Did God send a message that was just for me?

I'm trying to write these thoughts more diligently. What did God send me today?

I was grateful for the opportunity to teach Jacob's class today. I was able to see a bird's eye view of my son and his surroundings at church. It taught me a lot about how I can instruct him as a parent, and how I can teach him compassion. I thought a lot about wishing for a different class, and yet--I changed my mind midway through those thoughts. As I reflect on his circumstance, I realize that he has the opportunity to BE THE GOOD. He can reach out to the struggling children and lift. He can learn to not succumb to the temptations of "playing along" when a child is being disruptive. Sometimes it is the frustrating scenarios that make us better more compassionate human beings.

A continued fight...

Last night was another night of fear before bed. We cried together for quite some time. We once again talked about facing our fears and trusting in God. Sometimes thoughts are so hard to dismiss. It takes great persistence, faith and prayer to move past some of the thoughts that seem to surface in our minds. This is the struggle--to continually push out the sad and bad thoughts, and trust in the good. Amber said that she struggled with getting the night of Brandon's death out of her mind. She said that it continually replays in her mind, and it is always of me crying the word "no". We talked about that night. We faced her fears. And then we talked about the good of that night too. We talked about the praying and the seeking God. We talked about the blessing she received and what it said, and then we listened to the blessing.

I didn't realize that it would be a tender mercy to have the blessing recorded, but as we re-listened to God's words to her, Amber felt fortified and determined to allow God to help her. The blessing was directly related to her struggle right now. When the blessing was first offered Bryan had no idea of what kind of struggle Amber would face, which is a testimony to me that God is aware of us. He sees our struggles, and He sends messages to us to strengthen us in times of need. This blessing was a message from God to Amber, and I believe it will be the source of her strength to overcome. I am so grateful for the power of the priesthood, for the love of God, and for trials. It is through these trials that we have the opportunity to become. The process of becoming is so difficult, but I have no doubt that it will someday be glorious.

Hailey was reading the New Era this morning, and read this quote to me:
Heavenly Father placed you in the best place to use your spiritual gifts and build your talents. No matter where you live or what life circumstances you find yourself in, you can make the choice to succeed, regardless of your challenges. Don't ever give up. Keep going. Don't quit. Remember, its what you do with what you have that makes you who you are. ("New Era, "Where Am I", December 2014).
This is a lesson that we are learning so intensely right now. Last night as I talked with Amber, I felt as if I was begging her to keep going. I felt as if I was pleading and using all the persuasion I had in me to convince her of God's goodness, of beautiful things to come, of peace and happiness. Amber is an amazing young woman. She will succeed, and I will be with her along the way!

Daily Reflections

Today I allowed Amber to read my journal entries surrounding Brandon's death. She read about my perspective when we were in the car together, and as she read, she cried. As I watched her the pain that was so apparent on her face, I wondered if I was again making a mistake in allowing her to see into my thoughts and feelings. However, when she was done, we both felt a sense of peace. She said it was difficult because it brought her back to the night of Brandon's death; however, she said it was also healing. This is just another step in our process of healing--in Amber's process of healing. It's just another step in my process of helping my sweet girl heal.

I am grateful for the inspiration that God so willingly sends. He hears our prayers. He knows what we need even before we pray. Because He is a loving Father, He desires to bless us. My allowing Amber to read my thoughts was an answer to my prayer; however, I didn't know it was an answer until the after I allowed Amber to read my journal. AS we trust in the promptings we receive, He will lead us by the hand.

Daily Reflections~Brandon's Burial

Today I had the opportunity of speaking at my brother's funeral. I am grateful for the life he lived, for the person he was, for the example he set. I am saddened that today meant good-bye. My heart longs for a redo, but I know it isn't meant to be. Through this experience I am learning more and more about the qualities I want to develop in my life.
1. My little brother loved everyone. No judgement whatsoever.
I want to be like him.
2. I have now lost 2 siblings prematurely. I thought I had learned what it meant to cherish each day when my older brother, Eric, died, but I don't think I learned this lesson fully. I think I need to love more deeply--not only those around me, but my family. I need to make a conscious effort to do all I can for the people I love the most. I think it can be easy to simply go through the motions of life, and forget to make time for those who matter most. Perhaps, it is easy to forget, because we live so far away--it is my goal to not let distance create distance.
3. I've learned that we mus keep an eternal perspective in life. When we think in life as the here and now, it is easy to lose hope; however, as we look to what the plan of salvation truly means--peace can be obtained.

Still pondering more lessons. I am sure there will be more by tomorrow...

I am simply grateful for my family. I love them with all of my heart. I miss Brandon like crazy, and missing Brandon is bringing my missing for Eric back to the surface...

This is definitely a difficult time; however, I know God is with me. I know he will carry us.

When I gave my talk today to celebrate Brandon's life, I felt His sustaining power. I felt assured that he loved me, and I knew that through the atonement I was strengthened. I am so grateful.

After the funeral we had the opportunity of sifting through Brandon's clothes. This was so difficult. My whole heart just wants him back with us. I just want to wake up. I just want him to be here with me tomorrow.

I want to see him again. I want to hug him one last time. I want to tell him everything that I now know now that he is gone--I wish I had that kind of insight.

Brandon was my friend, and my brother. I can hardly breathe when I think of a life without him in it.

Daily Reflections

My little brother died this week. I've been trying to find silver linings through my struggle as I am sure there are blessings from above being poured down upon my family. My anguish and sorrow is so great that it is hard for me to see past my pain. My mind is having difficulty even wrapping around my memories that I have shared with my brother. I think I am in utter shock and disbelief. I have moments of frustration, sadness, and great pain. I also have moments of peace. It is in these moments of peace that I know the Spirit is near. That I know that the silver lining is happening for me.

This week I have come to see how beautiful of a life my little brother led. He was so kind, and the desires of his heart were genuine and pure. As I have studied his journals, I have learned more about him then I ever knew while he lived. I'm not sure how I would've gained the same understanding while he was still alive, but I wish I would have.

I thought I had already learned the lessons of cherishing each moment when my brother, Eric, died. However, as I am now faced with yet another brother's passing, I feel I am relearning what it means to truly care, to truly love, to truly know that around you.

As I was contemplating this very thing, I determined to ask God to give me the spirit of understanding, to give me the love He has for his children, and to see people with spiritual eyes. I feel that I now see Brandon with spiritual eyes, and he is/was glorious. I have always loved and adored him, but my understanding wasn't what I wish it should have been.

I miss Brandon dearly. My heart is breaking. I cry at random, and then I can't cry at all because the tears have all been cried. I keep desiring a "redo", and a "if only". I wish I could reverse time and make every single minute and moment count. I wish he could feel how much I love him. How do we show people our love in the day to day moments? I try to often say the simple words of "I love you", but I think it is more. I think it is easy to get busy with the day to day happenings that we forget to take the time for the things that matter most. I want to live each moment to the fullest.

If I could see Brandon again, I would hug him fiercely. I would tell him how much I loved him. I would tell him I was proud of him. I would tell him how much I miss him. And I would tell him to build a palace for our family while he was in heaven, because we were all coming.

I can't wait for my reunion with my two brothers. I can't wait. I so want to see them again. I wonder what it was like for Brandon to be welcomed home by his older brother. I can only imagine Eric waiting for him to take his last breath, and then their pure joy as they embraced.

Daily Reflections

Yesterday, Amber competed in a gymnastics meet, and she felt extremely upset with her performance. (She still took 2nd place, but her scores were way lower than they had been.) I was disappointed in her reaction to her scores. Rather than staying calm and confident, she found herself crying, and upset. In my opinion, she needed to be taught about the importance of being a good loser verses a good winner. We had a discussion on the differences, and all seemed to be understood. However, when I went to bed, the day's events played over and over again in my mind. At around 5:30 in the morning, I woke up contemplating the situation, which formulated many conclusions for the situation. Realizing that it was inspiration--I began jotting down all that my mind registered.

Here is what I wrote:
It's not about beating everyone and how they are doing--it's about beating yourself. It's about competing against yourself. You beat up yourself when you compare and consider your success hinged on having a higher score than your teammates. When you focus on this, you tear yourself down, and you separate yourself from being a supportive teammate. Your focus should be on improving yourself. Beating your own personal performances. Working towards your personal best. You win when you are a good sport no matter the results of the scores. Stop thinking you have to be THE best, and start trying to do your best. Your dad and I are more concerned with how you act rather than the scores on the scoreboard. Being a good sport is more important than winning. We love you. We are proud of your hard work and determination. We believe in you!

These words just came flowing out of me, and I knew that Heavenly Father was blessing me on how to teach my daughter. I have been praying to know what to say to my kids and how to help them individually. I know this was a direct answer to those prayers. I know He is aware of us. I know that He loves us. I am grateful for moments like these where I can see God's hand in my life.

I am also grateful for Amber. Her good attitude; her desire to improve; and her humility. She took our teaching with grace and beauty. She held her head high, and chose to improve rather than choosing to be defensive. It is always hard to hear what we need to improve upon. Amber was an example of how to take constructive criticism.

Daily Reflections

Today I was prompted to "slow" down just a bit, and spend some quality time with Jacob and Amber. Life can get so busy, and the busyness of life is really getting to me right now. Jacob is getting baptized in a few weeks, and I am in the process of making him a book. My mind is consumed with finishing this book in time for it to be published prior to his baptism. I feel that I am using every waking moment to accomplish this goal. After Amber and Jake finished their homework, I was prompted to slow down and spend quality time with my kids. They both wanted to watch a movie, so the three of us curled up on the coach and snuggled in for a movie. I was able to express to them that they come first despite my "to do" list.

I am grateful for the prompting to slow down; to make time for the most important things. Making a book prior to Jake's baptism is important to me; however, spending time with my kids is far more important.

I have faith that when we put the things that matter most first, we are blessed. I truly believe that everything else will fall into place.

Daily Reflections

I was able to teach at the Seminary today. I was asked at "last minute", and felt extremely unprepared. Just before I started to teach, I prayed for guidance and help. The first lesson was awesome. The spirit was so strong. I knew that it had nothing to do with me, but everything to do with the Lord. The second hour I taught wasn't as good as the first, and I think it was because I felt more confident and comfortable. I didn't fully rely on the Lord like I had previously. 

The Lord truly does magnify us in everything and anything; however, He can't magnify us if we don't ask, if we don't rely on Him. 

Daily Reflections

Today we were able to listen to L. Tom Perry in Stake Conference. I felt so blessed to listen to an apostle about the importance of making it to eternal life. He made jokes about how he wished he could have us all marching toward that with excitement. It was refreshing to listen to his wisdom, his down to earth personality, his love for the Gospel. He was an example to me of simply being our best selves. Perhaps, him being his best self came through a life devoted to God. At the end of his discourse he said, "The closer you draw to Him (God), the more blessing s you receive in this life and the world to come. Let Him into your life." He also gave a promise when he said, "I promise you that if you turn your life to Him it will become part of your character--trust in Him."

I was grateful for an apostles insight. I was grateful for the entire conference. I learned about being non-contention, and about becoming through the other speakers--both of which, I could always improve. It has always been my desire to have a non-contentious home, and to become ALL that my Father in Heaven needs me to become. I felt touched by all the messages given.

Some of my favorite one-liners:
Becoming Means to Change
Burying Our Weapons of War causes us to Be Converted to the Lord
What are our weapons?

Sister Marriott (2nd Counselor in YW's General Presidency)
~Only takes one to shift an attitude to avoid contention
~3 Nephi 29 the Savior teaches 3 separate times about avoiding contention

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! 

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.