Daily Reflections

We went to the cabin to celebrate Jake's birthday. I hate how time flies by so quickly. I couldn't help but ponder on the year previous. All day long I kept thinking about what we were doing a year ago on Jake's birthday, and how we celebrated. I marveled at how much time had really gone by, but in my mind--how quickly that time passed. One of my favorite songs talks about how we are going to miss these moments someday, and how we are going to want them back. I kept thinking how much I wish I could pause time, and really enjoy every single moment--each second. But, simply wishing for time to move slowly or to freeze entirely, isn't going to make it happen. Instead, I have to live in the moment, and love every second of it. This is a tender mercy to me. That I have a little boy that I love with all my heart. That he wants to get baptized now that he is eight. That he is a part of my life. That I will always be his mother, and he will always be my little boy.

In that process of being his mother, I also learned great life lessons this week from a dear friend. I think God puts people in our lives that help us to grow and become. Heather Pruett is one of those for me. She and her family came to the cabin with us to celebrate Jake's birthday. I watched Heather and Vaughn (her husband) parent their children, and I was reminded of techniques of parenting that I had long forgotten. I remembered to parent more through teaching than reacting. Sometimes reacting is the easy way to solve a problem for the moment--simply telling the child what to do, because that is the best way, but it doesn't teach. Parenting through teaching helps the child learn to correct the error, so that there won't be a next time. Heather also reminded me of an app that I had once told her about that I had long since stopped using. I don't know how I had forgotten to use this app. It is one that teaches and helps me to grow spiritually. I was grateful for the reminder. Finally, Heatehr and Vaughn were an example of grateful prayers. I think my family and I need to be more grateful in our praying. I was grateful to see their example and learn from them. I am truly blessed to have such great friends. Spending time with Heather this weekend made me desire to reach out to people more often. After all, I do believe that Heavenly Father puts people in our lives to help us become all that He knows we can.

Daily Reflections~Day 7

Today was a difficult day. I think days like today is when this activity counts the most. The ability to see the silver lining--despite difficulties--is a gift. I am grateful for the moments that Jacob and I laughed after school. I am grateful for Hailey's willingness to immediately help when asked. I am grateful that Amber works hard at whatever she does. I think the blessing that stands out the most today is the blessing of positive words. Amber has been struggling with trying too hard to be perfect. She seems to be worried a lot. I see her relaxing more and more since PACE (a 5th grade project) has come to a conclusion. However, despite her unwind--she has still needed to KNOW that she is a beautiful daughter of God. (I think we all need reminded of this sometimes.) Well, today some of the girls had been mean to her at gymnastics. Bryan and I listened, and then we both encouraged her to believe in herself. After some consoling and a few more tears, I felt that Amber was reassured. Later I was communicating with her coach about a make-up schedule, and her coach said that Amber was doing fantastic. She complimented Amber with such a beautiful compliment that I can't wait to tell her in the morning. This is comment is a blessing in Amber's life. She needs to know that others believe in her. I am not sure why it seems so important, but it is, and the Lord is aware of Amber's concerns!

The compliment: Amber is rock-solid with her gymnastics. She is truly soaring.

Daily Reflections~Day 6

Today I had the opportunity to testify to a friend about the miracles the Savior performed while on the earth, and how He still sends miracles to us individually. While I talked to her about my lesson, and testified of the miracles surrounding us on a daily basis, I felt the Lord guiding me. I am grateful for His hand today as I communicated with my friend. I felt His love for her, and for her struggle. I felt His love for me. I know that He is real. I know that He is there. I am so grateful to this knowledge.

Daily Reflections~Day 5

I received an email from a friend today, which said, "Carrie, I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed your Gospel Doctrine lesson on Sunday.  I haven't made it to Sunday School for quite a while with my calling and little Isaac being such a wiggle worm.  I can tell that you have really been working on your teaching skills, and this has become an area of talent for you as you've worked and prepared your lessons.  I'm sure some of it also spills over from Seminary teaching as well.  The last time I heard you teach was when we were in YW together, and you were good then, but this has really become a strength of yours and a talent you've developed.  Hopefully this compliment is coming across the way I meant for it to!  I just wanted you to know that I think you're doing an amazing job with your teaching.  We were having an FHE lesson last week on gifts of the Spirit, so for some reason on Sunday I felt like I should let you know that I recognized this great growing talent of yours.  Keep it up.  Hopefully I'll be able to attend an EFY of yours some day :o) Love, Jen"

The thing is: I didn't get the job for EFY. This letter was a message from my Heavenly Father reminding me to trust in Him. It is a reminder that I may not have all the answers to the "Why" questions, but those answers don't really matter. I feel slightly discouraged that I didn't get the job. I felt so inspired to apply for the job in the first place, and it's difficult not to question that inspiration. Why would I be prompted to apply, and then not get the position? This letter was a reminder to me to not question the "why", but rather to trust. I have complete faith that there is a plan for me. I have no doubt that He will lead me--I just need to trust in Him. This letter reminded me of that.

(I also received a text message from another member in our ward, thanking me for the lesson. I realize that this isn't me, but it is God allowing me to be a tool for Him. I am humbled. I am grateful. I pray I can be all that He needs. The scriptures say that with God, all things are possible--I will rely on that!)

I will be teaching at Education Week this summer. I will do my best in testifying there. I will then pray to be led to where I am needed. I have no doubt He will lead me.

Daily Reflections~Day 4

Today I was able to teach a lesson on the miracles of Jesus Christ. I related those miracles to our own lives' now, how we are given miracles on a daily basis, and how we need to recognize God's hands in our lives. After the lesson, I received a text from someone explaining that the lesson was exactly what they needed in their life at the moment. They thanked me for the lesson, and the inspiration that went into preparing the lesson. Ironically, the lesson was on recognizing God's hands, and this text message illustrated that very point. The Lord is aware of each of us individually. He knows what we need, and He sends messages to build and uplift. I am grateful that I was able to be a messenger today. I am humbled at the opportunity. I pray that I can live my life worthy of more opportunities.

NT Lesson #7
Hand out:
HE TOOK OUR INFIRMITIES, AND BARE OUR SICKNESS

1. “It is a fundamental truth that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can be cleansed.”—Elder Richard G. Scott, "Personal Strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ."
2. “The miracle of the Atonement can make up for imperfections in our performance.”—Bishop Gary E. Stevenson, "Your Four Minutes."
3. Brigham Young said: “Miracles, or these extraordinary manifestations of the power of God, are not for the unbeliever; they are to console the Saints, and to strengthen and confirm the faith of those who love, fear, and serve God” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1941], 341).
4. “More than gratitude bgegan to grow in my heart. Testimony grew. I became ever more certain that our Heavnly Father hears and answers prayers. I felt more gratitude for the softening and refining that come because of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. And I grew more confident tha the Holy Ghost can breing all things to our rememberance—even things we did not notice or pay attention to when they happened” (Henry B. Eyring, O Remember, Remember,  in Conference 2007).

Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us?

Did God send a message that was just for me in my life?

Begin with Object Lesson: Set out several items, and give class members time to look over the items. Do not let them write down any of the items, and then later during the class when you talk about Elder Eyring's "Remember Remember talk", ask them to recall the items.
Today, we are going to talk about the Savior’s miracles.
Which of all the Savior's miracles would you most like to have witnessed for yourself?

Imagine the experience of watching him walk toward you on the tempestuous waters of the Sea of Galilee, or seeing him standing on the deck of a storm-tossed ship commanding, "Peace, be still!" What would it have been like to eat the bread and fish so miraculously provided to the thousands of hungry followers, or to watch the man with palsy lowered through the roof of the house for a healing?

As Jesus traveled throughout Galilee teaching the gospel, he performed many miracles, including healing the sick and casting out devils (Mark 1:34, 39) Why do you think the Savior performed miracles? (write on board)

We are going to talk about three reasons he performed miracles: (have these on board, and refer to them throughout the lesson)

 -Compassion
-To Build and Confirm Faith
-To Teach Spiritual Truths

COMPASSION

 Mark 1:40-44 (leper)

According to verse 41, what was the reason Jesus healed the Leper?

Matt 20:30-34 (two blind men)

What does verse 34 give for the reason Jesus healed the blind men?

Point out that Jesus performed many miracles that directly blessed just one person.

What do these incidents demonstrate about how Jesus feels about us individually?

How has he shown love and compassion for us in our day?

How can we show more compassion?

TO BUILD AND CONFIRM FAITH

 Watch Bible Videos for each of the following stories:

Mark 2:2-5 (Man with Palsy)

Whose faith contributed to the healing of the man who was sick with palsy? (See Mark 2:3, 5.) How did these people demonstrate their faith? (See Mark 2:1–4.)
How can we exercise faith in behalf of others? How has the faith of others helped you or someone you know?

Mark 2:5-11

What did some of the scribes think when Jesus told the man with palsy that his sins were forgiven? (See Mark 2:5–7.)
How did Jesus respond to these scribes? (See Mark 2:8–11.)

Point out that just as it was a miracle for the man to be healed of palsy, it was also a miracle for him to be forgiven of his sins. Emphasize that this miracle is available to each of us as we repent.

Mark 5:27, 28; 34-36 (Women touching Garment)

How did the woman with an issue of blood show her faith? (See Mark 5:25–29.)
What was the cause of her healing? (See Mark 5:34. Emphasize that it was her faith in Jesus’ power, not the act of touching his garment, that caused her to be healed.) 

Mark 5: 35, 36 (Jarius’ Daughter)

Display the picture of Jesus blessing Jairus’s daughter. 

How did Jairus show his faith in the Savior? (See Mark 5:22–23.)
What did Jesus say to strengthen Jairus’s faith when Jairus heard that his daughter was dead? (See Mark 5:36.)
How can we apply these words in your life?

TO TEACH SPIRITUAL TRUTHS

Mark 4:35–41. Jesus calmed the sea.

What spiritual truths can we learn from this miracle? (He can bring us peace, to have faith rather than fear.) 

Mark 5:1–20. Jesus cast out a legion of devils.

What spiritual truths can we learn from this miracle? (He can cast Satan and his influence out of our lives.)

Luke 7:11–17. Jesus raised a young man from the dead.

What spiritual truths can we learn from this miracle? (Because of his Atonement, we will rise from the dead in the Resurrection.)

“It is a fundamental truth that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can be cleansed.”—Elder Richard G. Scott, "Personal Strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ."

“The miracle of the Atonement can make up for imperfections in our performance.”—Bishop Gary E. Stevenson, "Your Four Minutes."

Why do you think faith must precede miracles? (See Ether 12:12, 18; Moroni 7:37; and the following quotation.) Why don’t miracles alone provide a firm foundation for faith?

Brigham Young said: “Miracles, or these extraordinary manifestations of the power of God, are not for the unbeliever; they are to console the Saints, and to strengthen and confirm the faith of those who love, fear, and serve God” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1941], 341).

How can we recognize the miracles that are happening? Elder Eyring

Watch Video Elder Eyring Video "O Remember Remember":

I love how Elder Eyring said, “More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew. I became ever more certain that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I felt more gratitude for the softening and refining that come because of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. And I grew more confident than the Holy Ghost can bring all things to our remembrance—even things we did not notice or pay attention to when they happened” (O Remember, Remember; in Conference 2007).

Questions to remember:

Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us?

Did God send a message that was just for me in my life?

What kinds of miracles have you seen in your daily life?

Complete Object Lesson

 As we do as President Eyring suggests, we are able to remember the important things in life. Had you been able to write down what was here, you would have been able to recall the items. The same is true in life, when we record our experiences we are given the ability to remember them, and I believe that as we recognize the miracles in our lives, our testimonies will be strengthened just as Elder Eyring said, and as our testimonies are strengthened, we are strengthened to stay the course.

Daily Reflections~Day 3

While searching through my Family Search temple name file, I noticed I was missing a few cards that I had already printed. Realizing I had lost the cards--I immediately began searching for the lost cards. My girls and I searched for quite some time before I ceased the search. Each of us said a personal prayer, and continued with our normal activities. While cleaning the house, an impression came to my mind as to where I could find the cards. The impression was so distinct that I was absolutely positive that the cards would be in the place the impression revealed. When I arrived at the location, my heart was relieved to have found the lost cards.

I have no doubt that God hears our prayers. He guides us and directs us today. He sends us messages--sometimes through impressions, sometimes through other people, sometimes through the scriptures, sometimes through latter-day prophets--no matter the means through which He communicates--I am grateful to know that He does! 

HE IS AWARE

I am amazed at the love of Heavenly Father. I am in awe at His plans and designs--even in the tiniest of matters. Six months ago I was asked to give a talk at Girl's Camp. I prepared for months. The Sunday prior to giving the talk, I received an impression that I wasn't meant to give that talk "yet", but that I was meant to write a different talk. I remember sitting in Sacrament Meeting while tears ran down my cheeks. I was overwhelmed with the prospect of writing a new talk in just one day. I had spent months on the talk that I had prepared. With trust and faith, I rewrote a talk. It was a miracle as the words flowed through me. I was amazed at Heavenly Father 's hand in orchestrating the perfect talk for the young women. I felt the power of the changed talk, and I knew that it was God's will. I felt grateful to have followed His prompting, and I had no doubts that I was merely a tool in accomplishing His designs. I was humbled as I knew this experience was a lesson for me to trust Him in all things. With that being said, I also felt that He had guided me with the first talk. After completing the second talk, I felt certain that the first talk would be delivered at a later time. Last week when Brother Brasher called and asked me to speak, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and a sure knowledge of the talk that needed to be delivered. I am amazed that Heavenly Father prepared a talk six months prior to its delivery. He knew that I wouldn't have had time to prepare when Brother Brasher asked, so He helped me prepare when I did have time. He knew that the message I prepared would be needed for someone at the moment I delivered it--6 months in the future. After speaking in church, I received messages from several people expressing the need for the words that were shared. Heavenly Father is aware of us. He is a part of the smallest details. He cares. He loves us. He wants us to succeed.

Here is the Talk (somewhat altered from its original form):

BE STRONG and of GOOD COURAGE:

When we were sent here to earth, our Heavenly Father gave us the gift of agency. Because we have been given the ability to choose, it is ultimately up to us to decide our final destination. I have often envisioned what it will be like to stand before my Father in Heaven and be judged for my actions. Recently, I was taught a lesson on this topic. My mother-in-law entrusted my husband and I with her most prized possession—a necklace made from her mother’s wedding ring. She had left it at the cabin, and asked that we deliver it to her. Knowing the importance of this item, my husband and I discussed ways in keeping it safe, and then followed through with our plan. However, when it came time to deliver the necklace, it was no longer where it had been placed for safe keeping. This realization ensued several weeks of searching and praying for the lost heirloom. Throughout this time of prayer and contemplation, my soul longed for a “redo”. My mind was relentless with the “if only’s”, and the “should of’s”.  I couldn’t help but think of what I could have done, or what I should have done. In the midst of my turmoil, I was taught a lesson. One evening while contemplating the lost heirloom, my mind was opened to a new thought. In my mind I saw myself standing in front of my Savior after I had completed my time here on Earth. As I stood, my mind wondered—will I want a “redo”, or will I have done all that I could? In 2 Nephi it states, “Therefore, lift up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves, to choose the way of everlasting life, or the way of everlasting death” (2 Nephi 10:23). President Monson has stated, “Life’s journey is not traveled on a freeway devoid of obstacles, pitfalls, and snares. Rather, it is a pathway marked by forks and turnings. Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed…” (“The Call for Courage”, President Thomas S. Monson, General Conference, 2004).

Joshua 1:9 states, “Have I not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9).

This scripture has become a motto for my family. I truly believe as we have courage, as we move forward with faith, and as we allow God to be a part of our lives, we will be choosing the pathway of eternal life. Today I would like to take a closer look at the principles this scripture teaches.

BE STRONG AND OF A GOOD COURAGE

The first part of our scripture states, “Be Strong and Of Good Courage” (Joshua 1:9). The scriptures are full of examples of courage. I love the example of Noah when he had the courage to build an ark on dry ground. I love the example of David when he fought Goliath. I love the courage of Esther when she faced the king even when it could mean death for her. There is also the story of Moroni when he declared that he “would not deny the Christ”, the story of Daniel in the Lion’s den, the story of the stripling warriors, the story of Samuel on a city wall, and the story of Abinidi testifying to his death. These are just a few of the examples of courage in the scriptures. In all the scriptural accounts of courage there is a common theme—each of these heroes were seeking the Lord: they had a testimony of Him, and His goodness, and they were then strengthened with courage to endure any trial that they faced. And so it is with us--I believe that in order for us to have courage to make the correct decisions, we must first have a testimony. President Monson has talked about both courage and testimony being needed in order to make correct decisions. When speaking about courage, he said, “In order for us to make the correct decisions, courage is needed—the courage to say no when we should, the courage to say yes when that is appropriate, the courage to do the right thing because it is right” (Be of Good Courage, Thomas S. Monson, April 2014 General Conference). About testimony, he has said, that “in order for us to be strong, and to withstand all the forces pulling us in the wrong direction…, we must have our own testimony” (“Dare to Stand Alone”, President Monson, General Conference, October 2011). Thus, in order to have courage to make the decisions required, we must have a testimony. Therefore, our beliefs guide our courage.

When I was a freshman at Ricks College, I had a professor that opened my eyes to the importance of our individual testimonies. She told us that we were all in dire circumstances, and in order to survive—we had to be willing to give up “the less important” things in life. And then, she had each of us pick from cards at the front of the room. A few of the cards were: fax machine, computer, boat, radio, iPod, email, camera … At first it seemed pretty easy to take a few things from our list, but the lesson didn’t stop at a few things. After one round, she stood again, and said people were dying—circumstances where dire, what else are you willing to give up? And then each of us was required to again choose from the list of items: close friends, sense of sight, the living prophet, church organization, priesthood blessings, immediate family, temple ordinances… I remember that as we got down to the last two items: testimony of Jesus Christ, and a living prophet; an argument broke out in our class. One girl was extremely upset at the choice that was being made by the student who was last to choose. This girl begged our teacher to have the lesson stop; however, the point of the lesson was to eliminate all but one. The student who was last to pick was choosing to remove a living prophet. The last card was a testimony of Jesus Christ. My professor then said to the class, “If a testimony is the most important thing each of you has, then why is it so easy to spend your time in pursuit of things that are not as important”? She was right. My time was constantly filled with important things, but perhaps not as important as working on my testimony. Testimony is our most prized possession.

In the October conference, Elder Utchdorf said, that a personal testimony of the gospel and the Church is the most important thing you can earn in this life”. He further stated that “gaining a testimony is not a task of a minute, and hour, or a day. It is not once and done. The process of gathering spiritual light is the quest of a lifetime”. I would like to add my testimony to Elder Utchdorf’s words that as we firmly place our hearts with God, we will have the courage to act in moments of decision.

BE NOT AFRAID

The second part of our scripture states, “be not afraid”. When we are fearful, we allow the world to get in the way of our ultimate goal and our faith is weakened. I think I am just beginning to understand the process of fear and faith. This past summer, I had an experience while at Roaring Springs that has broadened my understanding. 

While we were in the Lazy River, all of a sudden, a panicked lifeguard was pointing, running, and blowing on her whistle. As I turned to see what she was pointing at, I could see a lifeless toddler on the bottom of the pool. I ran to assist the drowning child. I'm not sure why I didn't let go of Jacob, so that I could better help the child—Jacob was on a tube, and completely fine, but my mind didn't register that I needed both of my hands to better assist the drowning child. Instead, I tried frantically to lift the body with my one remaining hand. When the lifeguard finally arrived, she quickly pulled the child the rest of the way out of the water. It was then that I realized the child was only a mannequin—a decoy in an effort to train the lifeguard. I walked away from the lifeguard crying silently. I kept chiding myself for being upset--all the while, grateful that it WAS a mannequin and not a real child. I think this experience was simply too close to home for me.

When I was seventeen, my brother drowned. When he died, I found myself afraid to participate in water activities. My father told me that I couldn’t allow fear to control my actions. He taught me the importance of being faithful and not fearful. He taught me that it was a choice. This experience at Roaring Springs took me back eighteen years to the time when my brother was pulled out of a river, and all of those fears came rushing back. After my experience at Roaring Springs, there are two lessons I’m beginning to understand. First, I believe fear works against faith.

When we face our fears with faith, God is near. In D&C it states, "Search diligently, pray always, and be believing and all things will work together for your good." That is what faith is all about--it is believing that no matter what happens is for our good. I may not understand everything in my life, there may be uncertainties, and most definitely there will be bad things that happen--I cannot prevent that—fearing the bad will not stop the bad from coming; however, it will work against my faith by negating my trust in God.

The second lesson I am learning is that living by faith--not fear is something I choose. When my faith is strong, I am able to face the difficulties of each new day. In these moments, I am seeking the Lord, I am praying, and I am making Him a part of my life. It is in these moments that I am full of faith. And then there are times when I allow my problems or fears to overwhelm me. I feel anxious, and worried—I forget to seek the source of my strength—(my Heavenly Father)—and I react poorly to the situations in my life. I am beginning to think that these are moments of fear.

Gregory Clark spoke at a BYU Devotional, and he said that it seems to be contradicting when we know that the Gospel is true (Gregory Clark, “Some Lessons on Faith and Fear, BYU Devotional, May 6, 2008), and yet we have to continually remind ourselves to choose faith rather than fear. He then explained with a story from the Bible.

On a boat, in a stormy sea—Jesus was awakened by his apostles:

“Master, carest thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4:38).

The Lord calmed the storm, and then asked them, “Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?”(Mark 4:40).

The disciples had sat at the Savior’s feet. They had witnessed the Savior’s power. The Savior was on the boat with them, and they knew that the Savior’s mission on earth was not yet complete; however, at that moment—it was difficult to see past the raging storm. Brother Clark explained this situation by saying, “their memories of His works and His words and their hope in the future reality of His promises were not, at that moment, nearly so real to them as the storm…at that moment, the only things they had perfect knowledge of were the intensity of the storm, the fragility of their boat, the depth of the water, and their distance from the shore. At that moment their mortal senses were filled with fear: They could see and hear and feel the threat of their circumstances” (Gregory Clark, “Some Lessons on Faith and Fear, BYU Devotional, May 6, 2008).

And so it is with us, we know the gospel of the Restoration is true, but what we don’t know is how or when our trials will be resolved. The Lord has promised us that He will be with us, but at times—living in the day to day moments—it is easy to be uncertain (Gregory Clark, “Some Lessons on Faith and Fear, BYU Devotional, May 6, 2008).

When President Hinckley spoke at his wife’s funeral he set an example of choosing faith over fear. He said, “It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don’t worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. . . . Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. . . . If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers” [Gordon B. Hinckley, quoted in Latter-day Counsel, “Excerpts from Addresses of President Gordon B. Hinckley, ”Ensign, October 2000, 73; see also “Put Your Trust in God, “Ensign, February 2006, 63].

The Lord Thy God is With Thee

With these inspiring words from President Hinckley, it brings us to our third portion of this beloved scripture. The last part of Joshua 1:9 states, “the Lord thy God is with thee” (Joshua 1:9). Our Savior understands everything we have ever, and will ever experience. President Holland said that His journey was the “loneliest journey ever made” (None Were with Him, Jeffrey R. Holland, April 2009). Not only did his disciples slowly diminish in their support, but Elder Holland also said that the “Father briefly withdrew from Jesus the comfort of His personal presence. It was required…For His Atonement to be infinite and eternal, He had to feel what it was like to die not only physically but spiritually, to sense what it was like to have the divine Spirit withdraw, leaving one feeling totally, abjectly, hopelessly alone” (None Were with Him, Jeffrey R. Holland, April 2009). 

President Holland further stated that “one of the great consolations…is that because Jesus walked a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so” (None Were with Him, Jeffrey R. Holland, April 2009).

When my brother passed away, I had moments where I felt the Savior’s presence, and moments when I felt completely alone. Right after we found my brother’s body, my entire family felt a great peace and reassurance. We knew that a greater force was with us during that time. However, as the time drew closer for the viewing, that feeling of peace began to dissipate for me. At one point during the viewing, my father asked me to go and seek peace as I was unable to control my tears. I don’t remember where I went in the funeral home, or much about what happened surrounding my prayer, but I do remember reading in Matthew 11: 28-30. It reads, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your soul. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” As I prayed and read the scriptures, peace began to fill my heart once again. I named this scripture my “Eric Peace Scripture”, and every time I had a moment of struggle, I would again turn to this scripture and remind myself to seek the Savior.

I bear testimony that as we choose daily to be courageous through building our testimony, as we choose faith over fear, and as we choose to seek the Savior, we will be guided in our lives, and we will someday stand before our Savior with a clear conscience—not longing for a “redo”, and we will be on the pathway to eternal life. The Lord’s command to have courage, not be fearful, and His reminder that He will be with us—is for you and me!

I know that this Gospel is true. I know that when we live by its teachings, we are blessed. I know it, because I have lived it, and I witness it in my daily life.

Daily Reflections~Day 1

As I have been studying my lesson on Jesus' miracles, I have reflected on the day to day miracles in my own life. While in contemplation, I received a phone call from my husband expressing frustration concerning our car. Our car needed an emissions test completed; however, due to the engine light continuously manifesting itself, we hadn't yet accomplished the task of an emissions test. We knew that if the engine light was manifested, the car would fail the test. In the past, we have had the car tested on numerous occasions, and we have learned that the light is faulty. Yesterday, the light turned off, and so we were planning on completing the emissions test today; however, when Bryan was ready to take the car to be tested, the light returned to activity. He did everything he could to fix the faulty light, but to no avail. As he was telling me his frustrations, I explained my lesson, and suggested that we pray.

As I kneeled to pray, I explained to Heavenly Father how I realized that the matter of our car was a small and trivial concern; however, I explained how important it was to us to receive the test, and comply with the state laws. For some reason during my prayer, I felt emotional throughout my explanation. I felt that Heavenly Father was hearing my prayer over my car, so I continued to pray about the more important matters of my family. I felt peace and love wash over me as I communicated with my Father in Heaven. When I closed my prayer, I felt a sense of gratitude for the love of a Father in Heaven. Later that day I received a text from my husband stating, "You are the Woman." Meaning: the Check Engine Soon light had turned off on the car.

I know that God hears and answers our prayers. I know that He hears us even in the smallest details. Sometimes our prayers are not always answered in the way we would hope; however, in those moments, it is up to us to trust in God's design rather than our own. In moments where our prayers are answered directly and immediately, I stand in solemn gratitude and awe at a loving Father in Heaven.

Daily Reflections~Day 2

Every morning I pray for help with my son's reading. I pray for inspiration as to how to help him, and guide him. I have faith that someday his struggle with reading will no longer be a struggle, but until then--we work at reading. This morning while working with Jacob, I was impressed to record his reading. I have explained and demonstrated "smooth and connected" reading. I know that Jacob can do it; however, he seems to simply not understand. In fact, he often tells me he is doing what I am asking of him. This morning when I recorded his reading, and he was able to hear himself read through the device, he finally understood what I have been explaining. After hearing the recording, he read with more connectivity. I know this is something that is seemingly small; however, to me--Heavenly Father gave me direct inspiration in helping Jacob become. Heavenly Father cares even in the simplest of matters.

Daily Reflections-Introduction

This week I am teaching a lesson on the miracles that Jesus performed while He was on the earth. As I have reflected on this topic, my mind remembered a talk given by Elder Eyring in 2007 entitled "O Remember, Remember". In his talk, he shared an experience that touched my heart then (when he gave the talk) and now. He said:

"When our children were very small, I started to write down a few things about what happened every day. Let me tell you how that got started. I came home late from a Church assignment. It was after dark. My father-in-law, who lived near us, surprised me as I walked toward the front door of my house. He was carrying a load of pipes over his shoulder, walking very fast and dressed in his work clothes. I knew that he had been building a system to pump water from a stream below us up to our property.

He smiled, spoke softly, and then rushed past me into the darkness to go on with his work. I took a few steps toward the house, thinking of what he was doing for us, and just as I got to the door, I heard in my mind—not in my own voice—these words: “I’m not giving you these experiences for yourself. Write them down.”

I went inside. I didn’t go to bed. Although I was tired, I took out some paper and began to write. And as I did, I understood the message I had heard in my mind. I was supposed to record for my children to read, someday in the future, how I had seen the hand of God blessing our family. Grandpa didn’t have to do what he was doing for us. He could have had someone else do it or not have done it at all. But he was serving us, his family, in the way covenant disciples of Jesus Christ always do. I knew that was true. And so I wrote it down, so that my children could have the memory someday when they would need it.

I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done.

More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew. I became ever more certain that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I felt more gratitude for the softening and refining that come because of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. And I grew more confident that the Holy Ghost can bring all things to our remembrance—even things we did not notice or pay attention to when they happened.

The years have gone by. My boys are grown men. And now and then one of them will surprise me by saying, “Dad, I was reading in my copy of the journal about when …” and then he will tell me about how reading of what happened long ago helped him notice something God had done in his day."

I remember starting a journal to emulate what Elder Eyring did with his family; however, I wasn't consistent in my efforts, and eventually I forgot my resolution. Perhaps, I didn't ask for the Savior's help. Perhaps, I didn't have enough foresight. I'm not sure of the reason for my not continuing. Today, I recommit myself to this task, and this time--I will be praying for help. It is my goal to see God's hand in my life, and record daily thoughts. To be honest, this task overwhelms me. And because I am overwhelmed, I pray. I know I am weak when I am left to my own strength, but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). I am certain that by remembering the daily messages, my family will be blessed as Elder Eyring's family was blessed. I am certain that testimony will develop, and Christ will be a focus in our home.

Come and See

COME AND SEE

Last week I had the opportunity of teaching from the New Testament about John the Baptist when he invited his followers to "Come and See". It was his invitation to come and see Christ. See for yourself His goodness, and meet the Savior of the world.

While preparing the lesson I kept thinking about how I was inviting others to "Come and See". I wondered if I was being a member missionary. I just recently had an experience that opened my eyes to what I could do more for the Kingdom of God.

It all started while I was on my way to drop Hailey off at school and my car lost all power. Hailey and I both prayed that we would make it to her school safely, and our prayers were answered (a tender mercy). After arriving at the school, my car was towed to the dealer to find out that there were thousands of dollars worth of damage to the car. I posted on Instagram the tender mercy of being safe, and the blessing of being able to pay for repairs despite my sadness over the cost. In my post I said it was a Chick Fil-A cookie kind of day, and I took a picture of me eating a cookie.

And here is the first post:

My husband and I joke about when I need a Chick Fil-A cookie. I can come up with pretty much any reason to NEED one, but today I had a good reason. There's always lessons to be learned. My car almost died when I was crossing traffic today. It just loss all power. All I could do was pray for power. I'm so grateful it started moving again so we could be safe. I somehow knew that if the car slowed to a stop, we would be stuck, so I continued to pray that we would make it to the school. When we pulled up to the school, it did indeed stop for good. It's a definite tender mercy that we made it to the school safely! I am so grateful. In the meantime, I keep telling myself what my mother-in-law always says, "It's just stuff". My car is just stuff. There are more important things . I am slightly disappointed that we will be using our Disney World fund to fix our "stuff", but we are so blessed to have a "fund' in the first place. I am truly feeling blessed despite my disappointment. So very blessed.

In response to this post, I received many comments of support; however, the interest in the cookie didn't occur until the following day when Jake stayed home from school. He didn't have a fever, but we kept him home, because he had an ear infection. While we were doing our morning chores, Jacob asked me if we could get a cookie at Chick-Fil-A, and another reason for a cookie sounded good to me.

Here is the second post:

"mom, since I have to stay home from school, don't you think I need a Chick-Fil-A cookie?" Just another reason for a cookie... I'm totally on board...

To this post, I had several people stating that they hadn't tried a cookie at Chick-Fil-A before, and they were now convinced that they needed to experience the cookie!

A few days later, Hailey and I went on a one-on-one date, and she chose to go to Chick-Fil-A for a cookie. At this point, I thought it was funny, so I posted our adventure:

Another reason for a Chick-Fil-A cookie...date night with this beauty! She's such a blessing in my life. I'm so grateful to call her my daughter!

Over the course of the week, I had 12 friends commit to trying the Chick-Fil-A cookie. In addition to those commitments, I had several people send me text messages and Facebook messages with pictures of themselves trying the cookie. 

It was just a journal of my week. (I happened to eat more Chick-Fil-A cookies that week than I had ever eaten.) I was simply trying to have a positive outlook while saddened by my car repairs. Then one day led to the next, and I kept finding myself at Chick-Fil-A for another cookie. It wasn't intentional to advertise for Chick-Fil-A. Although, I do love their cookies... I realize that 12 people eating a cookie, because I suggested it--really isn't astronomical; however, that's just it. It was a simple message on my Instagram feed. Couldn't I do something simple with the Gospel? Couldn't I do something like that with something that is really awesome? The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the greatest gift I have. And if that is true, shouldn't I share it? If one person is interested--it would be worth it.
This is how my eyes have been opened to John's invitation to "Come and See". I want to invite others to "Come and See" the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Just Come. Enjoy a while. I promise it is far sweeter than a cookie!