Mt Timpanogos Temple - Baptisms

We spent a part of our afternoon in the Mt Timpanogos Temple to do baptisms for the dead.

Saratoga Spring Temple Open House

Yesterday we attended the open house for the Saratoga Springs Temple. It's an amazing place! I loved the colors and peace I could already fill within its walls. Nathan's dad and my parents joined us as well as a couple of the girls' friends.

 

Family Temple Trip

 We took a family trip to the Mt Timpanogos Temple to do baptisms. Jared and Kaylee joined us, Nathan's dad, and a couple of Clara's friends. 

While My Husband Served as Bishop

I began writing this when Nathan was called as Bishop of our ward in February 2018. Much of the first portion was written in late 2018 and then throughout 2019 and 2020. I've added details in retrospect in March 2023.

I pray and hope I never forget the power and healing that has come to me as I accept and act on this challenge. This year, my husband was called to be the bishop in our ward.

From the start, I was realistic with myself, knowing I would experience feelings of frustration, anger, resentment, and jealousy. I know I have tendencies toward these things. I even shared these worries with the Stake President just before he extended the call to my husband. Although I don't recall the exact words, he responded, "That's certainly something you'll have to work through." I also knew there would be blessings, and shortly after his call, we even experienced our own small miracle, which I saw as a gift from our loving Father. I now have a list of miracles I began compiling in the summer of 2022.

As much as our Heavenly Father knows what experiences and trials we need to experience to grow from our weaknesses and become like him, Satan is also keenly aware of our shortcomings. His detailed and specific attacks upon the most vulnerable aspects of my personality blindsided me. Attacks that were custom-tailored just for me - feelings of insignificance, exposure and vulnerability, judgment, and guilt about my feelings, to name a few. I never realized I was unprepared because I was doing what we should do to combat him and his influence.

It was difficult to adjust to having my husband be mentally absent. I felt the weight when he held something he couldn't share with me. I felt incredibly lonely. Knowing that other women were vulnerable with my husband was very difficult. I felt angry at ward members when I would hear them making judgments about things my husband was doing as bishop. One of our sons made some poor choices during the first couple of months my husband was serving. Through the ward grapevine, I heard how he was being spoken about. "Did you hear what the bishop's son did at school?" Didn't they understand that we didn't ask for this call and that we were all doing our best? I was confused why friends no longer spoke to me freely at church and why people who had never had anything to do with me now wanted to be extra friendly.

I felt that I had lost my identity when Nathan was called. In the matter of one day, I went from being a strong, independent woman named Wendy to "the bishop's wife." When people introduced me as the bishop's wife, it felt painful. We don't refer to anyone in other callings that way. When I was introduced that way, I would say, "Actually, my name is Wendy." Or when I was feeling especially defiant, I would refer to myself as "the bishop's mistress."

I felt exposed and discontent with myself (Elder Neal A Maxwell's definition of discontent). I felt that I'd feel better if I could just attend a different ward, vocally defend myself and my family, or retaliate against judgment and criticism. Ultimately, I felt I couldn't because I feared how it would reflect on Nathan.

It's weird to have your husband as your bishop. When I would share my feelings with Nathan, it felt that I could no longer talk to my husband. He had a hard time separating himself from the Bishop mentality. I would tell him, "I am talking to my husband, not the bishop. Stop telling me to love everyone and be kind."

I started believing these things wouldn't bother me if I were more righteous. Certainly, the prophet's wife didn't feel this way. (PS, why was I even comparing myself to the prophet's wife?) I would see this as a great blessing if I were righteous enough. If I were righteous enough, I wouldn't have any help consecrating all that I possess, my husband's time and energy, to building the kingdom of God.

For several months I would put on a brave face each morning until my children left for school and Nathan went to work. I would spend time crying in the shower or my closet almost daily. I wanted relief, strength to overcome, and God's love, but I felt nothing. A few times, I literally cried aloud, "God, please hear me."

Nearly every Sunday, I would sit in Sacrament meetings and cry, especially during the sacrament, because I wanted to rely on my Savior. Still, I couldn't feel anything, especially His strength or help.

Nathan and I fought more than usual that first year he served. At one point, he said, "If this is how it's going to be, I will ask to be released." I didn't want that for him, so I stopped sharing and tried to hide my feelings from him.

I continued to pour out my soul in prayer to my Heavenly Father. I tried faithfully serving as Relief Society First Counselor but ultimately asked to be released. I prayed for revelation for my ministering sisters, knowing that service is one of the best antidotes for depression. I received priesthood blessings from my husband. Despite doing these things, I found myself sinking into despair. I couldn't figure out how to rid myself of the darkness surrounding me.

Just days before the General Women's Conference, I reached a breaking point when, for the second time, I found myself in my closet, wishing I could just be dead. The thought startled and scared me. Never before had I thought about intentionally ending my life, and now I had considered it would be better twice in a matter of a few days.

I opened up to my husband about these thoughts. With his encouragement, I scheduled an appointment with a counselor for the following week.

I attended the women's session of General Conference a few days later with my mom and daughter. I did not want to go. Emotionally, I was a wreck. Sister Michelle Craig gave a talk that touched my heart called Divine Discontent. President Russell M Nelson also spoke to the women of the church and gave a challenge that I decided to accept wholeheartedly. These two talks quite literally saved my life at this time.

At the invitation of President Nelson, I took a break from social media and began reading the Book of Mormon at an accelerated rate. I took a copy with me everywhere I went. I canceled the counseling appointment because, for a time, I started to feel better. Eventually, I did make an appointment and spent time speaking with a counselor to clarify my role in supporting and sustaining my husband.

Just shy of two years into his time as bishop, Nathan had to go to Denver for a couple of weeks for work. I flew out to be with him for a few days. It was during this time that it became abundantly clear why my husband was MY bishop at this time. It is a very tender experience for me. I was able to have an open and frank conversation about a painful experience from my earlier life in an environment where I felt ready and safe.

I write this because when I first struggled, I could only find words online that focused on the blessings that came to families as a husband and father served as bishop. They would briefly say it was hard, and we struggled, but BLESSINGS! I'm glad these others could work past the struggles, but I needed someone to be real with me and let me know that I wasn't alone in my feelings. Not only do I feel like it would cheapen my experience and progress to gloss over the hard parts, but it may provide a false reality to those who follow.

We need not feel alone, broken, and misunderstood. In church culture, we can sometimes feel expected to fit in or appear perfect, even at a great cost to ourselves. I'm done with that. I want to be the best version of myself and draw closer to my Savior and Heavenly Father.

It's been a long ride. I have continued to struggle. Of course, not all of my struggles directly relate to Nathan's service. Most are the result of living in this world. I have gone to counseling on and off while my husband has served. I have had moments of strength and clarity, and seasons of waiting on the Lord for help. The Savior continues to meet me where I am. He met me in my anger, depression, and confusion. When I choose to allow it, he is there. He didn't change my feelings or force me to feel differently, but he allowed me to see a different perspective when I was ready. He has made me more confident. My experience has me feeling more empowered to take my place in the kingdom of God and His church.

My husband was released this past Sunday. I wasn't sure how I would feel. As it turns out, I felt sad, almost like mourning. And grateful. And I was emotionally overwhelmed with love from my Father in Heaven. As I've reflected for a couple of days, I realize that the past five years has held seasons of bitter, but I've also found profound sweetness. I'm grateful for the learning and growth from both.

Thoughts on Holiness

A short talk I gave at our Stake Sister's Conference in March 2023.

credit

The question, “What would a holy woman do?” causes a bit of uneasiness within me. In my fallen brain, this question can lead me to comparison and lack. As a recovering perfectionist who struggles to see and value my contributions, I constantly battle feelings of being enough. However, I desire with every bit of my soul for holiness.

For me, holiness is the process of seeking and submitting to the enticings of the Holy Ghost to guide my thoughts, words, and actions. Then trusting my heart to Jesus Christ to be transformed through the grace and mercy of His Atonement.

When asked to take on this assignment, I was deep in the middle of some frustrating and stressful situations. As I continued my daily efforts to connect with Heaven, and sought holiness, my Heavenly Father took my small efforts and taught and reminded me of a few things I’ll share with you.

First, I need to recognize and acknowledge that in many ways I am already a holy woman—more than I give myself credit for.

Second. I will look up rather than around at others. I will seek my Father’s will and validation in my pursuit of holiness.

Third, Holiness is about my focus on Jesus Christ and the condition of my heart.

Fourth, I lack, and I will continue to lack. That binds me to my Savior. During this holiness exercise, and due to some of the circumstances I mentioned earlier, for several days, I found myself terribly off-course mentally and emotionally, even though I pleaded for strength, patience, peace, and perspective. I accept that I stumble because of my weakness. I will trust in the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and move forward.

Fifth, Holiness is not an event. It’s a life-long process, a practice. I will continue to close the gap by yielding to the enticings of the Spirit. The Holy Ghost loves me perfectly, so I can trust the guidance I receive. 

Sisters, I doubt I’ll ever feel perfectly holy in this life. But, I will strive to become exact in my efforts for holiness. And I can repent when I fall short of that goal. I want to become like my Savior. If I know nothing else, I know He is holiness. I know He is compassionate, forgiving, patient, and merciful. Those are some of His holy qualities I want to practice with myself as I strive to become holy like He is.

General Conference Packet Roundup

It's nearly time for General Conference and it seems like I am always scrambling at the last minute to print out activity packets for my girls. Well, not this year.

Here's what I've found.

A conference packet directly from the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Also, a packet from Deseret News.

A packet from LDS Bookstore.

A packet from Somewhat Simple

A few ideas from The Red Crystal.

Sugardoodle has a conference section.

Katie's Blog-Ness has created a very cute Conference Train.

What are your favorite conference traditions?

Mt Timpanogos Temple Trip

Temple trip with the kids and a couple of friends! Unfortunately, Nathan wasn't able to join us.

 

Gathering Israel Stake Conference Talk

A talk I gave during the adult session of Stake Conference on August 6, 2022.

On June 7, 1851, Arthilla Williams was born in Wapello, Iowa. Thilla, as she was sometimes called, married James G. Chappell on September 4, 1872. James and Thilla had six children, two girls, and four boys. Sometime after the birth of their last child in 1887, they moved to Tacoma, WA, where they spent the rest of their days. Arthilla passed away on May 9, 1903, at 51. 

In January 2014, my mother gave me family cards for a temple trip with my eldest son, Jared. Among those we baptized were Arthilla and her four sons. A few weeks later, during Stake Temple Week, I completed the initiatory and endowment for Arthilla while my husband, Nathan, and other members of this stake completed those same ordinances for her sons. Later that month, I knelt at the altar, acting as proxy for Arthilla, and Nathan served as proxy for James as we sealed them to their six children. 

During the sealing of this family, I felt the Spirit in a way I hadn't previously. It was consuming and burning. I could feel Thilla’s joy. Motivated by this experience, I discovered more about her family over the next several years and found two siblings and her parents, which we also sealed as an eternal family. This family led me to many more.

When Arthilla married James, she joined a branch in my family tree. James is the brother of my great-great-grandfather. Previously untouched by temple hands, this line is not part of my direct line. They are branches. Now known to me. Always known to Father. 

Elder Gong taught that "...Living trees have roots and branches. …Connect the roots and branches in your living family tree." 

SHARING EXPERIENCE

Late last year, a young woman was hired to help in the office where I work. She had recently moved to Utah from a neighboring state because she felt she needed a change in her life. As we talked about our children, I mentioned that I have two sons serving missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One in Brazil, the other in Florida.

Over the next few months, she asked many questions about church doctrine, culture, and policy, and I silently pleaded for words from the Spirit.

I shared the interactions with my coworker during calls with my sons. With their encouragement, I invited her to attend church with me, and she agreed. Unfortunately, that Sunday morning, she sent me a text that her daughter was sick and would not be able to attend, so please ask her again. 

A couple of weeks later, she became very ill and was hospitalized. With no immediate family in-state, I wanted to support her in a way I could. I felt prompted to offer her a priesthood blessing from my husband. I was reluctant since she had shared traumatic experiences with male pastors in her previous church. But I took courage and sent the text. To my surprise, she accepted. The Spirit was present in the hospital room, and with tears in her eyes, she thanked us for coming. Later she confessed she was worried it would be awkward, but all she felt was God’s love.

I offered to arrange for her to meet with missionaries, but she wanted to attend Sacrament meeting first. She decided she would attend on Easter. Shortly before Easter Sunday, I acted on a prompting to mark passages in a Book of Mormon, write my testimony and give it to her that day at work.

GATHERING ISRAEL

As you know, I am speaking about gathering Israel on both sides of the veil. Before you tune me out, I ask you to stay present with me for a minute. I refuse to stand up here and be a hypocrite. I fully admit I struggle to carry out this vital work. I struggle with consistency and maintaining a desire to act. You may say, “Well, you just shared these experiences.” Yes, but after hitting a dead end with Arthilla’s line a few years ago, one night I prayed and said, please tell Elijah I’m sorry, but I need a rest. If not for the eagerness of my coworker to learn more, I may not have invited and shared as much as I did. Both situations were given to me, like gifts. I only chose to act.

So please don’t tune out. I invite you to open your heart to the Spirit and see where that takes you and me over the next couple of minutes. 

In Doctrine and Covenants, we are told, "Ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts…."1 Every baptized member of the church is called to this work through covenants we have made with Father. 

Often when we don't fulfill a calling well, it's because we don't know how we can do it. There isn't a step-by-step outline to get from here to there. Many of us want to be anxiously engaged in the work of Gathering Israel, but maybe we aren't sure where to start or what precisely to do.2 Perhaps we assume that others will take care of it, and we can just watch.

Maybe we aren’t sure how to fit the Gathering into our busy lives. Perhaps, we doubt our abilities and knowledge. The good news is, I have found that Heavenly Father rewards even the most minor, weakest effort when I seek His ways and try to do His will. He loves to amplify and consecrate small actions, and I rely heavily on that goodness.

It can be easy to get caught up in comparing our “Gathering Israel'' efforts with the efforts of others. Because of my weaknesses, some things I see others do, I am totally not comfortable doing or can’t make a priority at this time in my life. But, using my strengths and led by my Father through the Spirit, I can gather in ways that work for me and fit in my life. Our circles of influence are different. Father needs each of us to accomplish His work in our sphere. We can pray and ask Heavenly Father to present us with opportunities we are comfortable acting on. 

CHARITY

"Whenever we show Christlike love toward our neighbor, we preach the gospel - even if we do not voice a single word."3 We are told that “charity never faileth.”4 Christlike love never fails as a response, especially when we gather Father’s children.

Gathering does not mean we sort out other people’s wiring or struggles. When we are told to “bear one another’s burdens…mourn with those that mourn… comfort those who stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God…”,5 that does not include fixing people, their burdens, or the weaknesses we perceive. Charity never requires an account of adherence to gospel standards or repentance progress reports. Some struggles may require that we set clear boundaries or distance ourselves from an individual. However, in most situations, gathering means we hold space for that person as they are. We walk with them. We offer our support. We find ways to include. We strive to show Christlike love. But most importantly, we invite them to reach for and bind themselves to Jesus Christ. He is the Advocate, Healer, Comforter, and Redeemer.

"Let all your things be done with charity."6 "And faith, hope, charity, and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, [will] qualify [us] for the work."7 Our commission is to love, share, and invite all. 

WHAT CAN WE DO

About a month ago, on a call with my missionary son Isaac, he asked about my current efforts to Gather Israel. He asked me to identify people, members or not, that I could just uplift or strengthen and asked, "Mom, what's the next step for you?" I work from home most days and rarely leave the house, even in the evening. So, I said, "I can smile and wave when I see this person. That would be the first step there. And maybe I can leave the house more to interact with others." He encouraged me to commit to those things. Maybe the Madagascar penguins had it right when they suggested we, "Smile and wave, boys. Smile and wave." 

Now, listen. I know that I need to be open to the guidance of the Spirit to do more than smile and wave when prompted. But if you feel discouraged, overwhelmed, apathetic, like the Heavens are closed to you, or you suffer from anxiety or depression, or any other challenging circumstance, I see you. At times, I feel right there with you. If you feel like you can't add one more thing, join me in asking Heavenly Father for the desire to remain open to promptings from the Spirit and to have the strength and energy to act in ways you can.

Elder Gary E Stevenson reminds us, "Sometimes the invitation is something we extend inward—an invitation to ourselves, giving us awareness and vision of opportunities surrounding us to act upon."8

"...the Lord has never required expert, flawless …efforts." Instead, Elder Uchtdorf shares, "the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind."9 Sometimes, just turning our hearts to be willing to gather Israel, “even if [we] can no more than desire,”10 is all the Lord needs to begin to work through us.

I invite you to ponder what is your first or next step, your one percent11 improvement, to help Gather Israel. Will you smile and wave? Is it beginning your day with prayer? Is it to visit the FamilySearch Center? Is it choosing to speak more openly or positively about your church experience to those with whom you interact? Is it to make an appointment to attend the temple?

I wish I could tell you that my work friend came to church with me on Easter Sunday. I wish I could say that she met with the missionaries and read the Book of Mormon. A week or so after giving her the copy of the Book of Mormon, she abruptly switched jobs and declined more communication. I mourn over this. In lamenting the outcome with my missionary sons, they congratulated me and said, "Now you’re a real missionary, Mom."

I am grateful for these words from our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, “As we seek to teach the gospel, raise righteous families, magnify our callings, and minister to those around us…”,12 “anytime we do anything that helps anyone - on either side of the veil - to make and keep their covenants with God, we are helping to gather Israel.”13

Brothers and Sisters, please plant gospel seeds everywhere! You never know when those seeds will sprout and eventually bloom under the right conditions and at the right time. 

We can share the love of God in natural and normal ways with those who cross our path. We can extend sincere invitations as guided by the Spirit. We can connect our family roots and branches through small but deliberate efforts. All of this is possible through the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

1. Doctrine and Covenants 29:7

2. Clayton M. Christensen, The Power of Everyday Missionaries, (2012), 3.

3. Gary E. Stevenson, “Love, Share, Invite,” April 2022 General Conference.

4. Moroni 7: 46; 1 Corinthians 13:8

5. Mosiah 18:8

6. 1 Corinthians 16:14

7. Doctrine and Covenants 4:5

8. Gary E. Stevenson, “Love, Share, Invite,” April 2022 General Conference.

9. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Missionary Work: Sharing What Is in Your Heart,” April 2018 General Conference.

10. Alma 32:27

11. Michael A. Dunn, “One Percent Better,” October 2021 General Conference

12. Russell M Nelson, “The Gathering of Scattered Israel,” October 2006 General Conference

13. Russell M Nelson, “Let God Prevail,” October 2020 General Conference

Hearing Him Once in A While (Girl's Camp 2021 Recap Talk)

 Hearing Him Once in A While (Girl's Camp 2021 Recap Talk)

When I was a preteen, our refrigerator started to make a very loud bird squawk noise. In fact, it was so loud that whenever it happened, it would stop us from whatever we were doing, and we’d take notice. Obviously, this noise concerned my parents, who feared that the fridge’s death was imminent. A repairman told them that because of the age of the fridge, it should just be replaced. I grew up in a home where money was always in short supply, so my parents just decided to see how long it would last and hoped for the best.  For a while, the bird squawk would draw our attention from whatever we were doing, but we noticed it less and less as time went on. When friends or neighbors would come over to the house, they would say, “What was that noise?” or “Did you guys get a bird?” It would take us a moment to realize what they were talking about because we were learning to tune it out.  After all, it made noise on and off all day and night.  It eventually got to the point that when new people would ask about it, we would just tell them that we had a bird in our fridge and offer to show it to them. It was kind of our family joke. It didn't take long until we only noticed the noise when others would point it out. 

 

This went on for a year or two. After a short time, no one in my family noticed the noise anymore, and friends and neighbors who frequented our house didn’t notice it either. We had learned to overlook the squawking bird until one day, the fridge stopped working. At this point, my parents were forced to look into the issue, and thankfully my Dad was able to fix the problem, which was a fan, at little cost. The bird squawk was gone forever. 

 

This year’s camp theme was, Finding Our Value in Christ and Hearing Him.  Much of camp was based on President Russell M Nelson’s talk, Hear Him, from the April 2020 General Conference.

So what does a squawking bird refrigerator have to do with girl’s camp this year? Well, much like my family became so accustomed to the sound of the squawking bird fridge that we tuned it out and no longer heard it, the same can happen to us spiritually.  We can become so accustomed to the influence and whisperings of the Holy Ghost that we fail to recognize when we are being led and influenced consistently and regularly by Him.

 

During testimony meeting at girls camp, a consistent theme shared by multiple girls was that they enjoyed camp because they felt the spirit. That is a great thing!  I loved hearing that. However, many of these same young women got emotional as they also shared they hadn’t felt the spirit in a long time, and this was the first time in “quite a while” that they had felt it. My daughter shared this sentiment during her testimony.

This was concerning to me for several reasons. I hate to think of anyone only feeling the spirit once in a while. Still, it concerns me deeply that our amazing, valiant, and strong young women and young men may think their Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ, are only interested in sharing their love on special occasions or in testifying of truth under exceptional circumstances, like camps and conferences. Father’s loving guidance is available anytime, any day, and anywhere.

We learn and feel the love of our Heavenly Father through the Spirit. Through the Spirit, we feel the effects of the atonement of Jesus Christ working in our lives. These manifestations of love build our sense of worth and value. We all need to feel the Spirit. How many of us have begun to think we only feel this once in a while? I know there have been times when I have felt this way. 

After we had returned home from camp, I pondered on this issue. As members of the church, we have been given the gift of the Holy Ghost. We may become so used to His companionship and constant guidance that we fail to recognize, realize, or acknowledge His consistent influence on us. We can become convinced that the only times we hear Him are in moments when we would say the spirit is powerful. Like when we have a burning in our chest, or we are filled with emotion, or another similarly strong feeling. However, we learn in Helaman 5:30 that most often, the Spirit is “…not a voice of thunder, neither …a voice of a great tumultuous noise, but behold, it [is] a ​​​still voice​ of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper….”

 

Knowing when we hear or feel the spirit can be difficult when we consistently try to do what is right because His voice becomes our voice.  His voice becomes second nature to us, and unfortunately, too often, it becomes commonplace. We only stop to recognize His words and influence when it’s powerful or comes to us in a different way or an uncommon setting. However, we can rest assured that we are always guided by the Spirit when we are trying to keep the commandments and be faithful. Even, and especially when we don’t do everything perfectly.  

  

President Nelson said, “We also hear him more clearly as we refine our ability to recognize the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. It has never been more imperative to know how the Spirit speaks to you than right now. In the Godhead, the Holy Ghost is the messenger. He will bring thoughts to your mind which the Father and Son want you to receive. He is the Comforter. He will bring a feeling of peace to your heart. He testifies of truth and will confirm what is true as you hear and read the word of the Lord. I renew my plea for you to do whatever it takes to increase your spiritual capacity to receive personal revelation.” 

“Doing so will help you know how to move ahead with your life, what to do during times of crisis, and how to discern and avoid the temptations and the deceptions of the adversary.” 

Some of the ways President Nelson suggests we can learn to Hear Him better are through temple attendance, family history work, scripture study, heeding the words of the prophets, and working to determine how the Holy Ghost speaks to us individually. 

I have been working on President Nelson’s last suggestion for the past few years, recognizing how I Hear Him. Rather than focusing on the strong spiritual manifestation sort of way, I have been working to hear Him in normal day-to-day and oftentimes mundane circumstances. Like most good gifts in the gospel, this requires work and consistency on my part. And unfortunately, I could be more diligent. But forcing myself to stop and consider my day or week regularly and the feelings and nudges I felt, and taking a minute to write down my thoughts after praying, have helped me identify patterns that I believe are how my Father communicates with me. It also helps me to see His hand more clearly in all areas of my life.

From personal experience, I know that depression and anxiety can make it more challenging to feel and hear Father speak to us through the Holy Ghost. During those times, we can make small choices to practice more exact obedience in one area. We can take time for intentional listening and look for ways to acknowledge the promptings we receive, no matter how small or insignificant. These times can allow us to exercise increased faith by looking forward with patience, humility, and long-suffering while waiting on the Lord. 

President Nelson goes on to say, “What will happen as you more intentionally hear, hearken, and heed what the Savior has said and what He is saying now through his prophets? I promise that you will be blessed with additional power to deal with temptation, struggles, and weakness. I promise miracles in your marriage, family relationships, and daily work. I promise that your capacity to feel joy will increase even if turbulence increases in your life.” 

If any of us feel like these dear young women, that we only feel the Spirit on special occasions, I pray that we will be guided to recognize when the Spirit is teaching and guiding us. Don’t tune out the squawking bird fridge because it has become commonplace. One day you may find that it’s no longer working. Brothers and Sisters, I pray that we will do the spiritual work necessary to feel and recognize the Spirit working in our lives daily. Not only do we need those manifestations of love for ourselves, but they strengthen us to share His love with those around us.

Jesus Christ's visit to Ancient America

I've been pondering a bit about how it would have felt to be alive at the time of Christ's visit to ancient America. ⁠⠀

The people had been through a literal nightmare. Destruction and devastation that I can't even begin to fathom. Death, darkness, and despair. Even those who believed in Jesus Christ were experiencing these awful circumstances. In those desperate moments, did they remember Samuel the Lamanite had prophesied that it would only last three days? Did it seem to go on longer than that? Did they begin to doubt that they would ever be delivered?⁠ Did they begin to feel that Samuel was wrong?⁠⠀
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Then, I can only imagine what that voice from heaven would have sounded and felt like! At first, they didn't understand. But when they turned their faces towards the sound and opened their hearts and minds to hear, they knew Christ was coming.⁠⠀
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And then there He was to rescue them in their circumstances. To bring them hope and light once more. They stood in His presence. He blessed them, healed them, taught them, had compassion on them, and loved them. After such bitter pain, distress, and anguish, I can only imagine the joy, peace, and comfort they felt with their Savior. I can only imagine!!⁠⠀
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#JesusChrist #ComeFollowMe⁠ #ICanOnlyImagine⁠⠀
🖼️ by @jkirkrichards "Every Knee Shall Bow"

Sneaking into Borders and Securing Strongholds

”And thus because of iniquity amongst themselves, yea, because of dissensions and intrigue among themselves they were placed in the most dangerous circumstances.” -Alma 53:9

While reading the account of Pahoran, the king-men, and the freemen, I found many parallels to our time. Although people are not seeking a king, they do seek the same thing the king-men were seeking - power and authority. While fighting amongst themselves, their enemies, the Lamanites, invaded the bordering lands, killing many, taking women and children prisoner, and securing strongholds.

We live in a very turbulent time. There are so many voices, opinions, and causes that vie for our time and attention. Social media makes it almost impossible to wade through what is real and what is not. So much of the information we are barraged with is confusing or altogether unreliable. It’s heartbreaking to see family, friends, and neighbors fighting amongst each other and developing hard feelings where there was once love and mutual respect. I have found myself, at times, feeling distracted towards anger and pride rather than focusing on how I can be loving, tolerant, and focused on my Savior, Jesus Christ.

It’s normal for us to form opinions and to do what we feel is best for ourselves and our families. But we would do well to remember that we are still commanded to be kind and loving. “And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in equity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth the all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” -Moroni 7:45

I am grateful that before any of this, our prophet, Russell M. Nelson, asked us to increase our capacity to receive personal revelation and to focus on how we Hear Him. I know that as we keep our focus on our Savior and His perfect example, we can have peace and hope even during difficult times. 🧡

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