He is the Gift!
Showing posts with label Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christ. Show all posts
Sunday, December 20, 2020
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Sunday, January 27, 2019
LIGHT
One morning after it had rained all night, I walked outside to the water hydrant and noticed the wet and soggy ground and felt a cloudy, gloominess surrounding me. It seemed almost tangible. It was maybe 9:00 am so there was daylight but no ray of light or brightness. The words "this cold and dreary world" came into my mind and I was beginning to feel a bit discouraged and depressed.
As I continued my short journey back into the house I felt the need to look up to the sky with a wish to see the sun and brightness that comes with it. Only then did I see the sun trying to shine through the clouds. It wasn't covering the earth like it does on a bright summer day but it was there. I lifted my head and looked up and there was the light and brightness I was in need of. It was there - I just had to seek it. The correlation between that bit of light in the sky and Christ's Light was instantly on my mind, just as was the joy that replaced the gloominess in my heart.
I walked into the house, grabbed my phone and went back out to take a picture to remind me of what I had just seen and felt.
The next morning our power went out, making it difficult to see things because it was still dark outside, so I lit some oil lamps and candles and sat down with a flashlight to read the "Come, Follow Me - For Individuals and Families" manual and the scriptures it suggested for the week.
I almost didn't read the suggested scriptures (Matthew 2 and Luke 2) because I knew the story they were telling, but then decided I'd better read them. Luke 2:32 spoke to my heart and soul as I read the words Simeon used to describe Christ - "A light to lighten the Gentiles".
I immediately remembered the experience I had the previous day and thought about the new and present conditions surrounding me again that morning (which was darkness and a flashlight to make it possible to see and read the scriptures) and I felt a tender blessing of love, and once again I felt and knew that Christ knows me personally. He sent these experiences to help, comfort, enlighten, and guide me.
As I was finishing up my reading the power came back on and I realized how these things could be considered coincidence to some, but to me, it was DIVINE. Had I chosen to not read the scriptures because I already knew what they said or just put it all down and stopped studying because the lights went out, I would have missed out on a wonderful and tender, personal experience.
Now, a week later, in the light, warmth and comfort of my home, but with an overwhelming concern (even a "gloominess") on my mind and in my heart, I sat to finish my personal study of "Come, Follow Me" and the scriptures for this week. I read the journal notes I had written as I read thru the week and saw things like;
I re-read John 1:4-10 and the ideas in the manual for those verses, and I was again reminded that "the Savior is the Light of [our] lives."
No matter what our earthly or mental surroundings and conditions, no matter who we are or where we are, no matter what we have said or done or felt or otherwise experienced, no matter how dark and dreary things seem or are, ... NO MATTER WHAT ... I KNOW
The experiences of the last couple weeks have helped me remember how grateful I am for His LIGHT. I know that He will be present if we allow Him to be, if we SEEK HIM. Look for Him. Look to Him.
I am grateful to the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their inspired direction and guidance and for the new Come, Follow Me - For Individuals and Families. I look forward to the enlightenment that can come as we continue to study through the year.
I know that our lives are better as we put Christ in the center of all that we do. He is our strength. HE IS THE ONLY WAY!
Well, I had this post complete - or so I thought, and was going to come back to publish it after a phone call I had and some studying for seminary, but then ...
As I was studying for seminary. I read the word enlightens in the scriptures and decided to study a bit more about it since it has been on my mind of late and I had just written about it.
I found a talk by Dieter F. Uchtdorf, The Hope of God's Light and read the first portion of it, Entrance to Enlightenment. He spoke of a painting with the same title so I searched for and found it. In doing so, it led me to another small article about the picture, in Arts.
I won't spend time re-writing what each of those articles said, but I added links. I will once again add how wonderful it is to be enlightened, and add this:
As I continued my short journey back into the house I felt the need to look up to the sky with a wish to see the sun and brightness that comes with it. Only then did I see the sun trying to shine through the clouds. It wasn't covering the earth like it does on a bright summer day but it was there. I lifted my head and looked up and there was the light and brightness I was in need of. It was there - I just had to seek it. The correlation between that bit of light in the sky and Christ's Light was instantly on my mind, just as was the joy that replaced the gloominess in my heart.
I walked into the house, grabbed my phone and went back out to take a picture to remind me of what I had just seen and felt.
The next morning our power went out, making it difficult to see things because it was still dark outside, so I lit some oil lamps and candles and sat down with a flashlight to read the "Come, Follow Me - For Individuals and Families" manual and the scriptures it suggested for the week.
I almost didn't read the suggested scriptures (Matthew 2 and Luke 2) because I knew the story they were telling, but then decided I'd better read them. Luke 2:32 spoke to my heart and soul as I read the words Simeon used to describe Christ - "A light to lighten the Gentiles".
I immediately remembered the experience I had the previous day and thought about the new and present conditions surrounding me again that morning (which was darkness and a flashlight to make it possible to see and read the scriptures) and I felt a tender blessing of love, and once again I felt and knew that Christ knows me personally. He sent these experiences to help, comfort, enlighten, and guide me.
As I was finishing up my reading the power came back on and I realized how these things could be considered coincidence to some, but to me, it was DIVINE. Had I chosen to not read the scriptures because I already knew what they said or just put it all down and stopped studying because the lights went out, I would have missed out on a wonderful and tender, personal experience.
Now, a week later, in the light, warmth and comfort of my home, but with an overwhelming concern (even a "gloominess") on my mind and in my heart, I sat to finish my personal study of "Come, Follow Me" and the scriptures for this week. I read the journal notes I had written as I read thru the week and saw things like;
"Christ is the TRUE LIGHT, and all have it."
"He saves all who come unto Him and Believe Him."
"He is the only way!"
I re-read John 1:4-10 and the ideas in the manual for those verses, and I was again reminded that "the Savior is the Light of [our] lives."
No matter what our earthly or mental surroundings and conditions, no matter who we are or where we are, no matter what we have said or done or felt or otherwise experienced, no matter how dark and dreary things seem or are, ... NO MATTER WHAT ... I KNOW
"The LIGHT
SHINETH in DARKNESS"
(John 1:5)
I am grateful to the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their inspired direction and guidance and for the new Come, Follow Me - For Individuals and Families. I look forward to the enlightenment that can come as we continue to study through the year.
I know that our lives are better as we put Christ in the center of all that we do. He is our strength. HE IS THE ONLY WAY!
Well, I had this post complete - or so I thought, and was going to come back to publish it after a phone call I had and some studying for seminary, but then ...
As I was studying for seminary. I read the word enlightens in the scriptures and decided to study a bit more about it since it has been on my mind of late and I had just written about it.
I found a talk by Dieter F. Uchtdorf, The Hope of God's Light and read the first portion of it, Entrance to Enlightenment. He spoke of a painting with the same title so I searched for and found it. In doing so, it led me to another small article about the picture, in Arts.
 |
| Entrance to Enlightenment |
I won't spend time re-writing what each of those articles said, but I added links. I will once again add how wonderful it is to be enlightened, and add this:
understand that darkness exists - but do not dwell there
LIGHT ALSO EXISTS
DWELL THERE!
Friday, April 6, 2018
Easter Blessings
This Easter season gave me many opportunities to testify of my faith in Christ and in The Resurrection.
I was first asked to share in Primary Sharing Time, then the next week I was asked to share in Young Women, and of course Seminary gives me several opportunities, and then Easter was here to remind me.
I have a hard time bringing my thoughts and words together to make sense and struggled to want to share my deepest feelings. I knew I should so after prayer and pondering I came up with a presentation using the photographs and plaques around my house.
It has remained on my mind for weeks. It is important to me so I decided to write it down. It is a "feel good" memory. It's a "feel good" trust and faith in our Redeemer, and I share it now:
I did not add this next picture (that has been hanging on our wall for many years) to my presentation, but I do add it to my testimony today. And it's all because of Christ.
(I loved the saying and created a visual using a picture from our wedding collection.)
I was first asked to share in Primary Sharing Time, then the next week I was asked to share in Young Women, and of course Seminary gives me several opportunities, and then Easter was here to remind me.
I have a hard time bringing my thoughts and words together to make sense and struggled to want to share my deepest feelings. I knew I should so after prayer and pondering I came up with a presentation using the photographs and plaques around my house.
It has remained on my mind for weeks. It is important to me so I decided to write it down. It is a "feel good" memory. It's a "feel good" trust and faith in our Redeemer, and I share it now:
I call this a love story.
Between these two people -
Terry and Elaine Hebdon
We met 39 years ago.
We were married 38 years ago ...,
Because we were married in an LDS temple by a man with the proper Priesthood / Sealing authority, the two of us and all the children we would have could be together forever.
A couple years later our family began to grow, and in time, the Lord had sent us a total of nine children.
The last time all 11 of us were together was after Gregory came home from his mission and before Brandon left on his mission (the last week of July 2003).
(The opportunity to be together at this time was a tender mercy in itself. Brandon was to leave almost a month before Gregory returned, but I sent him for one last dental cleaning before he left for two years without one. The dentist was not supposed to take x-rays but fortunately he did, which allowed him to find a hole in Brandon's jaw bone. An elbow in the face could have broken his bone, so it needed repaired before he left, meaning Brandon's mission would begin a couple months later than he was first assigned, allowing some time between their missions. )
The next time we had an opportunity for us all to be together was in December 2014.
You will probably first notice that there are many more family members in this photo.
Then, as you look closer, you will notice one of the original 11 (or the original 2) is not pictured.
In December 2014 there were 27 family members and one of them (Terry Wayne Hebdon) had passed away.
More family members have been added - in April 2018 there are 35 members of our family, and this summer we will add 4 more grandchildren, making a total of 39.
At this point, Terry has not met two daughters-in-law and his son-in-law, and a third of his grandchildren, and they have not met him nor will they see each other in this life. More than half of his grandchildren won't remember him, even though he has loved them and held them in his arms.
After the birth of our grandchildren this summer only half of his grandchildren will have met him, and of course this number will continue to grow, and some day we will also add another daughter-in-law to those numbers.
However, because of another love story this separation will not last forever.
Our Heavenly Father sent His Only Begotten Son to earth to make eternity possible, and Jesus Christ accepted this Plan of Redemption - a Plan of Happiness.
Because of Jesus Christ's acceptance of this plan, His birth, His life, His teachings, His Atonement, His death, His Resurrection, and His love we will all see each other and live together forever.
I am grateful!
Because of Him our family is eternal!
I did not add this next picture (that has been hanging on our wall for many years) to my presentation, but I do add it to my testimony today. And it's all because of Christ.
The Promise
-
Across the years I will walk with you ~
Love in our hearts; adventures new:
And when our time on earth is through,
You'll have my hand in heaven too.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
My Savior
This is one of my favorites! And it doesn't even have to be Christmas for me to listen to it. It is beautiful. Peaceful! Reverent! Inspirational! ...
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Missionary Update:
Anthony has had his first week in Argentina, at the MTC.
I received his email Thursday morning. (Sorry it's taken me a few days to share.) Thursdays will be his prep day while he is in the MTC. Because of the time difference I will receive his email early in the morning, and will be emailing to him on Wednesdays to make sure he gets it before he sends to me.
He seems to be doing well. I had a comforting feeling as I read his words and felt of his love for his family and for the Lord.
He is having some wonderful experiences that are helping his testimony grow.
On one occasion he was asked to write his testimony in Spanish. He was not to memorize it, but write it in Spanish and then read it aloud. This was a great opportunity for him - one he enjoyed and that made him more aware of what his testimony really is and how it affects him and others around him.
He loves the food :)
He loves the language :)
He loves everything about his experiences right now :)
I know the Lord is watching over him and will help him through every day of this mission. I know Anthony will experience some trying moments along with the good, and I know that our Savior will be there with him, strengthening him through each and every moment.
And, as is true for all of us, Christ will carry us through the most difficult times in our lives, when we need Him most. We just need to follow Him and allow Him to help us, even invite Him to help us.
IT'S A FEEL GOOD DAY!
So I'll share this (again) since it's been on my mind while writing this post. (skip the add)
I hope you have a wonderful day!
I received his email Thursday morning. (Sorry it's taken me a few days to share.) Thursdays will be his prep day while he is in the MTC. Because of the time difference I will receive his email early in the morning, and will be emailing to him on Wednesdays to make sure he gets it before he sends to me.
He seems to be doing well. I had a comforting feeling as I read his words and felt of his love for his family and for the Lord.
He is having some wonderful experiences that are helping his testimony grow.
On one occasion he was asked to write his testimony in Spanish. He was not to memorize it, but write it in Spanish and then read it aloud. This was a great opportunity for him - one he enjoyed and that made him more aware of what his testimony really is and how it affects him and others around him.
He loves the food :)
He loves the language :)
He loves everything about his experiences right now :)
I know the Lord is watching over him and will help him through every day of this mission. I know Anthony will experience some trying moments along with the good, and I know that our Savior will be there with him, strengthening him through each and every moment.
And, as is true for all of us, Christ will carry us through the most difficult times in our lives, when we need Him most. We just need to follow Him and allow Him to help us, even invite Him to help us.
IT'S A FEEL GOOD DAY!
So I'll share this (again) since it's been on my mind while writing this post. (skip the add)
I hope you have a wonderful day!
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Saturday, November 21, 2015
A Message of Comfort and Cheer
Elder Holland has such a wonderful way of sharing with us and inspiring us, and I am grateful for this message I came across as I was searching resources for seminary lessons. It isn't one I'll use in seminary, but it is something I will use in my everyday personal life. Therefore, I need to keep it close to remind me when I need it most. (And maybe I'll take time to listen to the complete message another time, because I didn't get all of it this time.)
Christmas Comfort
"Birth is ultimately for the death"
"We have each other now and forever" "Because of Christ"
"Temporary separation at death ... are part of the price we pay for love in this world, and for the joy of birth, and for family ties ...."
"Remember why all of this matters"
"Cannot separate Bethlehem from Gethsemane."
Christmas Comfort
"Birth is ultimately for the death"
"We have each other now and forever" "Because of Christ"
"Temporary separation at death ... are part of the price we pay for love in this world, and for the joy of birth, and for family ties ...."
"Remember why all of this matters"
"Cannot separate Bethlehem from Gethsemane."
Sunday, September 6, 2015
School / Seminary
Well, usually I have posted a picture of the kids heading out to their first day or two of school. I was otherwise occupied and not thinking about that the first three days of school for Anthony, but then a new week came when I too was headed out the door for school ..., or for seminary, before school.
It was an odd, but even familiar feeling. I think I have a picture of the first day of school when I was in elementary school. I feel a little old here. But doesn't Anthony look awesome!
I am glad to know that my first week isn't my final week, so that I have time to improve. I hope the students will survive and be able to overlook my unprofessional and weak teaching abilities.
I have enjoyed my time studying. There is so much good in the scriptures and I love how I am feeling the love of God in the study of the Old Testament and Pearl of Great Price.
This morning I was so into my studying that I was almost late for church. We are using the most recent General Conference messages as we study throughout the year, and one quote that touched me today was just for me. Not necessarily one I planned to share with the class, but it spoke directly to me, as have many other quotes and scriptures of late.
“If we looked at mortality as the whole of existence, then pain, sorrow, failure, and short life would be calamity. But if we look upon life as an eternal thing stretching far into the premortal past and on into the eternal post-death future, then all happenings may be put in proper perspective.”7
Message by Elder Rafael E. Pino, p 118 May 2015 Ensign. Quote is from President Spencer W. Kimball.
We will begin our study of Moses this week in seminary. One scripture (among the many great verses I've read the last couple days), has sunk deep into my heart and as I liken it unto me, I see and I testify that it is true. What He says to one, He says to all! (D&C 93:49) He is saying this to me.
Moses 1:26
"And lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days..."
The Lord was talking to Moses and preparing him for what was to come - for what he would become. I feel encouragement from this message and will strive with all my heart to remember it and use it to help me in my becoming.
I know the Lord is with me, and for that, I am grateful. I hope to remember this through all the ups and downs that are sure to come.
I love the Lord.
I love the scriptures.
I love my family.
New to my list, but genuinely so - I love my seminary students.
I love the peace the Spirit brings.
It was an odd, but even familiar feeling. I think I have a picture of the first day of school when I was in elementary school. I feel a little old here. But doesn't Anthony look awesome!
I am glad to know that my first week isn't my final week, so that I have time to improve. I hope the students will survive and be able to overlook my unprofessional and weak teaching abilities.
I have enjoyed my time studying. There is so much good in the scriptures and I love how I am feeling the love of God in the study of the Old Testament and Pearl of Great Price.
This morning I was so into my studying that I was almost late for church. We are using the most recent General Conference messages as we study throughout the year, and one quote that touched me today was just for me. Not necessarily one I planned to share with the class, but it spoke directly to me, as have many other quotes and scriptures of late.
“If we looked at mortality as the whole of existence, then pain, sorrow, failure, and short life would be calamity. But if we look upon life as an eternal thing stretching far into the premortal past and on into the eternal post-death future, then all happenings may be put in proper perspective.”7
Message by Elder Rafael E. Pino, p 118 May 2015 Ensign. Quote is from President Spencer W. Kimball.
We will begin our study of Moses this week in seminary. One scripture (among the many great verses I've read the last couple days), has sunk deep into my heart and as I liken it unto me, I see and I testify that it is true. What He says to one, He says to all! (D&C 93:49) He is saying this to me.
Moses 1:26
"And lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days..."
The Lord was talking to Moses and preparing him for what was to come - for what he would become. I feel encouragement from this message and will strive with all my heart to remember it and use it to help me in my becoming.
I know the Lord is with me, and for that, I am grateful. I hope to remember this through all the ups and downs that are sure to come.
I love the Lord.
I love the scriptures.
I love my family.
New to my list, but genuinely so - I love my seminary students.
I love the peace the Spirit brings.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Message of Inspiration
I'm still cleaning and organizing, and finding things that inspire.
"Christ is the only beacon on which we can ultimately rely."
"Success is a journey, not a destination."
Monday, April 6, 2015
We Can Live with God Again
Our lives will not end when we die. Our future lives are determined by the way we live our lives now.
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Because of Him
Now this, from today's suggested RS reading - From a message by Pres. Monson, He is Risen. A scripture that shares some differences between earth life and eternal life.
Revelation 21:4
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
In a small way this scripture comforts me, even helping me know that my sorrow and crying in this life, even if it lasts for my whole earth life, is okay. It's even part of the plan, but then it will be gone and joy will fill it's place.
This time of year and the celebration of Christ's Atonement and Resurrection brings on many emotions. It is a wonderful reminder of the love our Heavenly Father has for us and the Plan of Happiness that we are living. Because of Him, no goodbye will last forever. And because of Him, the sorrow and crying will not last forever.
That fills my heart with joy.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
The Continuous Atonement
As I have mentioned before, reading has been a difficult thing for me to do after Terry passed away. It was just like coming out of anesthesia and not being able to concentrate - strange feeling, and unexpected. I kept trying to read a few things but always gave up.
Yesterday I picked up one book that I had previously started (but put down due to the fact that I wasn't getting anything out of it). I really wanted to learn from it so I waited until I could focus on it. When I tried again last night I was pleased to find that I could read it and understand it. I read for a few hours (with a few breaks talking to the boys) until my mind stopped accepting anymore words, but I was pleased at the progress and enjoyed what I read.
The Continuous Atonement by Brad Wilcox has now become a favorite of mine. I don't read very often, and it takes a special book to make me want to read. This was one of them. BrittanyJo read it for a class assignment last fall and loved it, so I purchased a copy for me (I like to underline things as I read) but it took me this long to get into it.
One of my favorite books in the late 90's was Within Reach by Robert L. Millet. Those two books will remain my favorites. The Peacegiver by James L. Farrell was a good book too, and A Quiet Heart by Patricia T. Holland, and there were others that I have enjoyed. Today though, I am very grateful for The Continuous Atonement - the book and the Atonement itself.
It is a perfect time of year to read it if you are looking for something good to read and haven't read it yet (or want to re-read it). I underlined many things in the book so I could refer to them again as needed, but I wanted to post a few here too. I hope I can choose the most appropriate and not over do it. I don't want to re-write or copy the book here, but there are several things that have touched my heart that I want to remember. I have added a few visuals to help break up the read.
"Christ's Atonement is at the very core of God's plan. Without His dear, dear sacrifice, there would be no way home, no way to be together, no way to be like Him." (Bruce C. Hafen)
"... without us, those blessed emblems merely sit in trays.
We must pick them up and put them inside. We must internalize Jesus' offering. That's how we thank Jesus for all He has done - by accepting His love, remembering His sacrifice, and applying His teachings and Atonement in our lives. Christ's gifts are freely given, but they must also be freely received."
"Where there is great love and attachment, there is great risk of pain."
"The Fall was designed - complete with all the accompanying misery and pain - to ultimately bring us freedom and happiness."
"The gospel of Jesus Christ was not given to prevent our pain. The gospel was given us to heal our pain." (Marie K. Hafen)
Atonement means "to cover". "Jesus covers us when we feel lost and discouraged.... He doesn't always clear the path, but He does illuminate it. Along with being the light, He also lightens our loads... He doesn't always take burdens away from us, but He strengthens us for the task of carrying them and promises they will be for our good." (And He keeps His promises!)
In Arabic or Aramic the verb meaning to atone is kafat, which means "to embrace." "Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love." D&C 6:20.
"The Atonement is not just about paying debts but about transforming debtors."
"Jesus chose to become like us so that we can choose to become like Him."
"God is pleased with every effort we make."
"Christ is not waiting at the finish line; He is finishing our faith. Grace is not the prize at the end of the climb. It is the enabling power throughout."
"The Lord helps us to help ourselves."
"Christ's requirements are not so that we can make the best of the Atonement, but so that - on His generous terms - the Atonement can make the best of us."
I am not prepared for Easter weekend in the temporal or material sense so I'm glad to have a few more days, but I am very ready for it spiritually.
I am looking forward to hearing more great things at our General Conference - 4th and 5th of April. How to View Live
What a perfect time to fill our souls with words of God, from God, through His servants.
Yesterday I picked up one book that I had previously started (but put down due to the fact that I wasn't getting anything out of it). I really wanted to learn from it so I waited until I could focus on it. When I tried again last night I was pleased to find that I could read it and understand it. I read for a few hours (with a few breaks talking to the boys) until my mind stopped accepting anymore words, but I was pleased at the progress and enjoyed what I read.
The Continuous Atonement by Brad Wilcox has now become a favorite of mine. I don't read very often, and it takes a special book to make me want to read. This was one of them. BrittanyJo read it for a class assignment last fall and loved it, so I purchased a copy for me (I like to underline things as I read) but it took me this long to get into it.
One of my favorite books in the late 90's was Within Reach by Robert L. Millet. Those two books will remain my favorites. The Peacegiver by James L. Farrell was a good book too, and A Quiet Heart by Patricia T. Holland, and there were others that I have enjoyed. Today though, I am very grateful for The Continuous Atonement - the book and the Atonement itself.
It is a perfect time of year to read it if you are looking for something good to read and haven't read it yet (or want to re-read it). I underlined many things in the book so I could refer to them again as needed, but I wanted to post a few here too. I hope I can choose the most appropriate and not over do it. I don't want to re-write or copy the book here, but there are several things that have touched my heart that I want to remember. I have added a few visuals to help break up the read.
 |
| image from here |
"... without us, those blessed emblems merely sit in trays.
 |
| image from here |
"Where there is great love and attachment, there is great risk of pain."
"The Fall was designed - complete with all the accompanying misery and pain - to ultimately bring us freedom and happiness."
"The gospel of Jesus Christ was not given to prevent our pain. The gospel was given us to heal our pain." (Marie K. Hafen)
Atonement means "to cover". "Jesus covers us when we feel lost and discouraged.... He doesn't always clear the path, but He does illuminate it. Along with being the light, He also lightens our loads... He doesn't always take burdens away from us, but He strengthens us for the task of carrying them and promises they will be for our good." (And He keeps His promises!)
 |
| image from here |
"The Atonement is not just about paying debts but about transforming debtors."
"Jesus chose to become like us so that we can choose to become like Him."
"God is pleased with every effort we make."
"Christ is not waiting at the finish line; He is finishing our faith. Grace is not the prize at the end of the climb. It is the enabling power throughout."
 |
| image from here |
"The Lord helps us to help ourselves."
"Christ's requirements are not so that we can make the best of the Atonement, but so that - on His generous terms - the Atonement can make the best of us."
I am not prepared for Easter weekend in the temporal or material sense so I'm glad to have a few more days, but I am very ready for it spiritually.
I am looking forward to hearing more great things at our General Conference - 4th and 5th of April. How to View Live
What a perfect time to fill our souls with words of God, from God, through His servants.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Perception
I share these things with a grateful heart and hope that you can receive them with that same feeling.
Once again I see things differently than before ...
I was preparing for my primary lesson this week and found a message HERE that spoke to me in a different way than it might have earlier in my life. I do not consider this good or bad, just different. It's one of those "line upon line" things or "had to be there" things. It's just the way it is now for me as my perception of things has been altered due to the changing conditions around me.
Our primary lesson is The Sermon on the Mount. (what a great sermon it was and continues to be)
The message that touched me is The Beatitudes: Pattern for Coming unto Christ, by Robert E. Wells (Dec. 1987)
I have mourned before, for the loss of beloved family members, but never to the depth of what I mourn now. Experiencing the loss of my beloved husband and best friend ..., my everything, is the deepest sorrow I have ever felt. My sorrow has been compounded because of things that have happened after Terry's passing, but there has not been one thing harder than that one loss and I expect that there will not be anything worse than it in my future.
However, every night when I retire to my bed I feel the most precious peace that I have ever felt before. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me and that He is aware of me and that He is there for me. I feel it and I love it. It is tangible and it is awesome. I know that this feeling comes from God because of a blessing given me earlier and I also recognize Terry's hand in it as well. I know that he too desires for me to find some comfort and peace during this time of pain and suffering at the death of my loved one.
I am so grateful for these special blessings, tender mercies, small miracles - these times of comfort and consolation from God through the Holy Ghost - that come my way and I am so grateful for the promised eternal blessings that we all have to look forward to.
Once again I see things differently than before ...
I was preparing for my primary lesson this week and found a message HERE that spoke to me in a different way than it might have earlier in my life. I do not consider this good or bad, just different. It's one of those "line upon line" things or "had to be there" things. It's just the way it is now for me as my perception of things has been altered due to the changing conditions around me.
Our primary lesson is The Sermon on the Mount. (what a great sermon it was and continues to be)
The message that touched me is The Beatitudes: Pattern for Coming unto Christ, by Robert E. Wells (Dec. 1987)
2. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.(Matt. 5:4.) Of all the Beatitudes, this one appears at first glance to be the most unusual and contradictory. How can it be a blessing to be in mourning? To mourn is to show grief or pain at the death of a loved one. This intense feeling cannot be hidden from the world or from God; it cannot be eased or pacified except with comfort and consolation from God through the Holy Ghost.
So why would the Savior say that it is a blessing to mourn? It may be that pain and suffering at the death of loved ones is an essential part of our mortal experience that obliges us to face the question of the reality of the spirit world and the hope of the Resurrection. It is through suffering that we discover what is eternally important.
It might be that it is a blessing for us to become more fully aware that God’s ways are not always our ways, and that we must trust him when things don’t go as we believe they should. When we can see the Lord’s purposes fulfilled in our sorrowful moments, the Holy Ghost can console us and the Atonement and Resurrection can become the cornerstones of our faith. Again, both the Joseph Smith Translation and the Book of Mormon accounts indicate that the mourner is truly blessed only if he comes unto Christ.
I have mourned before, for the loss of beloved family members, but never to the depth of what I mourn now. Experiencing the loss of my beloved husband and best friend ..., my everything, is the deepest sorrow I have ever felt. My sorrow has been compounded because of things that have happened after Terry's passing, but there has not been one thing harder than that one loss and I expect that there will not be anything worse than it in my future.
However, every night when I retire to my bed I feel the most precious peace that I have ever felt before. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me and that He is aware of me and that He is there for me. I feel it and I love it. It is tangible and it is awesome. I know that this feeling comes from God because of a blessing given me earlier and I also recognize Terry's hand in it as well. I know that he too desires for me to find some comfort and peace during this time of pain and suffering at the death of my loved one.
I am so grateful for these special blessings, tender mercies, small miracles - these times of comfort and consolation from God through the Holy Ghost - that come my way and I am so grateful for the promised eternal blessings that we all have to look forward to.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
This Morning's Reading
My thoughts were rolling as we read during our family scripture and prayer this morning. I spent some personal time afterward reading the footnotes and doing some more study and pondering on the subject. I love the scriptures. They are the word of God. As I was studying I felt the desire to post my thoughts, so here is my attempt to do so.
 |
| from here |
I don't mean to compare myself or Terry to the Savior, but only to compare this sentence in Mosiah 15:7
"... the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father."
For months, even years, we have been praying much like Christ did;
"Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done." Luke 22:42
Again, I wish to clarify that I do not compare to Christ, but only to the words in that sentence. We prayed, over and over again, that Terry's illness be removed from him, truly believing that it could and would be, but always trying to accept the Father's will.
I have accepted the will of the Father many times in my life previous to now, but none seem so difficult as accepting the will of the Father in taking my husband from me for the rest of my life on earth. I truly do feel swallowed up in it, and I am so grateful to know that it is the Father's will. Our Heavenly Father has taken Terry, leaving me alone (alone, in this case, means without my husband on earth) but He has not left me without comfort ..., I know I am not completely alone, and I haven't enough words to express how grateful I truly feel for that comfort.
After Christ spoke those words, asking for the Father's will to be done, we read that
"there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him." Luke 22:43
No angel has appeared to me, but I have felt a strength from heaven.
Verse 44 continues,
"And being in agony he prayed more earnestly."
This was interesting to me because I have felt in agony many times. I know that Christ's pain was much more and different than mine, but I have felt emotional agony. I worry about being out in public when one of those moments might hit. Each time I feel that emotional agony I pray more earnestly and I feel that strength from heaven, from our Father, lifting me and helping me, and once again I am reminded that He knows me, He loves me, and I will be alright.
I don't know how to envision it, but I do know, in my mind and in my heart, that I will see Terry again and we will live together again, for eternity. How joyous that is!
Each time I begin to falter I try to remember the promise of eternal life and the path I must take to get there. I remember that I can not feel complete peace during a time of complete loss of emotional control. I must stand strong and move forward, every step being guided and even physically lifted as if someone were walking at my side steadying my way and giving me strength to take the next step. This does not mean that I never falter, it means that I know where to turn when I do.
I don't know how to envision it, but I do know, in my mind and in my heart, that I will see Terry again and we will live together again, for eternity. How joyous that is!
Each time I begin to falter I try to remember the promise of eternal life and the path I must take to get there. I remember that I can not feel complete peace during a time of complete loss of emotional control. I must stand strong and move forward, every step being guided and even physically lifted as if someone were walking at my side steadying my way and giving me strength to take the next step. This does not mean that I never falter, it means that I know where to turn when I do.
 |
| image from google search |
"Heaven's Light is always just a prayer away!"
Among other places, we read about Christ's grand purpose in coming to earth in John 6:38 -
"For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me."
Consider our purpose for coming to earth. Is it not to do the will of our Father? In a much lesser role, but still to do His will, accept His will, obey His will. His will be done!
And we, ourselves, want to do this - we want to do the will of the Father, because
"...every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life..." John 6:40
I do want everlasting life, so I will strive daily to
"learn of [Him], and listen to [His] words; walk in the meekness of [His] Spirit, and [I] shall have peace in [Him]." D&C 19:23
and I shall have everlasting life, with my eternal companion ...,
and it will be worth it!
and it will be worth it!
"While there may be thorns and disappointments, while there may be heartache, even heartbreak, there can be peace and comfort and strength from the Lord for those who follow Him."
- Gordon B. Hinckley
My faith and my strength is in my Savior!
Sunday, January 25, 2015
One of Those Days!
The doctors and nurses at SCCA always told us that the transplant days would become a new date to celebrate because of the new life extended for the patient.
It is not possible for me to remain strong and true and steadfast on my own - it is faith in Jesus Christ and trusting Him that has helped me through every trial and disappointment and frustration in my life, and it is that same (but hopefully stronger) faith in Jesus Christ that will help me through this challenge in my life.
I was reading a message given by Ardeth G. Kapp in 2004, titled Pray Not for Light Burdens but for Strong Backs where I found this quote that seemed to speak to me today. Sister Kapp said;
This is true. Imagine what we would be if we did not strive with all our might and strength and put our faith and trust in the Lord. It isn't hard to see what we must do.
In that same message by Sister Kapp, she testified of something that I too can testify of. Using her words, but adding my witness ...,
I can testify from my own experience in life, that some of our heaviest burdens, disappointments, and heartaches can in time be replaced with “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding” (Phillipians 4:7) while “we wait upon the Lord” (Isaiah 40:31).
I have re-read (many times) the talk I gave at Stake Conference in 2009 I titled Thank You for Waiting. More than ever before I am grateful for that opportunity to speak on that subject because returning often to that message has helped me remember to wait patiently on the Lord, and that waiting implies something more than just sitting around waiting for something to just happen.
“to wait = to remain true to Him, to remain strongly attached while staying put or still until something expected happens.”
I do expect something to happen. Among those things that I expect are these -
I expect the Lord to fill my heart with joy and love and help me through the rest of my life without my husband at my side in his mortal form.
I expect to find joy and love with my family and friends while still on earth in our mortal form.
I expect to live my life so that I can return to my Heavenly Father and my Savior, Jesus Christ and to see and live with my husband forever after this mortal life, in greater joy and happiness than I have ever or will ever know on this mortal journey.
I expect the Lord to lift my soul, and even my physical body at times when I am not strong enough to carry on in my own strength.
I expect the Lord to help each member of my family with each individual need and righteous desire that is theirs, and mine for them.
I expect these things and more, because I know that the Lord has promised them to me if I do my part, and I promise to do my part so that I may partake of those promised blessings. I know He loves me, and that is enough to help me continue on. I know I am not perfect, which means that I will falter, but I know that He will help me do my part. Isn't that wonderful? IT IS WONDERFUL TO ME!
We are never really alone when we invite the Lord into our lives.
---
I just finished this post, stopping right above those three little lines just above this sentence, when I learned of some heart breaking news that took me from this post and into a deep concern that I could not stand or bear on my own. It took me to my knees and I spoke out loud to the Lord about it through a raging storm of emotion and tears. It has been several days since I have felt that low and it is a place I don't like to be. However, I truly can testify that no matter how low we are, no matter how challenging the hardship or trial, our Savior IS here.
This trial is not over by any means. This part of it is just beginning, but I will rely on the Lord and He will help me. With His help we will come out of this stronger and better for it!
I don't know why I felt I should write this, maybe just to remind myself or to give myself strength to carry on. Sometimes speaking out loud and writing our thoughts helps us overcome and gives us courage and strength that we need. Maybe that is why I'm sharing it. Maybe it is to remind me (and anyone else who might need to remember) that hard things do happen to us and can and will at any given moment, but we can prevail. Maybe I share it because it's good to share the "bad" that happens so that others don't always think that life is easy because we always share only the "good". Life is so ... real!
I wondered if I should just click on publish without this addition, but do feel the need to add it, so I'm following through. However, I hope it doesn't affect anyone adversely nor send extra concern toward me. I do not need extra attention ..., honestly, I am fine! I FEEL MY SAVIORS LOVE!
I have enjoyed this quote for years now and love to look at the different images associated with it. Life is Good. (I used some of these fun images in an earlier post I titled Did You Know. I wonder why I haven't a pinterest board dedicated to these images? Hmmm! Thinking .... I do now!)
Here is a little more about a good life -
I'm in a mood I guess, and just can't stop ..., so here is a saying I found and posted a year ago (here) -
Life is good when we know where to turn. And I do know where to turn.
Now one more scripture I feel like adding:
So now I'm going to get up and keep going ...
because I must and I can ...
I feel rejuvenated ..., maybe that is why I finished this post ..., it's my pep talk ..., to myself.
We didn't ever get that new life - there was nothing concerning Terry's health changed for the better that we could see, and we never did celebrate either transplant date. Those two days were just another day on the calendar to us. In all honesty, for me they actually became days of disappointment knowing that the transplant didn't work, and I try to forget them.
However, every year, for several years now, at the beginning of each year, I go through my new planner and write in the birthdays and celebration of each family member. I had done this for 2015 in November 2014, but I was looking through my planner Sunday morning circling the dates so I would see them more easily so as not to forget (I have forgotten lately and I hate that feeling - my mind is still not clear as it should be).
As I did I obviously noticed the celebrations of our anniversary in Feb, and Terry's bday in July, and then came to December and of course remembered that the 10th would be the first anniversary of Terry's passing away.
Thoughts started flowing through my mind and I wondered if I should write anything on the calendar to mark that date or just leave it. I know I won't forget it, but do I really want to remember or celebrate it? I had an interesting feeling that I did want to remember it, for in one way it truly is the day that we had been praying for.
It didn't come in a way we had hoped, but it did come. Terry has been given that new life - one that is free from suffering and pain. His cancer is gone ..., and that is what we had prayed for.
I don't know if I will celebrate the day, but I will celebrate the life ..., his life and his life with me and with our children/including their spouses and grandchildren.
I miss him, but I'm sure it will be a good year for him ..., maybe his best ever, at least concerning health issues. We will see how I feel come December 10th and how we treat that day, but for now I am trying to count my blessings and be grateful for the joys of life that do still exist (though they are harder to enjoy without my husband at my side .... just sayin'!).
I'm keeping busy and trying to make this new life of mine something that will be better and better as time goes on. One thing that is ever present is the fact that I love Terry and miss him, but also ever present is the fact that the Savior is with me and helping me through it all. I am so amazed at the almost tangent feeling that is present in my heart and mind and soul, lifting me and helping me through every part of my days and night. I am grateful for His love for me and I know He is aware of my every need and will help me and my family through anything else that comes our way. I also want to add that I know that Terry loves me and that he is just as anxious to be at my side as I am to be with him.
At this time in my life I know more than ever that I must trust in the Lord with all my heart because I do not know how to do it on my own. In reality, I guess I do know that I cannot do it on my own.
I'm keeping busy and trying to make this new life of mine something that will be better and better as time goes on. One thing that is ever present is the fact that I love Terry and miss him, but also ever present is the fact that the Savior is with me and helping me through it all. I am so amazed at the almost tangent feeling that is present in my heart and mind and soul, lifting me and helping me through every part of my days and night. I am grateful for His love for me and I know He is aware of my every need and will help me and my family through anything else that comes our way. I also want to add that I know that Terry loves me and that he is just as anxious to be at my side as I am to be with him.
At this time in my life I know more than ever that I must trust in the Lord with all my heart because I do not know how to do it on my own. In reality, I guess I do know that I cannot do it on my own.
Proverbs 3: 5
5¶ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart ; and lean not unto thine own understanding .
It is not possible for me to remain strong and true and steadfast on my own - it is faith in Jesus Christ and trusting Him that has helped me through every trial and disappointment and frustration in my life, and it is that same (but hopefully stronger) faith in Jesus Christ that will help me through this challenge in my life.
I was reading a message given by Ardeth G. Kapp in 2004, titled Pray Not for Light Burdens but for Strong Backs where I found this quote that seemed to speak to me today. Sister Kapp said;
The writings of Orson F. Whitney help us
understand the need for adversity:
No pain that we suffer, no trial
that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development
of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we
suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds
up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more
tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God. . . . And
it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the
education that we came here to acquire and which will make us more like our
Father and Mother in heaven. [Quoted
in Spencer W. Kimball, Tragedy
or Destiny,Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year (6 December 1955),
6]
This is true. Imagine what we would be if we did not strive with all our might and strength and put our faith and trust in the Lord. It isn't hard to see what we must do.
In that same message by Sister Kapp, she testified of something that I too can testify of. Using her words, but adding my witness ...,
I can testify from my own experience in life, that some of our heaviest burdens, disappointments, and heartaches can in time be replaced with “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding” (Phillipians 4:7) while “we wait upon the Lord” (Isaiah 40:31).
I have re-read (many times) the talk I gave at Stake Conference in 2009 I titled Thank You for Waiting. More than ever before I am grateful for that opportunity to speak on that subject because returning often to that message has helped me remember to wait patiently on the Lord, and that waiting implies something more than just sitting around waiting for something to just happen.
“to wait = to remain true to Him, to remain strongly attached while staying put or still until something expected happens.”
I do expect something to happen. Among those things that I expect are these -
I expect the Lord to fill my heart with joy and love and help me through the rest of my life without my husband at my side in his mortal form.
I expect to find joy and love with my family and friends while still on earth in our mortal form.
I expect to live my life so that I can return to my Heavenly Father and my Savior, Jesus Christ and to see and live with my husband forever after this mortal life, in greater joy and happiness than I have ever or will ever know on this mortal journey.
I expect the Lord to lift my soul, and even my physical body at times when I am not strong enough to carry on in my own strength.
I expect the Lord to help each member of my family with each individual need and righteous desire that is theirs, and mine for them.
I expect these things and more, because I know that the Lord has promised them to me if I do my part, and I promise to do my part so that I may partake of those promised blessings. I know He loves me, and that is enough to help me continue on. I know I am not perfect, which means that I will falter, but I know that He will help me do my part. Isn't that wonderful? IT IS WONDERFUL TO ME!
We are never really alone when we invite the Lord into our lives.
---
I just finished this post, stopping right above those three little lines just above this sentence, when I learned of some heart breaking news that took me from this post and into a deep concern that I could not stand or bear on my own. It took me to my knees and I spoke out loud to the Lord about it through a raging storm of emotion and tears. It has been several days since I have felt that low and it is a place I don't like to be. However, I truly can testify that no matter how low we are, no matter how challenging the hardship or trial, our Savior IS here.
This trial is not over by any means. This part of it is just beginning, but I will rely on the Lord and He will help me. With His help we will come out of this stronger and better for it!
I don't know why I felt I should write this, maybe just to remind myself or to give myself strength to carry on. Sometimes speaking out loud and writing our thoughts helps us overcome and gives us courage and strength that we need. Maybe that is why I'm sharing it. Maybe it is to remind me (and anyone else who might need to remember) that hard things do happen to us and can and will at any given moment, but we can prevail. Maybe I share it because it's good to share the "bad" that happens so that others don't always think that life is easy because we always share only the "good". Life is so ... real!
I wondered if I should just click on publish without this addition, but do feel the need to add it, so I'm following through. However, I hope it doesn't affect anyone adversely nor send extra concern toward me. I do not need extra attention ..., honestly, I am fine! I FEEL MY SAVIORS LOVE!
I have enjoyed this quote for years now and love to look at the different images associated with it. Life is Good. (I used some of these fun images in an earlier post I titled Did You Know. I wonder why I haven't a pinterest board dedicated to these images? Hmmm! Thinking .... I do now!)
 |
| image from here |
Here is a little more about a good life -
 |
| image from here |
I'm in a mood I guess, and just can't stop ..., so here is a saying I found and posted a year ago (here) -
 |
| image here |
Life is good when we know where to turn. And I do know where to turn.
Now one more scripture I feel like adding:
3 Nephi 9:14
14 Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.So now I'm going to get up and keep going ...
because I must and I can ...
I feel rejuvenated ..., maybe that is why I finished this post ..., it's my pep talk ..., to myself.
Monday, December 29, 2014
to be proved and tested
Remember that you are here to be proved and tested, “to see if [you] will do all things whatsoever the Lord [your] God shall command [you]” (Abraham 3:25)—and may I just add, “under all circumstances.”
When these trials come..., try to force a smile, gaze heavenward, and say, "I understand, Lord. I know what this is. A time to prove myself, isn't it?" Then partner with Him to endure well to the end.
Spiritual confidence increases when you accept that
"Often trials and tribulations are allowed to come into [your life] because of what [you] are doing right."
full article here
This was first published at http://waitingpatientlyonthelord.blogspot.com/2014/12/to-be-proved-and-tested.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)