A few lines from the pages of notes I took last week:

Elder Holland: Cling to the standards works. The mists of darkness settle on the faithful and the unfaithful. Help the missionaries cling to the rod.

Elder Cook: The Lord's hand is in the hastening. This is an unprecedented and blessed time to be a missionary!

Sister Wright: Rededicate your life to Jesus Christ. Begin with exaltation in mind.

Elder Renlund: Remember the converting power of the Book of Mormon.

Elder Christofferson: Treasure up the word and it will be in your heart and mind when needed.

President Eyring: Pray to know the missionary's hearts. See their goodness. God has called you and He will strengthen you when you are weak.

Elder Bednar: Become servants of the members. As you serve the members, you'll earn their trust.

Elder Andersen: The Lord will bless you with miracles if you believe in Him.

Elder Gong: Repentance looks like walking towards Christ with His arms outstretched.

Elder Rasband: Live in thanksgiving daily.

President Oaks: Connect your teaching to the doctrine of Christ. Ensure that the missionaries have a testimony of Joseph Smith. He has not called you because you will be the same as someone else. He has called you because you are you!

Elder Uchtdorf: There is a sacred flame of fire inside each missionary. Your purpose is to invite. this is under your control. Continue to trust the Lord even when miracles do not happen.

Elder Kearon: No effort is wasted. Turn to the Lord and He will uphold you. Be happy! Embody what you are teaching.

Sister Freeman: Your mission is a time to become more like Christ. You will be blessed with power suited to your circumstances.

Elder Stevenson: Have high expectations and have high love. 

Elder Soares: Study and pray and the fear will go away.

President Nelson: The Book of Mormon contains the answers to life's most vexing questions. Blessings will come as you study, teach from and testify of the Book of Mormon.

We met several couples at the MTC who are going to serve as mission leaders in the Philippines. Some of the couples are from the Philippines and are moving from one island to another, and other couples are Americans who will be serving at a location in the Philippines for three years. There are now over two dozen missions in the Philippines.

We feel energized and uplifted after receiving instruction. The task still seems daunting, but we have been promised heavenly help as we humbly ask for it.

A little change in plans as we are now pointing at the Philippines on the map, and not Toronto, Canada. We are honored to serve.

 

 

On Friday, June 6th we were asked to go to the Church Office Building and meet with an Apostle.  We were told of an unusual circumstance where a mission leader is having health issues and needs to be released. We were asked to serve in the Cebu, Philippines mission as mission leaders for three years instead of serving for eighteen months in Toronto, Canada. Most mission leaders are called in October or November and have months to prepare.  We are scrambling to be ready to leave for the Philippines in a month. There are so many details to think about and take care of. My mind is full and I am having a hard time sleeping, but we keep coming back to the fact that God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ will help us do this!  They have called us and now we trust that They will qualify us. Though we feel completely overwhelmed, we are at peace and excited. Now, back to my "to-do" list...

 

Great thoughts from Dallas Jenkins (Creator and Director of "The Chosen") at BYU yesterday:

Your job is not to feed the five thousand, it is only to provide the loaves and fish.  Whether in failure or success, the message is that same. 
He does ask that of us--to bring our loaves and fishes.  

He could have just waved his hand and the loaves and fish could have appeared out of nothing, but He does demand for us to participate.  

Do the thing we can do, and then He does the thing only He can do--the miracle part. 

He does involve us in the process.  Isn't that so gracious of Him? 

He does ask us to participate.  

Whether in failure of success, five loaves and two fish, when you hand that to Him and He deems it worthy of acceptance, the transaction is over. 

It's the five and two principle--you bring what you have, you give it to God, and let go. 

I implore you starting now, get to this place, this super power that comes when you give it up to God. 

It is not your job to feed the five thousand, it is only your job to bring the loaves and fish.

It was our great privilege to be in a Tongan Stake this weekend. We met such warm and gracious people! We rejoiced to hear a large youth choir sing three numbers in the General Session. The congregational hymns were absolutely amazing because everyone sang with such volume and enthusiasm, and we felt a great spirit as each speaker testified.

The following video is a recording of one of the hymns we loved hearing today.  The name of this Tongan hymn is "Folofola Mai a Sisu." In the video there are two elders singing the hymn, but you will just have to imagine hundreds of faithful saints belting out this hymn with conviction.

Today I sat through a wonderful Sunday School lesson taught by Sister Wilde. At the conclusion of the lesson, Sister Wilde left us with an encouraging thought.  Nephi was asked by the Lord to do something very difficult--to build a boat. He did it with the Lord's help! We have also faced difficult circumstances in our lives and we have tried to manage them with the help of the Lord. 

Sister Wilde then read this list, a list of possible things we have encountered and dealt with along our life's journey:

--Overcoming habits or addictions

--Changing your lifestyle

--Going through repentance after making serious errors

--Conquering your fears

--Mastering your talents

--Fulfilling a difficult calling

--Consecrating all that you have to God

--Forgiving the unforgivable

--Loving the unlovable

--Raising a righteous family in an unrighteous world

--Enduring crushing disappointment, such as financial setbacks, physical and emotional illness, wayward children, an unhappy marriage, no marriage, fertility problems, or an untimely death.

--Rising from an abusive, oppressive background

--Living chastely in an immoral world

--Being "as I am"

We stand with Nephi in our desire to keep the commandments, rely on the Lord for help, and "go and do" with courage and power.

Last Sunday a sister in the ward shared her testimony. She also spoke about her father and how he had taught her joy in living gospel principles.  Fasting for him was joyful, as was paying tithing and attending church meetings. This sister learned to love the gospel from her father. 

Matthew and I have talked a few times since about this principle.  Have we shared with our children and grandchildren how sweet the fruit of the tree tastes? Are we beckoning to them to come and share in the fruit of the tree (the love of God) and enjoy its deliciousness? Are we testifying of how joyful the gospel is to us? Is this something you say, or can people pick it up by the way you act?

I remember once as a child saying something slightly negative about Sunday and my father said simply, "Sunday is my favorite day!" 

I remember my mother's happiness as she served in various callings.

I remember watching my parents feast on General Conference. They listened to every word and lapped it up.

I don't remember hearing complaints or negativity about the church, the doctrines of the church, or the prophet. I am grateful for this. My parents found joy in the gospel and so do I.

"How can anyone walk the covenant path if they have not been shown the way? Should we be surprised that those who have not had the covenant path revealed to them stumble? Can we be loyally devoted to God, to follow in His footsteps if we don't know how to walk or where to walk?"

(Taylor Halerson The Covenant Path in the Bible and the Book of Mormon)

This is a reminder to me to be intentional and teach the covenant path.

Mormonism is an optimistic, forward-looking faith.  Our cheerfulness comes precisely because we are so confident in Christ's redemption.  Hope is emboldening and liberating. Hope orients and anchors us in the midst of chaos.

(Patrick Mason in Planted: Belief and Belonging in an Age of Doubt)

We have every reason to be happy, optimistic, and hopeful.

I am enriched by reading the Liahona. I like reading church books, CFM, scriptures, and conference talks too, but I can testify that I have learned from and loved the Liahona articles, and I have been blessed by reading them. There are articles on foundational gospel truths, along with articles containing practical advice on marriage and family relationships. Members of the church from throughout the world contribute content, and their life experiences and wisdom strengthen me. The topics are current and meaningful.  Here is a sampling of truths I learned this month from the January 2023 Liahona:

We read in the scriptures that it is by our “fruits” that we shall be known and recognized by our loving Heavenly Father. We will not be recognized, judged, or limited by our roots. Some of us come from backgrounds and life experiences that are less than desirable, but our life circumstances do not define us or determine our destinies. It is our omnipotent Father in Heaven that can and will lift us to His heavenly courts on high if we will simply come unto His Son, Jesus Christ, through being obedient and keeping our covenants. Please know that whoever you are and whatever your unique personal circumstances, every blessing is available to you through your faithful journey on the covenant path (Larry Laycock).

President Harold B. Lee wisely said, “Just as a flood-lighted temple is more beautiful in a severe storm or in a heavy fog, so the gospel of Jesus Christ is more glorious in times of inward storm and of personal sorrow and tormenting conflict.” In those verses in Mark chapter 4, Christ calmed the seas. Sometimes He calms the seas and storms in our lives. Other times, He calms us while the storms of life continue around us. The temple is our key to calming the storms of life. As we attend the temple, we bring our challenges and leave them at the door. We find peace therein. When we leave, our challenges are still there, but we pick them up with an added measure of peace and a new perspective (Michael Manzur).

Now I look back and can see that even though my parents tried to make the marriage work, they didn’t like each other—they tolerated each other. Here are some things I’ve observed spouses doing when they like as well as love each other: 

    They want to spend more time with each other than with other people.

     They feel comfortable doing or talking about anything with each other.

     They work toward the same goals.

     They find the middle ground often, but they also are willing to yield to each             other when they see that the other spouse needs it.

     They aren’t afraid to be openly affectionate with each other.

     They listen attentively to each other.

     They make time for each other.

     They work together.

     They have fun together.

     They read the scriptures and pray together.

     They go to the temple together.

     They see each other as blessings.

     These are ideal aspects of marriage, of course (Suzanne Uchytil).

You are better than you think you are. The Lord has always used the small and weak things of the world to bring about His glorious purposes. The Lord often accomplishes the most with those who feel the least accomplished. Perhaps we all see ourselves as a little less than we are. Unworthy. Untalented. Nothing special. Lacking the heart, mind, resources, charisma, or stature to be of much use to God.
You say you’re not perfect? Welcome to the club! You may be just the person God is looking for. The Lord chooses the humble and meek—partly because they are humble and meek. In this way, there is never a question regarding the reason for their success. These wonderful, ordinary people accomplish great things not because of who they are but because of who God is! For “what is impossible with man is possible with God." God doesn’t need you to be exceptional, let alone perfect. He will take your talents and abilities and multiply them—even though they may seem as scarce as a few loaves and fishes. If you trust Him and are faithful, He will magnify your words and actions and use them to bless and minister to multitudes! God does not need people who are flawless. He seeks those who will offer their heart and a willing mind (Dieter F. Uchtdorf).

Today is July 24th and we commemorate the arrival of the saints in the valley after their long, arduous journey. Elder Ballard wrote in 2013, 

"We owe much to the pioneers and must never forget that the success of today is built upon the shoulders and courage of the humble giants of the past. 

 

Even though the wilderness we have been given to conquer is decidedly different from the rough and rocky trail to Utah and the barren landscape that our pioneer forebears encountered, it is no less challenging and trying for us than it was for them. Avoiding the temptations and evils of the world requires the faith and fortitude of a real modern-day pioneer.

 

When we truly believe, we don't ask, "What do I have to do?" but rather, "What more can I do?"

 

("Pioneer Faith and Fortitude Then and Now, July 2013, Ensign)

 

Sister Susan Porter wrote an article titled, "To the Spouses of Those with Busy Callings: Thrive, Don't Just Survive," and I liked her counsel.

1. Her first bit of advice is for couples to communicate and to share things as they really are.

"I’ve often heard men stand at the pulpit and declare, 'Through all my years of Church service, my wife has never once complained.' Whenever I’ve heard this, I have always silently cringed. I feel that a healthy husband-wife relationship requires honesty, ongoing conversations about 'things as they really are,' and discussions about what is working and what could be improved while juggling family life and callings."

 2. Next, Sister Porter encourages us to seek for the individual, spiritual gifts that are needed.

"Spiritual gifts will be key in helping you know how to meet important needs of each other and of your children while serving in the Church. When your spouse was set apart for their calling, hands were laid on his or her head, giving them spiritual gifts from their Heavenly Father that they needed to magnify their calling. You will also need spiritual gifts to be able to fulfill the extra responsibilities that will be yours."

3. We all need support.

"Simple questions such as 'How can I support you with the time I have available?' and 'What is most important to you?' can make all the difference."

 4. Embrace growth. We can grow together.

"We came to view ourselves as a team and learned to appreciate and draw upon each other’s unique gifts and growing testimonies. We ultimately became each other’s refuge from the storms of life."

Here are her concluding remarks:

"As I strove to support my spouse in serving in the Savior’s Church, I came to know that Heavenly Father is aware of every sacrifice, every behind-the-scenes effort, and every prayer for help that I’ve offered, and I have experienced His strength and love and guidance throughout my life."

(https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2021/07/digital-only/to-the-spouses-of-those-with-busy-callings-thrive-dont-just-survive?lang=eng)  

 

 

I have been praying for the new Bishopric of the Golden Gate Ward in San Francisco, California. Here are a few thoughts...

"The Lord will not permit us to fail if we do our part.  He will magnify us even beyond our own talents and abilities.  It is one of the sweetest experiences that can come to a human being." 
(Ezra Taft Benson, Teaching No Greater Call, pg. 20)

"When you are on the Lord's errand, you are entitled to the Lord's help."

(Thomas Monson, December 2009 Ensign, pg. 48)

"You are called of God.  The Lord knows you. He knows whom He would have serve in every position in His Church.  He chose you.  He has prepared a way so that He could issue your call.  You are called to represent the Savior.  Your voice to testify becomes the same as His voice, your hands to lift the same as His hands.  Your calling is to bless lives. Just the way you smile or the way you offer to help someone can build their faith.  The Lord will guide you by revelation just as He called you.  You must ask in faith for revelation to know what you are to do. You are inadequate to answer a call to represent God with only your own powers.  But you have access to more than your natural capacities, and you do not work alone. God magnifies those He calls. You an have the utmost assurance that your power will be multiplied many times by the Lord. All He asks is that you give your best effort and your whole heart.  When you look back on what may now seem trying times of service and sacrifice, the sacrifice will have become a blessing, and you will know that you have seen the arm of God lifting those you served for Him, and lifting you."

(Elder Henry B. Eyring, "Rise to the Call, October 2002 General Conference)

 

A few weeks ago, our son shared this summary with us which he put together and it has been so helpful to me:

President Nelson Invitations & Exhortations (April 2021 General Conference)

1. As we listen to the messages that have been carefully prepared by our leaders under the direction of the Holy Ghost, I invite you to pray to identify the debris you should remove from your life so you can become more worthy.
2. I hope you have found an increased ability to hear Him and receive personal revelation.
3. You may feel that there is still more you need to do to make your home truly a sanctuary of faith. If so, please do it! If you are married, counsel with your wife as your equal partner in this crucial work. There are few pursuits more important than this.
4. I urge you to continue to make your home a truly holy place “and be not moved” from that essential goal.
5. If you know of anyone who is alone, reach out—even if you feel alone too! You do not need to have a reason or a message or business to transact. Just say hello and show your love. Technology can help you. Pandemic or not, each precious child of God needs to know that he or she is not alone!
6. My brethren of the Aaronic Priesthood and elders quorums, expand your vision of why we have quorums.
7. Seek revelation from the Lord. Humble yourself! Ask! Listen! If you have been called to lead, counsel as a presidency and with quorum members. Whatever your priesthood office or calling, let God prevail in your commitment as a member of your quorum and in your service. Experience with joy the righteousness you will bring to pass as you are “anxiously engaged in a good cause.”
8. Discipline yourself to have time alone and with your loved ones. Open your heart to God in prayer. Take time to immerse yourself in the scriptures and worship in the temple.
9. My dear brethren, there are many things the Lord wants us to learn from our experiences during this pandemic. I have listed only four. I invite you to make your own list, consider it carefully, and share it with those you love.
10. My dear brothers and sisters, my call to you this Easter morning is to start today to increase your faith.
11. May I offer five suggestions to help you develop that faith and trust. First, study. Become an engaged learner. Immerse yourself in the scriptures to understand better Christ’s mission and ministry. Know the doctrine of Christ so that you understand its power for your life. Internalize the truth that the Atonement of Jesus Christ applies to you.
12. Second, choose to believe in Jesus Christ. If you have doubts about God the Father and His Beloved Son or the validity of the Restoration or the veracity of Joseph Smith’s divine calling as a prophet, choose to believe and stay faithful. Take your questions to the Lord and to other faithful sources. Study with the desire to believe rather than with the hope that you can find a flaw in the fabric of a prophet’s life or a discrepancy in the scriptures. Stop increasing your doubts by rehearsing them with other doubters. Allow the Lord to lead you on your journey of spiritual discovery.
13. Third, act in faith. What would you do if you had more faith? Think about it. Write about it. Then receive more faith by doing something that requires more faith.
14. Fourth, partake of sacred ordinances worthily. Ordinances unlock the power of God for your life.
15. And fifth, ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, for help.
16. Do not minimize the faith you already have.
17. I pray that your desire to worship and serve in the temple burns more brightly now than ever.
18. Do all you can to bring COVID numbers down in your area so that your temple opportunities can increase. Meanwhile, keep your temple covenants and blessings foremost in your minds and hearts. Stay true to the covenants you have made.

 

One of the highlights of my week was sitting together with three widows for a couple of hours, all of whom have lost husbands in the last two years. I am so impressed with them! These three are strong and faithful women and are handling their situations as best they can. Although they are grieving, they do not dwell on the sadness and loss but find ways to love and support one another and carry on. I listened, felt great compassion and admiration, and I learned.  May I share some of what I heard that day?

1. There are some people who seem to be "tragedy seekers," going about wanting to know personal details of a situation, even if they are not otherwise connected to the individual or family. Avoid barging in and asking details if you are not already close friends with the family.

2. Instead of asking, "What can I do for you?", think of something to do for the individual/family and do it.

3. Instead of walking past a grieving person and not saying anything because you are afraid it will make you sad or it will make them sad, or you just don't know what to say, say something. Look at them with love and validate that you see them and feel for them.

4. When someone asks a grieving widow, "How are you?" the answer is pretty obvious. The widow is most likely feeling sad, grief-stricken, and very lonely and apprehensive. Should they fake their answer and tell you that everything is okay? Instead find something else to say, such as "I'm sorry for you," or "I'm glad to see you," or "I am feeling for you."

 5. Do not hesitate to bring up the person who has died.  One widow said how much it meant to her when people told her they missed her husband.  Another added that she did not want her husband to be forgotten.  Talking about the deceased reassures the widows that their husbands are remembered. Acknowledge a great man and a life lived!

6. Allow space.  Though you may be willing to talk, a grieving person may not be ready or wanting to share and yet there may come a time when they would like to talk.  According to my friends, a grieving person needs both space and socialization, on their terms and when they feel like it. 

This week I also listened to an incredible talk by Jennie Taylor called "Ministering to Those Who Have Lost a Loved One." She added a few more things:

People are never done grieving. Grief is a process.

It is physically tiring to grieve.

Make a list of mortal tasks that need to be done and take some of the tasks (some of the "Martha matters") off their back. (Or give them a choice of "A" or "B.")

Do not say "He is in a better place."

God can make reason of everything that happens.

Make a phone call, send a text, or drop off a treat on a holiday, anniversary, or birthday.

Share memories of the person. 

Reach out to the children and think of something to do for them, or with them.

When reaching out to a grieving person, it is not your job to fix it. Help them to face it. The Savior fixes and heals but we can help each other face it.

Here is what I was thinking about today.... 

There have been times in my life when I have had busy "high-profile" callings. I needed to be organized, to plan my time carefully, to keep track of budgets, people, and responsibilities. I learned many skills from those callings and I grew and developed in numerous ways. I drew closer to the Lord as He tutored me and helped me along. Sometimes I felt overwhelmed at the magnitude of the responsibilities. I often look back and wonder how I did certain things, but I know it was because I was supported by my family and the Lord, and when you invite the Godhead to be with you as you serve, you are definitely carried. It has not only been while serving in callings when I have felt God's help, but those have been definite times of stretching.

Currently I am a ministering sister and have been asked to support my husband in his calling. This is a change for me. I have more time during the week to help aging parents, new twin granddaughters, and others. I am learning just as much at this stage of life as I did in other stages, though the things I am learning are different.  I am learning to: love deeply, seek to understand, set aside judgment, be patient and long-suffering, be optimistic, listen for promptings, and express love. My heart is receiving personalized training. No matter the stage of life, the Lord has tutored me and provided opportunities to learn. I am grateful.

 

Dieter Uchtdorf shared these words about what we can learn from a four-colored pen:

I once owned a pen that I loved to use during my career as an airline captain. By simply turning the shaft, I could choose one of four colors. The pen did not complain when I wanted to use red ink instead of blue. It did not say to me, “I would rather not write after 10:00 p.m., in heavy fog, or at high altitudes.” The pen did not say, “Use me only for important documents, not for the daily mundane tasks.” With greatest reliability it performed every task I needed, no matter how important or insignificant. It was always ready to serve.

In a similar way we are tools in the hands of God. When our heart is in the right place, we do not complain that our assigned task is unworthy of our abilities. We gladly serve wherever we are asked. When we do this, the Lord can use us in ways beyond our understanding to accomplish His work.

(2010, "Pride and the Priesthood," bold section added by me)

The winds of change are blowing and soon this Stake Presidency will be released. Chris and Marie Monson are leaving this week to be mission leaders in South Carolina (originally planned for Ghana, Africa--they are so flexible!), so the six of us will not be together for quite a while. 

It has been our privilege as wives to support these three men. Alisa, Marie and I have grown close as we have prayed, fasted, supported, cried, laughed, listened, and cheered. They feel like sisters to me. This calling has been a privilege and a blessing for all of us and I thank the Lord for the opportunity.

I think this book is incredible and very insightful. I gleaned something from every single page of it.  What a man! I cannot include here every part of the book that influenced me, but here are a few:

“The Lord likes effort. He could have said to Moses, ‘I’ll meet you halfway.’ But Moses had to go all the way to the top of Mount Sinai.  He required effort from Moses and Joshua and Joseph Smith and from all of the subsequent Presidents of the Church.  He requires effort from bishops and stake Relief Society presidents and elders quorum presidents.  There is always a test.  Are you willing to do really hard things? Once you’ve shown you’re willing to do your part, He will help you.” (President Nelson, pg. 197)

(President Nelson performed surgery on Gay Lynn Hatfield and she died.  This was the third and final child of the Hatfield family to die, two of whom had surgeries from Dr. Nelson.) Russell drove home distraught, overcome with grief.  “This third heartbreaking loss in one family literally undid me,” he explained.  He threw himself on the living-room floor and sobbed.  This went on for hours. He declared he would never perform another operation on the heart.  He could not risk putting another family through what he felt he had put the Hatfields through. Around 5:00 the next morning, Dantzel uttered words that would shape his future.  With love in her voice but also a strong dose of backbone, she asked, “are you finished crying yet? Then get dressed.  Go back to the lab.  Go to work! You need to learn more.  If you quit now, others will have to painfully learn what you already know. (pg. 62, 63)

In 1982, just two years before being called to the Quorum of the Twelve—Russell Nelson would say, “I never ask myself, ‘When does a prophet speak as a prophet and when does he not? My interest has been, ‘How can I be more like him?’” He then added, “My belief is that we should stop putting question marks behind the prophet’s statements and put exclamation points instead.” (pg. 93)

I'm still processing the happenings at Girl's Camp, which is good because I like to learn from situations.  Here are a few thoughts:
--Every girl is different and unique and needs to be ministered to individually, along with being ministered to as a flock. I tried to reach out to the girls individually, but there are a few that I should have spent more time with.
--A unique blend of individuals does not mean that the group cannot be cohesive.  Differences make the group interesting.
--A Ward Camp is a great time to feel increased unity.
--You can make any job fun.  Having fun while helping was one of the highlights of camp for me.
--To find a young woman who thinks outside of herself and initiates conversation with another young women is rare and wonderful.
--Loving adult leaders are needed.  Helpful leaders are needed.  Strong leaders are needed. There was an instance where the weather turned cold, meaning rainy and in the 50's, and some of the girls did not want to go on the planned hike.  The camp director boldly and without hesitation stated that yes, we were going on the hike regardless of the bad weather.  Everyone went and the weather turned better midway.  How grateful I was that she did not hesitate or take a vote.  She stuck with the plan and led the way. There were a few leaders who quietly served during the duration of camp. They looked for ways to help and did not seek attention. They are angels.
--It is an adjustment for me to attend camp without camp certification and requirements that stretch the girls, physically and mentally. Can a "soft" camp fulfill camp purposes? I guess there needs to be a clear definition of what the camp purposes are. Ward unity certainly was achieved.
--When a girl opens up at camp, either during testimony  meeting or during a devotional, it is a small peek as to what is in her soul. The information is to be cherished. 
--I like sleeping in a tent.  I like going to Girl's Camp.  I love being with young women! I treasure the time, never knowing when it will be my last opportunity.