6. helped Anthony with his homework.
7. heated up leftovers for dinner. (that sounds difficult huh?)
8. washed some dishes.

8 things I am looking forward to:
1. getting my stake conference talk over with.
2. getting the cabin completed.
3. warmer weather
4. Skyler coming home in September
5. Michael's mission call (but we will miss him, and have a more long term looking forward to his return - serving a mission brings great blessings)
6. more grandchildren (this is not an announcement though)
7. no more children in elementary school
8. Eternal life!

8 favorite restaurants: (I'm not sure I have eaten at 8 restaurants that I really like. This could be tricky. If Terry were answering this question he would say that the best place to eat is at home. Sometimes I agree, but other times I really like not having to cook, so any other place to eat is better than home.)
1. Craigo's in Rexburg
2. China Buffet
3. Panda Express (though I just experienced one such restaurant that was not so good)
4. I enjoyed Olive Garden, but Terry didn't, so we won't go back any time soon.
5. Subway
6. Pizza or KFC in the park.
7. I like the mashed potatoes at Golden Corral.
8. I like breakfasts at any restaurant.

8 things on my wish list:
1. to be as thin as I was as a youth. Yeah right!
2. then a new wardrobe
3. I have often wished for wisdom. Even some knowledge would be nice.
4. kind, charitable, obedient children
5. Terry's cancer to be cured.
6. no aches and pains of aging
7. 20/20 vision - again.
8. a clean house and beautifully manicured yard

8 people I tag: I do enjoy reading your answers. It's my answers that are scary to me. But, so many have been tagged already that I'm not sure who to tag. So, for the first 4 I will tag someone and for the next four I will invite others to create their own blogs so that I can tag them later ;) (If I remember :) - a good memory could be a #9 thing to wish for :)
1. Brandon and/or Megan
2. Gregory and/or Adena
3. Portia
4. Estella
5. Thomas and Dana - would you please create a blog!!! You can begin with your first post by answering all these questions :)
6. Would all of my siblings please create a blog!!! We would love to keep in touch with you more often.
7. Wayne and Robyn - I'm thinking it would be great to read a bit about you two, too!
8. Mom and Dad - wanna try a new way to use your computer?

(I hope I spelled everything right! If not, add that to my #10 wish list.)

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

DID YOU KNOW?
188 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine's Day the second-most popular greeting-card-giving occasion. (This total excludes packaged kids valentines for classroom exchanges.) (Source: Hallmark research)

TOGETHER FOREVER!

Happy Anniversary to us!

We have had a great 29 years, and we look forward to at least that many more together.

Our big plans for this exciting day include going to a chemo treatment, and as I mentioned in a previous blog, we are happy to be able to do that. We'll have a great time today knowing that we are together still.

That in itself is interesting too, because we are grateful to know that even after this life is over for us, we will be together still. We joined hands across an alter 29 years ago in the Idaho Falls temple. It was then and there that we became husband and wife, a family, not only for time, but for eternity. Knowing that we are sealed together (with our children) forever is a feeling beyond what my simple mind can express. There is such a deep feeling of gratitude, overwhelming love and joy and peace that accompanies that knowledge.
Families can be together forever thru Heavenly Fathers plan!

I love you Terry! You are my everything! Thank you for sharing your life with me. Thank you for being mine now and forever!

I spent a few minutes writing more about how I love my children, their spouses and our grandchildren. I wrote of my love and appreciation for my mom and dad, my siblings, and grandparents, aunts and uncles, etc. I included Terry's parents and siblings and extended family as well. Then I realized how much space I had taken up and decided to delete it all.
So now I just end with this -

I love my family! Thank you all for being there and for being you and for all you do!

ONE YEAR NOW!

We've been blogging for one year now, 11 February 2009. I think this is post number 75. It has been a rewarding way to spend time. It really is a great way to keep in touch. I love to read the blogs of our family and friends - keep up your good work! I hope that our blog has been enjoyable to someone out there. It has been enjoyable for me, so I guess I'll keep sharing about my awesome family.
TaTa for now!

This past week has been busy, making it hard to find time to do any blogging. This week seems to be filling up and leaving me with little time of my own. Alas, tonight I found some time, but the laundry gets neglected again.
As usual, we are working on the cabin, attending sporting, scouting, and church activities, and have added chemo treatments to this weeks list of things to do.
We hope to get the cabin bathroom done soon, cause Thomas and Dana really want to move in. There are only a few things left to do, but the bathroom is really a necessity before they stay there.
We wanted to take advantage of the long weekend coming up, but with chemo treatments we have to stay around here for the rest of the week. We are happy to have these chemo treatments available for us and we are pleased that they seem to be helping.
In one way we wish we could be somewhere special on Thursday, because we will be celebrating our 29th anniversary, but then, when you really think about it, we are happy to be in the chemo room, cause that just reminds us that we are very thankful to have each other still.