Sabbath Day

We have been commanded to keep the sabbath day holy. It's in the Bible, it's in the Book of Mormon. People are very familiar with this commandment.

But as I was reading a post on a friend's facebook page, it brought a feeling of sadness that this commandment seems to be so misunderstood. A Christmas parade was being held on Sunday and she wondered if appropriate to go. She added how could she resist (posting a link to a picture)-an old man in a Cat in the Hat costume riding a silly bike

The responses-

- We would. Mormon Tabernacle Choir has concerts on Sunday

- We would consider it. If we were in the mood, then sure.

- absolutely!

- We would, as long as it wasn't during church. Sounds like fun!

- go for it! Good times with the family, right?

- neat experience and a good family time!

- Go! Sunday is a time to be with family. I think it would be a blast!

- I'd go!

- Heck yes! Yea for family activities on Sundays! :)

-UH YEAH! We go to the beach sometimes. It's free and we would just be home watching TV anyway

- Yes to family events like parades. Kids love them!

Her response- "Good to know everyone! Sometimes we get so caught up in the 'keeping the sabbath day holy' that we forget that the biggest part of that is being together as a family. ...

Sunday is the only day we have together for more than a couple hours and usually ends up being in our pajamas doing nothing all day. ... Glad to know I wouldn't get the snooty nose in Utah for doing something on the 'sabbath!' ... And to rub it in your faces I will be in my shorts and flip flops in 65 degree weather"

Over 10 responses and not a single 'no.' I like to think the people that thought no just didn't respond so they weren't considered a 'snooty nose' Utah mormon. But why is it that someone who doesn't think wearing shorts and flip flops while watching a bunch of silly dressed people singing and dancing is keeping the sabbath day holy.

I think the overwhelming attitude of people in favor made it seem they were doing it as a family so it was okay. That is obviously what she felt from their responses by admitting that 'we forget the biggest part [of keeping the sabbath day holy] is being together as a family.'

That just isn't true. The biggest part of keeping the sabbath day holy is remembering our Savior Jesus Christ. Mormon Tabernacle choir singing songs that invite the Holy Ghost to testify of Him helps to do this. Very different from a parade. I don't think you're going to be getting the Holy Ghost to testify of eternal truths watching Cat in the Hat ride a bike.

I'd also like to add that I think we should dress to keep the sabbath day holy. Maybe we don't need to stay in our church clothes the whole day, but we should stay away from things that bring a sense of lounging and not setting the day apart as a sacred, special day.

Okay, I'm off my soap box and would like to share a few scriptures and quotes from prophets on the matter. :)

Isaiah 58:13 - If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the ^asabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:

President Spencer W. Kimball cautioned, however, that if we merely lounge about doing nothing on the Sabbath, we are not keeping the day holy. The Sabbath calls for constructive thoughts and acts. (See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 170.)

Finally, Ezra Taft Benson said “The purpose of the Sabbath is for spiritual uplift, for a renewal of our covenants, for worship, for rest, for prayer. It is for the purpose of feeding the spirit, that we may keep ourselves unspotted from the world by obeying God’s command” (“Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy,” Ensign, May 1971, 6)

Knowing

Last week the brother of one of my husband's friends took his life. Though I did not know the individual, it is tragic news that leaves you with sadness for all who knew him. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and wife he left behind. I pray for them and that they will feel peace in their hearts and a deeper testimony of the reality of our Savior's atonement.

I have thought a lot since hearing this news- we do not know what happens to individuals who make that decision, and can be very thankful we are not the judge of such things. We have no idea what that person was going through and what led to that action, but one thing we do know, that we have a Savior, Jesus Christ, who lived and died for us. Our omnipotent Father in Heaven has a plan, a Plan of Happiness, that allows us to live again after we have died. Jesus Christ came to earth, lived a perfect life, then gave his life to atone for the sins of all mankind. The atonement is for all.

In Mosiah 3:11 we read, "For behold, and also his blood atoneth for the sins of those who have fallen by the transgression of Adam, who have died not knowing the will of God concerning them, or who have ignorantly sinned."

Given this individual's circumstance, the line 'who have died not knowing the will of God concerning them' sticks out. And it made me realize how important it is for us to know the will of God for us. He has a plan for us, we are his children, he wants us to be happy and return to him. I am so very grateful that I can go to the temple to learn of that plan and get a deeper understanding of it. It brings such a peace and joy to have that knowledge. I wish everyone could have that feeling and I want to do more to let others know how much they are loved and how important they are.

So on this post, I testify that I know these things are true and make it a goal to be better at serving, reaching out, and showing love to others.

Growing Alligators

My son got a little toy for his birthday. An alligator. You put it in the water and it grows. Before his bath I got my camera ready to see his reaction when we put it in the water. He's excited, I'm excited, then I drop it in! ...nothing happened.

I was disappointed as you can imagine so sent my husband to go look at the box. It said you need to leave it in the water for at least 3 days. My thinking was it was like a sponge and would grow instantaneous, instead, it grows very slowly, taking in the water little by little. We filled a pan with water and it has been sitting on the counter for a week now.

Sure enough, it has gotten bigger, but I've been amazed how I haven't really been able to tell. The only way I can tell is when I compare it to something that hasn't changed size, and when next to each other, the change is obvious. My son has no interest and when we show him that it is bigger, it is like it was that big all along. This got me thinking and reminded me of a scripture that was shared at a recent devotional I heard.

Yea, and there shall be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us. And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God. Yea, and there shall be many which shall teach after this manner, false and vain and foolish doctrines... - 2 Nephi 28:7-9

I see every day that this is true. So many in the world believe life is about having fun, so party it up. They have no concern for life after death, and if they do, their belief is God is loving and he will forgive us. He knows we were just trying to have fun and didn't know any better. But we are told these are false, and vain, and foolish thoughts.

How do people come up with these thoughts? It is Satan, getting into the hearts of men. But people will not believe they are being controlled by Satan. They are making their own choices. If someone wants to try drugs or have a drink, they will. They are in control, they are just having fun, "all is well." But then something happens without them knowing it. They become addicted and it has a grasp on them. This is the way Satan works. Little by little, pulling you carefully down to hell and because the change is so subtle it is unnoticeable. We are warned in the scriptures of this very thing-

For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good. And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefullydown to hell. And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none—and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance. Yea, they are grasped with death, and hell; and death, and hell, and the devil, and all that have been seized therewith must stand before the throne of God, and be judged according totheir works, from whence they must go into the place prepared for them, even a lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment. -2 Nephi 28: 20-23

Can you see the comparison with our little toy alligator? A small, harmless little thing that grows into a large monster that you can no longer control, and it did it all without you noticing. We need to watch out for those absorbing alligators in our lives.

Praying for Others

Life is hard, but it seems to be especially hard on a lot of families I know recently.

In my own family my aunt was diagnosed with alzheimers very young and my grandma has been taking care of her. She continues to take care of her, but has decided to move closer to my mom and somewhere she can get a little extra help when she needs it. I've been amazed at my grandma's strength and everything my mom has done the last couple of months to make it all happen so quickly. It continues to be a daunting task, a messy, exhausting, and yucky one.

There are two separate families I have connections with that have recently lost their dads/husbands, not to death, but them being unfaithful in their marriage. I think that is such a tragic thing to deal with. One of the girls said, "my dad doesn't want to be part of our family anymore." How heart-breaking is that for little children to feel that way. I can't imagine the feelings you encounter to lose your partner who you love and become the sole provider, protector, and nurturer because of their unfaithfulness.

My childhood best friend's mom passed away this weekend from a long fight against breast cancer. There is a peace that comes from knowing she is no longer suffering and they will see her again, but to leave your children who are still so young, her son serving a mission, and her dear husband who has been a huge love and support is very saddening. Again, I can't imagine the pain and loss they must be feeling at this time.

As I was saying my evening prayer the other night I felt myself praying for each individual, one after another after another. It seemed the list kept growing on who I felt needed a little extra help. I don't know the best way I can help all these people, I've never had to deal with those things, but I know we have a Heavenly Father who does. I know the power of the Holy Ghost is real and can bring comfort, strength, and direction.

As I prayed for others I felt such a strength growing within me. I felt empowered to be better, that I could do so much more. I want to serve others, show love, live the commandments more fully, and be a better example. I was amazed at doing something so simple as thinking of others, instead of all things I wanted help with at this time, made me feel like I could get through everything on my plate. I can be a better wife and mother, simply by praying and thinking of others.

I posted last December when a friend passed away from leukemia who left behind another friend of mine, his beautiful 24 year old wife. I was looking back on their blog as it always amazes me and makes me feel gratitude. But I wanted to share her last post- All is Well

I remember the night Robert passed away, the peace I felt. I wouldn't even say it was necessarily bittersweet, because it was mostly sweet. I've thought a lot about the events, played them in my mind, over and over. When I think about it now, I see angels. I know they were everywhere, all around me, Robert, our families, in the halls. I've never felt peace like that, like tons of beautiful whispers of love right into my spirit, comforting me, letting me know everything was going to be okay. I felt their joy, for Robert, a valiant son of God was coming back to them, clean, and as pure as a person can be in this life. He served his mission here, with help from many of the angels that attended us, I believe. I remember making the decisions about letting him go, to take him off his life support. It's those moments that I had clarity like I have never felt before in my life, I had never felt that kind of peace that comes with it. All worry and fear clears out completely, and I knew what was needed, what was right in Heavenly Father's eyes. I imagine that night now with angels, clothed in brilliant white, joy emanating from them. I imagine they were laying comforting, loving hands on all of us, and especially Robert, to give him strength, to let him know we would all be okay. I remember how we sang to Robert as he passed away, and I now hear it with the voices of angels harmonizing with everyone's voices, welcoming Robert home. We were all saying goodbye, but all those angels were rejoicing in his return, they were welcoming him back. It brings me comfort, that I can see that night this way. I see Robert in those brilliant white robes, pure joy on his face, looking more healthy than he ever has, healed perfectly, and knowing that he felt relief, that it had been enough, that he had served in every way he had been asked. "All is well"... I heard it whispered much that night through the spirit, and I hear it often now. Even though I am hurting, I know that it will all be okay, Robert and I will be reunited for eternity, of this, I am sure. All is well.

I love that. Our prayers are answered. For someone that had to deal with something so difficult, there is a peace I feel from reading that everyone's prayers were being answered. She had the Holy Ghost with her. It is a marvelous blessing to be able to feel our Savior's love, peace and clarity. I hope we can pray for others more often and live in harmony with the gospel that we can have the spirit with us always.

Count Your Many Blessings

So I have a few friends that really like a popular blog which basically mocks the world of mormon mom blogs that talk about how wonderful their family is and how great their life is... I decided I don't like it.

I gave a Family Home Evening lesson Monday night on love, and I've been thinking a lot about it this week. One scripture I read was:

"Charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity. Charity is everlasting love." Moroni 8:17

Now, I'm not the type of person that thinks, 'that person deserves to rot in hell,' but I find myself occasionally with the thoughts, 'that person is so dumb.' And now I keep thinking I need to really love everyone and want the best for everyone. Thinking people are stupid and they deserve certain consequences isn't Christ-like of me. Making fun of people that 'talk like a mormon' or name their kids crazy things isn't what I should be doing, or supporting those that do. So that is one thing I am working on and I am enjoying the learning experience from it.

Neal A. Maxwell said, 'When we come to be genuinely concerned with pleasing God-more than with pleasing any in the world, even ourselves-then our behavior improves and His blessings can engulf us."

So I was thinking one night about this popular blog and questioned if my personal blog falls into the category they mock. Then I thought, so what if it is. I think there is a lot of good that comes from acknowledging all the blessings we receive. I think we need to do more on focusing on those things, rather than all the trash, wicked, and stupidity in the world. 20 years down the road are our children going to be reading our journals to see we were a pessimist or an optomist. Are we going to want to remember those awful days, or the ones we spent laughing and loving. I know when I look back on a negative thing, those feelings of anger and frustration sometimes easily come back. I know opposition is a necessity, and those bad days make the good ones so much better, I just believe there is a lot more happiness to be had in this world if we count our blessings.

I've always heard about thankful prayers, designating an entire prayer to giving thanks, and I've done my share of them, but sometimes it seems awfully difficult at the end of the day to think, okay, what did I like today and can not think of anything!

Well, it simply isn't true and I'm making a goal in addition to loving others more, to acknowledging all the things I'm grateful for - the refridgerator that keeps my food fresh, plumbing to make using the bathroom so much easier and cleaner, and technology that I can call my parents when I need someone to talk to, even when my ice maker doesn't work, the sewer line backed up into my house, and my cell seems to constantly drop my calls.

There are so many luxuries we have today. I know if we try to focus on the good things in life, the blessings we have, and having a Christ-like love towards others we will have more happiness in our life.

"The love of God is the most desirable above all things...and the most joyous to the soul." - 1 Nephi 11:22-23

Motherhood

Watch this:

As I watched this video for the first time tears filled my eyes and a wave of emotions overcame me. In the last week I have struggled with the role of 'mom.' I feel like my patience isn't what it should be with demands of midnight feedings, a two year old who refuses to listen, constant clean up, what feels like nonstop crying and I don't get any time to myself. I feel exhausted and weak. Then you see something like this and that feeling quickly changes. To admiration and gratitude.

This whole week I have been given reminders (which I really needed) of how wonderful it is to be a mom. I read a friend's wonderful blog post who is the mom to four kids under the age of 6, I came across this article, I watched my little sister bless her baby and bear a powerful testimony, and lastly this. I am so grateful for those reminders.

Lots of times I see moms work, not because they need to financially, but that they need a break from their children. They like having that 'me' time and they feel they need it to prove that they are not a home keeper with no real world skills. I've heard my friends give their arguments that their mom didn't work and how they wish they did because they were always stressed and unhappy at home. I can't help but disagree with that mindset even though it is tempting at times. A few hours away plus some extra cash to buy fun things! Even though it's important to take care of yourself and not neglect giving yourself time, I feel it is in a sense giving up on something challenging and missing out on a wonderful opportunity. I think you should learn to love being a mom.

The First Presidency issued a statement awhile back that stated, "Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels." I love that. I know I need to make that true in my life and value it as such.

I am so blessed to be able to stay home with my children and watch them grow and watch the silly and cute things they do and say all day long. I am working on developing that patience. I am working on making more opportunities to laugh and play and teach my children. It is my role. It is divine. It is the most important thing I can do and I would not change it for anything.

My wonderful husband recently left me a little note with Proverbs 31 for me including the words

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised

My goal is to be that woman. I love my Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ. I know I need their help and know it is possible through the atonement I have a line of communication any time I want to receive guidance, comfort, and a listening ear. I love being a mom

Omnipotent & Omniscient

Omnipotent: all powerful

Omniscient: all knowing

We often hear these words in relation to the nature of God. I've thought about these two words a lot lately and studied them in the scriptures. Two of my favorites are

1 Nephi 7:12 - "...The Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him. Wherefore, let us be faithful in him."

and

2 Nephi 2:24 "But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things."

I've been able to see the truth of these scriptures manifest in my life recently. It amazes me where you can be in a situation and think, "there is no way" or want something but know it's "impossible" that it never actually is. God has power over everything, and if he wants something, he can do it, no matter how insurmountable it may seem.

There is also great comfort in knowing that though he is all powerful, he is also all knowing. Therefore, everything that happens is done in wisdom and the timing will always be perfect, no matter how discouraging it may be when nothing is working out, or how how awe inspiring it is when it couldn't have worked out better.

I know that as we exercise faith in him through those hard times when life doesn't seem fair, we will make it to the other side where our testimony can be strengthened and we see that God's hand was there the whole time. We need to remember that he said "Hearken and hear, O ye my people, saith the Lord your God, ye whom I delight to bless with the greatest of all blessings, ye that hear me; and ye that hear me not will I curse, that have professed my name, with the heaviest of all cursings." Doctrine & Covenants 41:1

I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that has a plan for me, is aware of my thoughts and desires, and delights in the blessings he sends.

Finding Strength

I had a friend pass away Sunday night from leukemia. Things had been going well and a sudden bad turn of events made it somewhat shocking. This week my mind has consistently gone towards this friend and the relationship he had with his wife, another one of my friends. He recently turned 25 and she 24. They were young, beautiful, and in love.

They had a blog documenting his progress, treatment and relationship which I spent the other day going through and tears filled my eyes in amazement at the strength of this young couple. I thought of where they got their strength from and where we can all get strength from.

I know the gospel of Jesus Christ played a role in their strength and it is through the atonement we find that. They continually fasted and prayed and asked others to do so. They felt angels around them and prayers answered. Instead of a post on that, I was reminded of how keeping the right focus on what is most important can make such a difference. I was touched by a post of her sister which documented the first time she went to the hospital after Robert was diagnosed. She states she saw him lying in the bed, Ashley beside him holding his hand, her husband of a year and four months. She says:

"It was November, Thanksgiving time, and there they were, in the hospital. Ashley cradled his hand, careful of the IV tube, and looked at him, hair gone, pale, thin, with dark circles under his eyes. He looked so different, not a shadow, but something approaching one.

To her though, it was apparent that he was the most beautiful thing in the world. One could see this because that beauty was reflected in her face; she looked so lovely, glowing almost, her warmth a contrast to the cold white and steel of her surroundings.

They smiled, talked, laughed with each other. She leaned over and they kissed lightly. Their affection was so heavy, so dense, that it made everything else light. Sorrows, fears, doubts; they all floated up to the ceiling, up and away into the heavens, displaced by the love that would not allow them to stay. She looked at him, past the fear, weariness, and pain, and loved him all the more for it."

I think it is beautiful to read of how a little sister was able to see the power of love. The blog is full of experiences where she got him to laugh, and how much she loves his laugh. That despite him being in pain and on meds, all he thought about was how he wanted to be close to his wife. It makes me evaluate my relationship with my husband and how much I love him. That I want to focus on the love we share rather than worry about expenses, job opportunities, sickness, any little faults he may have or even the troubles in the world.

We are so blessed and I hope that we can remember what is most important and draw strength from that. We need to focus on the blessings that we have been given and show love to those dear to us. No matter our situation, we all have a Savior, Jesus Christ, who lived a perfect life and died for us that we may return to live with him again. His love for us is the most powerful of all and our love for him will make all the difference.

Happy Birthday America...

After the death and ressurection of Jesus Christ, he visited his "other sheep" (see John 10:14-16) who were living on the American continent at the time. As he spoke to them, the Savior told them of the future nation that would be founded on the same continent by the gentiles, or non-jewish nations. He said,

"For it is wisdom in the Father that they should be established in this land, and be set up as a free people by the power of the Father that these things might come forth from them unto a remnant of your seed, that the covenant of the Father may be fulfilled which he hath covenanted

with his people, O house of Israel (3 Nephi 21:4)."
What things was the Savior refering to? He was refering to the records and testimonies kept by the people in the ancient Americas--these have come forth in our day as the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. (For more background information click HERE).

The Book of Mormon is one of the main media by which our Heavenly Father will bring the true gospel to his people in our day. Its title page informs of some of its purposes: 1) To show unto the remnant of the House of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; 2)that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever, 3) and also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations.

I am grateful for this book of scripture that has taught me and my family so much about the Savior and God's plan to save his children and bring them back to him after this life. This makes me grateful for the country in which my family lives--the United States.

The freedom given to us through the battle for independence made it possible for the Lord to do his work. I'm grateful for the freedom of religion granted us by the Constitution which made it possible for Joseph Smith to pray to God, recieve revelations from him, and establish his true church once again. I'm grateful for the Freedom of the press granted us that allows us to print the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. I'm grateful for the freedom of speech granted us that allows us to declare these things to all that everyone can experience the joy that comes from living according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

God bless America, but most of all, God bless us as a people that we might ever remain grateful and worthy of the blessings that we enjoy. May all nations of the world eventually partake of the same freedoms and blessings.

A name and a fame that cannot be slain...

Yesterday (June 27th) was the 165th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith. (For more historical background see HERE and HERE.) Last night for family scripture study we decided to watch a short video clip and read Doctrine and Covenants Section 135 together. We both felt a great sense of gratitude for the life and mission of Joseph Smith as we read those great words written by John Taylor. Here a few snippets...

When Joseph went to Carthage to deliver himself up to the pretended requirements of the law, two or three days previous to his assassination, he said: “I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer’s morning; I have a conscience void of offense towards God, and towards all men. I SHALL DIE INNOCENT, AND IT SHALL YET BE SAID OF ME—HE WAS MURDERED IN COLD BLOOD.”

In the short space of twenty years, he [Joseph] has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!

Hyrum Smith was forty-four years old in February, 1844, and Joseph Smith was thirty-eight in December, 1843; and henceforward their names will be classed among the martyrs of religion; and the reader in every nation will be reminded that the Book of Mormon, and this book of Doctrine and Covenants of the church,

cost the best blood of the nineteenth century to bring them forth for the salvation of a ruined world;

Greatest of all, was Joseph's powerful witness of the savior. His testimony is like that of the prophets of old:

And now, after the many

testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of

all, which we give of him: That he lives!

For we saw him, even on the right

hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

That by him, and through him, and

of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughte

rs unto God. (Doctrine and Covenants 76:22-24)

We are grateful for this good man, servant of the Lord, and powerful witness for Christ.

Receiving Answers to Prayer

Our family recently had a decision to make, which seemed extremely difficult, and I could not come up with an answer. As I studied it out in my mind and listing the pros and cons on paper, I kept thinking of this scripture:

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6

I thought, okay, I need to trust in the Lord. At this point I was more than willing because I did not want to lean on my own understanding-I didn't have any! So then I asked myself, am I acknowledging him in ALL things, or just the things I am wanting his help with? Over the next few days I tried especially hard to remember Christ always and praying for an answer feeling like an answer could be received any time through any one. I still struggled. I felt like I would get an answer, and immediatly after change my mind. 

The next thing I thought to do-study faith. I turned to the scriptures and started looking up scriptures under the topical guide. I found many things, but a few offered greater support with my current situation. "The trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:3). I needed to be patient. It was okay that I wasn't getting an answer right away. I knew Alma's prayers were answered because of his faith. As long as I kept praying, with faith, the Lord would answer my prayer. And last, faith gives us strength. Alma the Younger prayed, "Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance. And they broke the cords with which they were bound" (Alma 14:26).  I thought, if I exercise faith, I can receive the strength I need, while I wait with patience for an answer to my prayer. 

To make a long story short, that Sunday my husband and I fasted and prayed together and were able to come to a decision we felt good about, not changing our minds afterwards. I feel blessed knowing that we can pray to a loving Heavenly Father who knows what we need, and He can give us answers and offer guidance in difficult times. I know that it takes effort on our part, and faith to go forward, not knowing what is best, but as we exercise our faith, a confirmation will come. 

An Easter Message

Plan of Salvation

Last night our family was able to go see the play Children of Eden put on by Lehi High School which some of Jack's students were in. They did a great job and the production was well done with great effects, great voices, and great costumes. However, I was unfamiliar with the story and thought it was quite depressing. I felt it left out important parts of the bible story and the interpretation John Caird, author of the book, and Stephen Schwartz, composer of the music, had of God's character, Eve's character, and Cain's character was disappointing. I walked away thinking, "Do people really believe that?" If so, that is so sad.

I feel the knowledge of God's plan for us and the plan of salvation or plan of happiness is a blessing and with it, things make so much more sense. I never really realized that without that important aspect there can be so much confusion on Adam and Eve and the fall.

Though I don't plan to critique the whole play, I thought I would mention a few of my thoughts. In the play God's character is as though he is bored and decides to put Adam and Eve on the earth for some fun. Next, he gets angry at Eve for eating the fruit, and angry at Adam for choosing to be with Eve. He is unforgiving and states they can never return to live with him again (though magically they are with him after they die).  Adam offers sacrifices and they pray to their father throughout their life, yet He never speaks to them and secretly visits Cain and Abel. What a horrible depiction of our Father in Heaven. 

I know he is a loving father who had a plan (detailed later), placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and gave them a commandment to multiply and replenish the earth, which was left out of the play altogether. We need to remember that this was the first commandment he gave to Adam and Eve, "God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth" (Genesis 1:28). This would not have been possible had they remained in the garden, especially if Adam did not partake of the fruit and remained alone in the garden. He partook so he could be with Eve and keep Father's commandments. In the bible we read "Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them" (Genesis 3:21). He also "placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life" (Genesis 3:24). This being so Adam and Eve don't live forever in their sin. This does not sound like a hating, unforgiving  God. (Note, this tree is also not mentioned in the play)

I was surprised while talking to my husband that with his experience of being on a mission, much of the world does not believe Adam was a prophet. Some question if Noah was a prophet, and it isn't until Moses that people actually think, 'okay, yeah, he was a prophet." This simply is not true. Adam was a prophet of God who still spoke with God after he was cast out of the Garden. Communication with our father in heaven was not cut off then and it is not cut off now. 

To rewind in detailing a little about God's plan, we lived with God before we came to earth as spirit children. It was there that God presented this great plan. Those who accepted this plan, all of us, were permitted to come to earth to get a body and be tested. There was one, Lucifer, who rebelled against this plan and his followers were cast out of God's presence. Lucifer became Satan and now he and his followers have power to tempt us while on earth. We can choose good over evil and come unto Christ as he has asked of us.

God's plan for us is that we can become like him. The fall was a necessary part of this plan. Though we can not dwell with God in our sins, God's perfect plan included a Savior to come to earth and atone for our sins. Jesus Christ gave his life to atone for the sins of all mankind. Through this and his resurrection, Jesus Christ overcame spiritual and physical death. As we partake of this amazing gift, repent of our sins, and keep the first principles and ordinances of the gospel, we can return to live with our Heavenly Father. Afte we die we will be resurrected as Christ and be judged. All of this is known as the Plan of Salvation. I am so grateful for our Father's perfect plan and know it is true.

Temples

Just to add my testimony to this great message put out by the church, I love the temple. I know it is a house of the Lord where we can go to feel peace, feel the spirit, learn more about the gospel, and receive answers to questions we may have. I have felt power while being there, and the opposite power of how Satan wishes we did not go and tries to put things in our way to prevent us from going. 

It is amazing to see that when me and my husband set a date to go, things always come up. I get sick, our little boy decides to change his schedule around, one of us will be grumpy feeling like we shouldn't go or a number of different things. But I know when we decide we will go, no matter what, it is always worth it. Though I try to always prepare myself before going so I am in a better position to learn and receive inspiration and revelation, that's not always the case. However, I love that as soon as I walk in the door and am greeted as I show my temple recommend, any negative feelings I have leave and I become thankful to be there. 

I know it is a holy place, a place of protection where Satan cannot dwell. I know there sacred ordinances and covenants we make, make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and families to be united eternally. I love the temple

In closing, here is a portion of an article entitled The Holy Temple by Elder Boyd K. Packer that I like-

Temples are the very center of the spiritual strength of the Church. We should expect that the adversary will try to interfere with us as a church and with us individually as we seek to participate in this sacred and inspired work. Temple work brings so much resistance because it is the source of so much spiritual power to the Latter-day Saints and to the entire Church.

At the Logan Utah Temple cornerstone dedication, President George Q. Cannon, then of the First Presidency, made this statement:

"Every foundation stone that is laid for a Temple, and every Temple completed according to the order the Lord has revealed for his holy Priesthood, lessens the power of Satan on the earth, and increases the power of God and Godliness, moves the heavens in mighty power in our behalf, invokes and calls down upon us the blessings of the Eternal Gods, and those who reside in their presence" (Millennial Star, 12 November 1877, 743).

"Why Me?"

Okay, so in previous posts I've talked about how times are tough and things aren't always easy, but we can still find peace in our lives, love the experiences, learn from them, and be grateful and focus on the good realizing that we are never alone. All of these are good things, and I still believe everything I've said, but this time I wanted to talk more about the actual bad things in our lives and why we have them.

God has promised to bless his children that keep his commandments. I know happiness comes from keeping God's commandments and living righteous lives. But this shouldn't set us up for disappointment or think we're doing something wrong whenever some misfortune hits us. Earlier this year I remember feeling frustrated. I was working hard to do my best. It was a New Year, I made resolutions and was doing a really good job at keeping them-being a better wife and mother, reading and studying my scriptures daily and kneeling to say morning and evening prayers, etc. But my life didn't change a lot. I was expecting everything to all of a sudden become perfect because I was being such a good person. :) Of course, like I mentioned, I noticed I still got agitated with a crying baby, tired of cleaning the same messes every day, and it didn't seem my husband noticed this amazing change in my life and praise my efforts!

So even though we have been promised we will be blessed, that doesn't mean things will never be hard. I think the best example of this is found in Job, the story of Job. We read he was "perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil" (Job 1:1). One thing to remember is that Christ is the only one that lived a perfect life and the word here in hebrew means  complete, whole, and having integrity. But God still allowed Satan to put trials in Job's life. Job lost everything-his family, his servants, his animals, and faced severe physical ailments-things that seem impossible for anyone to endure. Again, something to remember is that we are promised in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that "...God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able..." So what did Job do when faced with all these trials? He remained faithful and said "my lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. God forbid that I should justify you: til I die I will not remove mine integrity from me" (Job 27:4-5) and in the end Job is greatly blessed and "the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before" (Job 42: 10).  Another thing I like about this story is Job's friends. At first they come to comfort him and later they tell him to repent. They believe he must have sinned to be faced with all these trials and they interpret it as a punishment from God. Job has a strong testimony though and knows that he is a righteous man and God is great.

So... trials are a necessary part of life and they do not always come because of wickedness. They will not last forever and God will bless us with more than we had. We need to keep our faith and trust in God during these times, and lastly, be a good friend and surround ourselves with good friends. Friends can be such a positive influence and when those around us are having difficult times we should help them and comfort them any way we can.

So earlier this year I felt this lesson applied, and that was in a scenario where there weren't bad events that happened, I just expected things to get better. As we've learned from Job, that's not always the case. Many of my friends and family members have lost their jobs during this 'economic crisis'. I know it is not because of their 'wickedness' and it's important to not judge those around us who may be having a harder time.  Instead of asking 'why me?' or 'what did I do wrong?' we should just make sure we are living the best we can and take many lessons away from Job.