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!

Super Powers

WE ALL HAVE SUPER POWERS

When I picked Jake up from school, he said, "Mom, did you know that we are all born with a super power? My super power is that I can punch really hard."

"Oh", I said. "What makes you think that? Have you tried?"

"Nope," he said. "I just know."

I started to tell him he had lots of other powers too; however, he wouldn't be swayed. He was sure that he was absolutely awesome at a super punch.

While Jacob was in the act of convincing me, his good friend, Spencer Tobler, chimed in his super power by flexing his neck muscles really tight and showing me how scary they looked. He was sure this was definitely a super power, because it could make people really scared.

When Jacob got home, he stood out in the rain, and stood looking at the falling rain. I was amused at his serious attitude as he seemed to be in deep contemplation. With the rain cascading down his face, he said, "This is my super punch! Just like Baymax!" (Baymax is in the new Disney movie, Big Hero Six.)

Jake is absolutely right! We do have super powers. Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that He sends us here with gifts that will bless and enrich our lives and the lives of those around us. As we traverse through this life, and as we seek Him, He will guide us to become aware of our gifts.

Elder Hales said, “In the scriptures, we are taught of spiritual gifts the Lord has given His children and of our responsibility to develop these gifts. During our time here on earth, we have been charged to develop the natural gifts and capabilities Heavenly Father has blessed us with. . . . As we exercise and magnify these gifts, we will be able to accomplish the callings and responsibilities that will come into our lives.”

He further states, "To find the gifts we have been given, we must pray and fast. Often patriarchal blessings tell us the gifts we have received and declare the promise of gifts we can receive if we seek after them."

(Elder Hales, Recognize and Develop Your Spiritual Gifts, February 2002).

I have no doubt that although Jacob has a Super Punch for a gift, he also has a Super Testimony, and a Super Big Heart, and an Awesome Smile, and a Courageous Spirit, and a Faithful Heart, and ... He has many gifts that are sure to bless many lives!

Compassion

OUR BAPTISMAL COVENANTS & COMPASSION

A friend of mine is teaching a lesson in a few weeks, and felt impressed to ask me my thoughts on compassion. This is what I wrote:

When I think about compassion, I think of the Savior's love. When we have compassion, we care about someone else the way the Savior would. We put aside our selfishness, and we open our hearts to love someone else. I wish I had a fantastic story about how compassion has changed my life. I am positive it has. I just haven't taken note of it as I should. This past year, I have often prayed for a teacher to have compassion on my son. I keep thinking that if someone would only care enough...then it would make all the difference. You see--Jake struggles in school. He doesn't struggle enough where there needs to be some big intervention--he just struggles in little ways. Those little ways are slowly pushing him further and further behind. I have often prayed for a teacher that would care enough to love my son. I am grateful for this perspective because I think it reminds me to care "enough" about those around me. It is a reminder to me to love. 

I'm reminded of compassion when I think of Hailey's soccer team this year:

There have been a lot of life lessons this year with soccer. Bryan decided to coach this year, so this group of girls could stay together for another two seasons. They are a rock solid team. When they are playing to their ability, they are truly unstoppable--their passes and shots are precise, and they work together as a fluid team. For the entire season, Revolution (Hailey's and Bryan's team name) remained the number 1 team. However, their winning streak slowed after having a two week bye. Just before tournament they lost two games, which put them in 2nd place entering the tournament.  In 2nd place, the road to the championship game was more difficult. In order to make it to the championship, these girls would have to play Thursday night, Friday night, & Saturday morning.  Both Thursday and Friday were strong games for the girls. They beat their opponents 6-0, and then 7-0. 

On Saturday morning, Revolution was ready to enter the semi-finals.The girls outplayed Reign; however, the end score didn't show the results of their labors--they lost in the semi-finals. All 13 girls gathered as a team to discuss the end to their season. Tears rolled down their cheeks as they looked to my husband for reassurance. (This is where my heartstrings pulled just a bit, and where I feel Bryan demonstrated compassion.) As Bryan looked at their tear-stained faces, his voice cracked with emotion when he proclaimed, "This one is on me girls. This one is on me. Don't you dare blame yourselves. Blame me." Bryan later recounted that his heart ached as he saw the girl's disappointment. He understood their disappointment, because he felt it too. He just didn't want them walking away being disappointed in themselves. After all, they had played their hearts out, and they had had an amazing season. For these girls, it was more than just a game. These girls had put it all on the line. They put their whole hearts and souls into the game. Somehow Bryan had to reassure them that it was enough. It was his job as a coach--he had to remind them that losing a game did not define a player.  And that's exactly what he did. He knelt down and talked with them. He talked with them as a whole group--pointing out their moments of success; and then he talked to them individually--calling out individual successes of each and every player. He let them know that he was proud of them, and he then gave them hope to come out even stronger the following season. Each girl looked to him for strength, and he delivered. This was a lesson about hard work and disappointment. It was a life lesson. Sometimes in life, we don't get to choose the outcome of our situations. When this happens, there is always a silver lining--we just have to be willing to find it, and a little bit of compassion a long the way makes the search all the better.

I think this story demonstrates that when we have compassion we truly care about the people around us. We don't simply go through the motions, but we care--we love. 

Last week Amber played in sacrament meeting for the primary program. She was playing while the other girls her age were singing. She played most of the song with no hiccups; however, toward the end of the song--she slipped, and struggled to find her fingering again on the piano. She didn't quite find her place, but she kept going--she kept playing. When the song was finally over, Amber was extremely disappointed. For the rest of the meeting she cried. Bryan and I kept trying to encourage her from afar; however, there was no consoling her. When the program was over, she ran to my side and buried her head in my shoulder. As her little frame shook with disappointment, I reassured her that she did a great job, and that I was proud of her. My eyes filled with tears, and soon both Amber and I were crying on each other's shoulders. She looked up at me, and said, "Mom, if you think I did such a great job, then why are you crying?" I looked back at her, and said, "My heart hurts for you--you are sad, and that make me sad." I truly did think she did a great job. I was proud of her; however, just as Bryan loved his soccer girls, and his heart broke for their disappointment--my heart broke for Amber's disappointment.

  I was filled with compassion towards her. I truly cared about how she was feeling. However, the compassion didn't end with my tears. As Amber and I were deep in conversation, several ward members began approaching Amber to offer her words of encouragement. In fact, we were overwhelmed by the support offered by our ward--hugs were given, encouragement was offered, and by the end of that day--Amber felt reassured and confident. I attribute that confidence to the compassion of our ward members--for seeing a child in need of some love, and offering it to her. 

Isn't that what we promise in our baptismal covenant? Don't we promise to mourn with those that mourn? Comfort those that stand in need of comfort? 

I guess I think compassion means that we live up to our baptismal covenants. We love those around us--we truly love them--just like the Savior would do.

Primary Program and Testimony Meeting

Amber’s Testimony

Amber played in the primary program to accompany the Activity Day girls. She accidentally played the introduction toward the end of the song. However, despite her fumble, she kept playing; however, she was totally heartbroken. Bryan and I kept giving her the thumbs up sign throughout the rest of the program, but she couldn't seem to get control of her tears. (She is a bit of a perfectionist.) After the program, the ward members congratulated her over and over and over and over and over again... She heard time and time again how spiritual her playing the piano made the meeting. She was given notes after primary congratulating her on a job well done. One note read, "I felt the spirit when Amber had the courage to continue playing the piano. I felt her playing was beautiful!" Another person wrote that their favorite song was the song Amber played, because Amber did such a great job on the piano. telling her how amazing her playing was, and how much it touched those present. 

Today, during testimony meeting, Amber got up and bore testimony of the power of prayer. Her voice cracked as she explained that she prayed during the primary program--after making a mistake on the piano, that she could feel peace. She explained that after the program, the ward members came to her rescue by congratulating her, and encouraging her. She bore testimony that she knew that the ward members were an answer to her prayers. 

When Amber finished bearing testimony about the power of prayer, a sister from our ward bore testimony about the power of prayer and Amber being an answer to her prayer. In last month's testimony meeting, Amber bore testimony that priesthood blessings can answer prayers--she had already shared this experience in a past testimony meeting, so I was somewhat surprised when she shared it again; however, I kept my surprise to myself, and I am so glad that I did. Sister Eldredge stood up and bore testimony that Amber's testimony last month was an answer to her prayers. She had been praying for guidance, and much needed direction when Amber's testimony of the power of priesthood blessings entered her mind. Feeling it to be an answer to her prayer, she chose to receive a priesthood blessing, which she felt helped her to make a needed decision in her life.

Heavenly Father truly is aware of each of us. He loves us and He desires to send us blessings. If we can be in tune with the Spirit, we can be an answer to someone else's prayer. The ward member's were an answer to Amber's prayer, and Amber was the answer to Sister Eldredge's prayer. After church I asked Amber about baring her testimony the previous month, and she said she was just so impressed to say what she did.

The Friend

 HOLDING TIGHT TO THE IRON ROD

Amber loves The Friend magazine. She reads from it all of the time. In fact, this last spring she excitedly announced that she had read all of The Friend magazine's through the year I was born. And since that time, she has read all of The Friends that she can access through our electronic device. Every morning Amber's routine includes a chapter of scripture study along with a story from The Friend...or so we thought.

For Monday night's Family Home Evening, we had a discussion about the iron rod, and the importance of "holding to the rod". All of the kid's were blindfolded as they passed through different obstacles while holding to a homemade rod. When Amber got to the end of the rod towards the Tree of Life, I tempted her with everything that was in me (I was playing the role of Satan for our object lesson). Even I was surprised as I cried out in desperation--almost convincing myself that Amber should listen to me, and let go of the rod. After this experience, Amber admitted that my voice was so convincing--so much so that she wanted to let go of the rod, because she trusted me, and knew that I wouldn't lead her astray. We talked about how people we know and love can also believe differently than us, and if we do not have a testimony--we too, can be tempted. In our discussion, Bryan promised the kids that if they were having daily prayer and scripture study, Satan could have no control over them. He told them that we open the door to temptation when we allow ourselves to miss even one day of scripture study and prayer. He said that one day could be justified into two days, and pretty soon we could find ourselves struggling spiritually. During this discussion, I was sure Amber was feeling the spirit as she peered intently in my direction, so I asked her to share what she thinking. To my surprise, her beautiful brown eyes filled with tears, and she asked to speak with Bryan and I after the lesson. My mind reeled. What could Amber possibly need to discuss?

After the other two were tucked into bed, Amber began to cry as she admitted that sometimes rather than reading her scriptures in the morning, she reads two stories from The Friend. Amber's face was filled with absolute concern. I could see her desire to choose the right simply shining through her eyes. My heart melted. I was so grateful that this was Amber's concern, and I found myself repressing a smile. My heart filled with joy as I saw Amber as a true disciple of Christ. Her example to choose the right touched my heart, and I said a prayer of gratitude. Bryan and I quickly reassured her that we believed that The Friend was also the word of God. We told her that she had not sinned. We told her that she was a beautiful daughter of God, and that God was pleased with her desire to read both The Friend and her scriptures. We encouraged her to not allow The Friend to replace her scriptures study; however, we were pleased at her pure desires.

I never want to forget Amber's example of holding to the rod. I never want to forget her desire to choose the right. I never want to forget Amber's love for the Savior.

Perceptions

Pajamas and Pigtails

It is pajama day at school today (in honor of Red Ribbon Week). When Hailey woke up, she was building her courage to wear pajama pants. However, both her sister and I asked about her attire and she waffled. It wasn't my intent to cause her to question. I was simply wanting to know which pajamas she preferred. I really wish she would have worn them. I think it is a goal of every mother as well as a personal lifelong lesson to teach her children and herself that it doesn't matter what other people think. I hate that we sometimes base our actions on what we feel others may perceive. This is the exact reason Hailey didn't want to wear her pajama pants.

When I was in high school I had a friend who made fun of a girl because she was wearing pigtails in her hair. To spite him, I wore pigtails the next day. I remember feeling awkward, and worrying about what others were thinking; however, I wanted to prove a point that it really didn't matter what people thought. I remember him being shocked, and teasing me for trying to prove a point. I remember him saying, "Carrie, what are you doing? Why are you wearing pigtails? Stop trying to prove a point." However, the point was made--he knew it, and I knew it. We should act in a way that is right by ourselves and right by the Savior--nobody else matters. 

I know my children are aware of the opinion that counts. I know that they seek after His opinion above anything else. I am not worried about them in this respect. I do; however, feel that we need to fight the temptation to conform our actions to the crowd's opinion. We should act according to our own conscience.