Gifts...

Last year when I almost lost Kevin, Heavenly Father taught me how precious it is to have the time we've been given here in mortality. Life is a priceless gift from our Father in Heaven. That experience and the lessons through which Father has walked me, changed me forever.

As we've approached Christmas, my thoughts have turned to gifts – and no, not the ones wrapped in shiny paper, under the Christmas tree....I've been led (or inspired) to look for gifts in each day. I have a notepad on my desk where I've been jotting down gifts in my life as they've come to my mind. Some of those gifts include: the gift of new beginnings or “do-overs”, the gift of repentance, the gift of the Sacrament, the gift of consecration – or trying to be good like our Savior, the gift of the Nativity, the gift of family, the gift of grandchildren and getting to love them, the gift of a warm, cozy home on a cold winter day, the gift of a loving husband who “sees” me, and most of all, the gift of our beloved Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Finally, after noting down a list of gifts, the last is the one I settled on – the gift of a Savior.

Thinking of Jesus, I wondered about that moment in the Heavenly Counsel in the pre-mortal world when He stepped forward and said, “Here am I, send me.”. How much courage did that take – and how much love? What a gift He offered each of us in that moment!

From that moment and every day since, Jesus Christ has offered each of us the gift of a Savior – a chance to return to our Heavenly Father.

This is the “do-over” I spoke of. In this gift, we are given the gift of repentance. President Nelson spoke of the “joy of daily repentance”.

That's what I love about this gift of a Savior – from our Savior – we get to receive and use and be blessed by it over and over – every day.

Isn't that really the gift of Christmas? The gift of a Savior. As we accept His gift and use it to repent – to change and improve a little bit every day, we carry Christmas with us all year long.

That truly is the most precious gift of all!

Merry Christmas!

Jesus Christ is the Treasure...

 Several months ago, I was asked to speak in our Ward's Sacrament meeting. I have been meaning to share it here, but haven't felt the time was right, until now. With this being Easter week, I am trying to focus on my beloved Savior, Jesus Christ and all He's done for me - culminating in His great Atoning Sacrifice and Resurrection. I owe Him everything and love Him beyond the words to express it. Here is my talk entitled: Jesus Christ is the Treasure, based on Elder Dale G. Renlund's talk of the same title: 

"Good afternoon, Sisters and Brothers. I have been asked to speak to you today using Elder Dale G. Renlund's talk in this month's General Conference, as a reference. His talk is entitled: Jesus Christ is the Treasure.

Elder Renlund begins his remarks with the story of the discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamun in Egypt. After digging in the Valley of the Kings, unsuccessfully for five years, the explorers finally realized that they had not searched in the location of their base camp. After a few days of digging in that new spot, they discovered the tomb they were looking for. Literally, the treasure was right under their feet all along. They missed it because they were looking “beyond the mark”.

Elder Renlund explains that this phrase: “Looking beyond the mark” was how the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob referred to taking for granted or undervaluing what is nearby. He said that Jacob prophesied that when our Savior, Jesus Christ came to the people at Jerusalem, they would not recognize Him as the promised Messiah. And he was right. The people at Jerusalem didn't see what or who was right in front of them. Instead, they rejected Him, mocked Him, and finally – they crucified Him. In vain, they continued looking for someone else to save them.

Elder Renlund said: “Like those people in Jerusalem...we too can be prone to look beyond the mark. We need to guard against this tendency lest we miss Jesus Christ in our lives and fail to recognize the many blessings He offers us. We need Him. We are counseled to rely 'wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.'

He is our mark. If we incorrectly imagine that there is a need for something beyond what He offers, we deny or diminish the scope and power He can have in our lives.

Jesus Christ is our treasure.”

I remember a time in my life where I missed what was right in front of me until Heavenly Father took that opportunity to teach me a life-changing lesson.

Just to give you a little background to this story... In addition to some abdominal health issues I'm currently having; that the doctors haven't figured out yet - I have an auto-immune disease called “Sarcoidosis”. It's a disease which causes abnormal collections of inflammatory cells called granuloma. It can affect every organ in the body. It causes inflammation, flu-like feverishness, pain, and dragging fatigue. There is no explanation for what causes it. There is no cure. It can go into remission (which mine did until 2019). It can reoccur (which mine has). It can last a few years or long-term. It can also be fatal.

There's rarely a day when I am not in pain somewhere. I know this sounds like I'm a big whiner, but I am honestly trying not to be. This is simply my daily life with active Sarcoidosis and it's exhausting. It's as if your body is at war with itself.

In spite of all this, I try really hard to keep a positive attitude and a cheerful countenance. For the most part, I succeed. Sometimes, however, when the flare-ups seem never-ending; I get worn down and discouraged. On those days, the effort to keep trying seems over-whelming. On those days, I just want to quit and go home to Heavenly Father. I'm very grateful that those days are rare.

All that being said, I'm not having a “pity-party”. It's just that this is hard. Hurting all the time saps your strength and energy. I don't want to be that person who puts themselves to bed every time they have a hangnail. (I'm exaggerating...) But really, I want to muscle through this and do as much as I can - as cheerfully as I can. I especially don't want to be a crabby-sick-person.

I am learning to let go of things I can't do and not despair over them – and hope that someday I'll be able to do those things again. I am being taught to embrace the victories as they come. I am learning to focus on the joy Heavenly Father showers down on me each day. It may not be the joy I asked for, but it is joy! I am being taught – tutored or polished, if you will – to see that God can make so much more of me than I could ever make of myself.

I'm not there yet, but someday I hope to be able to embrace this polishing with a cheerful heart and no whining. In the meantime, I am grateful that Heavenly Father is patient with me when I am not so patient with His plan. I keep trying to alter the blueprints and He keeps lovingly steering me back on course. I am also infinitely grateful for a God who must have a wondrously perfect sense of humor. I hope my clumsiness in fumbling my way along this path gives Him more to chuckle at and less of a desire to hurl lightning bolts to zap me with.

I am beyond grateful for the love and support of my dear husband. He does so much for me – mostly, he doesn't see me as disabled or handicapped. He sees me – into the heart of me. I love how he loves me and I try to do whatever I can to make this challenge easier for him. Awhile ago, I had an idea of something new I could do that might help lighten Kevin's load...

So I tried something new and it didn't work the way I planned. The way I planned... I was so disappointed. I cried in frustration and anger. I felt broken, lost, defective, and useless. I stood below, shaking my fist at Heaven – railing at the failure of my plan. My plan... totally forgetting that I am committed to living HIS plan. It didn't last long – this anger and frustration. For me, it rarely does. Heavenly Father is perfect and sees everything. I KNOW I need to trust that but being a flawed and imperfect human; I lose sight of that occasionally. I am beyond grateful for a patient, loving Father who waits for me to get it out of my system and come back around...then with a loving hand on my shoulder He guides me where I need to go.

It wasn't a total loss – as usual, Heavenly Father turns my failings into opportunities to teach me. This experience made me ponder about my relationship with Him. I began thinking of how He dealt with the people we read about in the scriptures. Suddenly I was seeing them in a new-personal way. As I thought about who I am to our Heavenly Father, I could see myself in their stories.

I am Ruth. In the early days of our marriage, I promised my husband that I would go with him where ever Heavenly Father took us. So, I did - “...for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God...”

As life didn't follow the course I thought it would, I became Esther. In discovering how to follow the path Heavenly Father was leading me to, I learned to ask myself: “who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” The Lord has a purpose for me – trusting Him to show me that purpose is a life-long pursuit.

I am the woman with the issue of blood, reaching out to the Savior for healing – hoping...hoping...hoping...

I am Sarah, and Elizabeth feeling alone in my barrenness; longing for children who seem to never come. Feeling defective and less-than. Until God's mercy smiled upon me as it had them and I, like my scriptural-sisters, embraced the joy of motherhood.

I am the woman at the well, discovering the “gift of God” and “Living Water”, our Treasure. He who knows “all things that I ever did” and learning the answer to the question “...is not this the Christ?”

I am Peter – when I'm full of enthusiasm and the Spirit – ready to jump out of the boat and run on the water to Jesus. Then life gets “boisterous”, and I get in over my head. Suddenly I'm crying out, “Lord, save me!” Always He stretches forth His hand and catches me despite of my “little faith”

I'm Lehi and Sariah at the Tree of life, souls filled with “exceedingly great joy” and wanting to share it with loved ones. Standing bereft as beloved children “would not come...and partake...”.

I am Joseph, walking into what will soon become a sacred grove... Reading that story of a boy who was not much older than I, when I first read of him. He like I, “lacked wisdom”. He like I, found the faith to ask “the” question. For me, the seeds of my testimony were sown in my reading of Joseph and the answer to HIS prayer. “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”

Even as I liken the scriptures to myself, I am making my own record. This is MY path – my unique journey. Heavenly Father knows what I need and how I must progress. So, taking strength from my scriptural-friends and the lessons they teach me; I continue writing my story - day by day. Noting the times when I'm swamped with love and joy for God's grace and goodness to me. As well as the times when I feel desolate, down-trodden, put-upon, and used up. Times when the only thing holding me up is the touch of the Master's hand, His love, His kindness, and His mercy. I think of the widow woman who by obeying the prophet Elijah one day, had enough food for days to come. It reminds me to trust that God's goodness can be enough to get me through today, and tomorrow it will be enough again. It teaches me to trust that “Surely as I (God) have thought, so shall it come to pass...” Isaiah 14:24... God always keeps His promises and He will never lead me astray.

I tried something new, and it didn't work because I was following the wrong plan, or looking beyond the mark. I tried something new and failed, but not really. Because my loving Father took my hand and led me through a lesson that showed me a better glimpse of His plan. He showed me that He can teach me valuable truths and use me to bless others – even when I feel broken, lost, defective, and useless. Because to Him, I am none of those things. To Heavenly Father, I am like the Apostle John in the scriptures. I am “Beloved.”

I testify of the truthfulness of these things. I testify that Jesus Christ is our beloved Savior. He suffered for our sins and all the other hard things we must endure in this life. He did this so that we can repent, change, and be His disciples. He did this so He could perfectly succor us, be our advocate with our Father, and be our 'kind, wise, Heavenly friend'. If you have a problem, question, concern, pain, grief, sorrow, regret, or just need love – I testify that Jesus Christ is always the answer – He is our treasure. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Confidence...

 Years ago, Kevin and I were blessed to have a sweet, humble, loving home teacher named Jaime Jennings. During one visit, Brother Jennings said something that completely changed our lives. 

At this particular time, things in our extended family were in a little bit of chaos. We had family members going through some serious trials that were SO difficult. In addition to these, Kevin was just recovering from a systemic infection that had taken weeks to get over. Dear Brother Jennings asked how we were doing, and Kevin just unloaded all over him with the issues facing us and our loved ones. After the diatribe was over, Brother Jennings asked if he could offer a prayer for us. In this prayer, Brother Jennings said, "Dear Heavenly Father, we thank Thee that Thou hast trusted the Websters with these challenges..."

  

Wait! What?!?!?! That idea that Father was TRUSTING us with these trials just stopped us in our tracks! We knew that the difficult circumstances we encountered in our lives were learning experiences whose lessons could shape and refine us. But the idea that Heavenly Father was entrusting us with these experiences because He knew that we were ready to learn what He had to teach us, put us in partnership with God... It changed everything about how we approach trials in our lives.

  

Fast forward to now and we're facing a different set of challenges. My ongoing health issues are a trial with seemingly no end in sight. It is hard, exhausting, and often heart-breaking. Still, we know without a doubt that Heavenly Father has a plan for us and we are trusting Him to help us navigate our way through this.

Our Savior knows that life is hard. He knows exactly what we are each enduring in our lives because He lived it in our behalf during His great Atoning Sacrifice. More than anyone else in our lives, Jesus Christ "gets it"!!! Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: "Jesus loves you, and He has confidence in you, and you can have confidence in Him." When I recently read that quote, it took me right back to dear Brother Jennings and his life-changing prayer. If Heavenly Father is trusting us with the challenges we face in life, of COURSE Jesus has confidence in us. Since He endured all the challenges we face in life, and knows perfectly how to help us navigate through them - then of COURSE we can have confidence in Him!

 

All of these thoughts have brought me so much comfort and peace. Maybe it's that misery does indeed love company, but it helps to know that we're not in this alone. Our loving Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ are walking with us, every step of the way. With such a celestial support-system, how can we not have the courage to walk the path they've set before us with faith and confidence in Them; in every footstep?

Lover's Holiday?

...or Holiday of Love?

I've been thinking about Valentine's Day the last few weeks. I pondered about what it means to me and my sweetheart. I thought about what a blessing it is and has been to have Kevin be my Valentine for the last 33 years. He truly is my heart and the love of my life.

Thinking about my Sweetheart led me to think about those who might be missing theirs. Whether by divorce, death, or simply not meeting them yet, there are those who feel the ache of empty arms - especially on this "lover's holiday". 

Long before I had a sweetheart to celebrate with on Valentine's Day, I stopped thinking of it as a "lover's holiday", and started thinking of it  as a day to celebrate the love in our lives. With that idea in mind, I would take the time in February to appreciate those who brought so much love in my life - my parents and siblings, good friends, and most of all my Savior, Jesus Christ.

Today in Relief Society, the teacher said "Jesus Christ is the ultimate Valentine." I LOVE that!!! 

John 3:16 says: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

In John 15:13-14, we read: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends..."

If you are looking for love in your life, look no further than our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ. No one else could know you so perfectly or love you so completely as He who bore your sins, sorrows, grief, pain, and loss. People come and go in our lives - for whatever reason. Jesus never, NEVER leaves us.

So to all who may read this post, Happy Valentine's day, from me and from your perfect, forever Valentine, Jesus Christ.

In a "Perfect World"...

...in a "Perfect World"...

We wouldn't need laws because the people would be perfect and govern themselves perfectly. We wouldn't need police because we wouldn't need them to enforce the laws that we wouldn't need because perfect people would govern themselves perfectly.

Unfortunately, we don't live in a perfect world. We are not perfect people, and we do NOT govern ourselves perfectly. Hence, the need for laws and those who enforce them. That being said, those who enforce our laws are not perfect either. Thus the need for oversight and care in ensuring that those who enforce our laws follow those laws and law-enforcement guidelines that are designed to keep law-enforcement officers in check.

Prejudice exists in this world. That is a sad fact of living in this imperfect world among imperfect people. When you have people who think that the color of their skin, or the tenor of their beliefs, or the degree of their education, or the balance in their checkbook makes them somehow superior to other human beings, that is prejudice. Another form of prejudice is exhibited in some activist-mentality that shouts that if you don't agree with me, you are somehow inferior or biased or stupid, etc.  This mentality seems to think that if they yell loud enough to drown out other opinions, they can convince the world of their own rightness and superiority of thinking. They demand equality and tolerance while standing on the street corner shouting down the opinions of those who disagree with them. How is that tolerant?

The beauty of this life is the gift of agency that we have all been given. We each have the ability to choose for ourselves. We can choose to believe in God - or not. We can choose to follow a religion - or not. We can choose to exercise and be healthy - or not. The difficulty erupts when we refuse to allow those around us to make their own choices whether we agree with them or not. Whether or not you believe in a religion, there is inherent in this life, the concept of right and wrong. That concept is bound up in and exhibited by the laws by which we live as citizens in our countries. The beauty of the gift of agency is that we don't all have to make the same choices or believe the same things. We CAN disagree and be kind and civil as we do so.

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I have very strong religious beliefs. I will share those beliefs with whomever wishes to hear them. Just ask me! However. I will defend with my last breath the right of another person to NOT believe as I do - to choose a different path than I do. It's been said that we can disagree without being disagreeable.

Recently, there has been much furor about "Black Lives Matter". It IS true that Black lives matter.  It is also true that Asian lives matter, Native American lives matter, Hispanic lives matter, Muslim lives matter, Christian lives matter, Caucasian lives matter. ALL lives matter. Whether we agree with one another or not, ALL lives deserve to be treated with respect and kindness. For me, that is the essence of being a Disciple of Jesus Christ...I try to go about doing good as He did. 

After all, two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ ended the debate on which lives matter - He died for ALL!!!

Because of Him

As I have pondered this Easter celebration, I thought about what Jesus Christ did for all of us, and what it means for me personally.

Before Him, there was darkness, fear, despair, anguish, and torment of soul. We were trapped by the consequences of our choices while in this mortal sphere. Until He came and broke the bands of death, we would never be able to return to our Heavenly Father. Darkness, fear, and pain were all we had...

But He did come! He showed us the pathway home by how He lived - perfectly obedient to the will of His Father - of OUR Father. Because He came and fulfilled His mission, we can be forgiven for our mistakes through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Because He came and atoned for us - because He gave Himself as a ransom for us, we can be washed clean. He died and was resurrected, breaking the bands of death.

The greatest message ever shared was shared by the angels at the Lord's empty tomb: "He is not here; for he is risen as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay." *Matthew 28: 6*

What JOY!!!  What WONDER!!!  From grief and despair came hope, joy, peace, and awe! He who was dead, lived again!!!

"This is what we celebrate on Easter Sunday - we celebrate life! Because of Jesus Christ, we will rise from the despair of death and embrace those we love, shedding tears of overwhelming joy and overflowing gratitude. Because of Jesus Christ, we will exist as eternal beings, worlds without end. Because of Jesus Christ, our sins can not only be erased; they can be forgotten. We can become purified and exalted. Holy. Because of our beloved Savior, we can forever drink from the fountain of water that springs up into eternal life. We can dwell forever in the mansions of our eternal King, in unimaginable glory and perfect happiness" * Deiter F. Uchtdorf*

Because He lives; everyone I love and value most in this life will be mine throughout eternity. I get to live with those I love in an eternal family - because of Him. 

"His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son." *The Living Christ - The Testimony of the Apostles*

Days Never To Be Forgotten...

Wow! I didn't realize I haven't written anything since Christmas. I'm such a slacker...lol

Looking back, I realize that the world looks so much different today than it did a short three months ago. These can be frightening days if we let the fear and anxiety in.

For me, the thing that keeps any fear at bay is faith. The Bible says in 2 Timothy 1: 7, "For God hath not given us  the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love...".  We are the sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father. He knows each of us by name. He is aware of all of our concerns and everything we experience in this life. There is great strength that comes from the knowledge that you and I are children of God. Within us is a spark of divinity. There is comfort and peace in knowing that no matter how difficult and yes, scary, the world looks; He will not leave us to deal with life alone.

In the Doctrine and Covenants section 6: 34, 36-37, the Savior says: "Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail. … "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven." When Jesus performed the atonement, He didn't just suffer for our sins. He endured all that we must endure in our mortal journey.  He did this so that in times like these when we are faced with trials and difficulties; He would know with PERFECT empathy, EXACTLY how to help us through it. What you're feeling RIGHT THIS MINUTE, He felt for you so He would know what you need to endure these trials.

It's ok to be a little overwhelmed. As far as I know, none of us has endured anything like this global pandemic before. It's ok to feel sorrow for things we are not able to do. There's an entire graduating class who are missing some milestone events right now. There are first time mommies who are missing baby showers. Weddings that have been planned for months are being postponed. Jobs have been lost and people are left wondering how they'll pay their bills. Feeling bereft at these events is normal. But let's also be aware of how blessed we are. We have the ability to shelter in our homes and stay safe and keep others safe as well. There is hope and help available. 

There are incredible acts of kindness and generosity playing out all over the world. People are reaching out (from a safe social distance) to help, support, and uplift one another. There is goodness, gratitude, compassion, and love all around us. 

I have faith - not fear - that we will get through this as we bless and serve one another. Even if it IS from a distance, we can help each other through this. God is on our side and will not leave us comfortless. D & C 123: 17 reads: "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."

The world is still a beautiful place. People are generally kind and helpful. Life is worth living and experiencing with joy. Like Louis Armstrong said so eloquently "...and I think to myself, what a wonderful world..."

PS: If you want to feel the peace and love Heavenly Father can offer you; I invite you to tune in this weekend Saturday and Sunday - to the General Conference broadcasts of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can view them at www.churchofjesuschrist.org  I promise that as you watch and listen with a sincere desire to find peace; your desires will be fulfilled and your heart will be comforted.

Out with the old...

Ring in the New!!!

In April of 2011 I was preparing for major facial reconstruction surgery the following month. Basically, the doctors were going to restructure the bones in my face and jaws to allow better air-flow so I wouldn't stop breathing when I slept. Eventually, they decided to do 11 separate procedures in one surgery. To say I was scared would be an understatement.

That April I was listening to General Conference when I heard a talk about "becoming a Saint through the Atonement of Christ". Elder Kent F. Richards spoke of being a surgeon and the part that pain plays in the treatment and healing of physical injuries. Then he tied that to the part pain plays in our spiritual growth and repentance. His talk spoke directly to my fears about this surgery. I knew that the bones in my face would be deliberately broken, moved, and reset. I knew that soft tissue inside my mouth would be reshaped and changed surgically. Most of all I knew that all of these things would cause me great pain.  Elder Richard's talk gave me a lifeline. It reminded me that Jesus Christ had already walked this path of pain for me. It gave me something to hang on to during the long, dark hours I spent in the ICU - often in excruciating pain. I learned that if I was willing to allow Him in, Jesus Christ could sustain me in my trials - and that I would become better acquainted with Him because of it. I learned first hand, to "lean on Him". I felt His peace and comfort throughout that whole ordeal. When I initially heard Elder Richard's talk, I felt Heavenly Father asking me if I was willing to endure the pain that was coming my way so that I could become better acquainted with my Savior and become more like Him. Of course my answer was yes.

Little did I know that taking such a leap of faith would lead to so many other lessons in my life. I thought that accepting the challenge to become better acquainted with my Savior applied only to this particular event in my life. Silly me!  Since then I've discovered that this event was just me opening the door and allowing Father to test and try me to a level of faith I've never dreamed of. I learned that He wants my surrender. He wants me to willingly and cheerfully submit my will to His.

In the last six years, I've had life lessons I never imagined in my wildest dreams or nightmares. I've had physical challenges, health challenges, parental challenges, and many more. I've seen family members suffer similar experiences and much worse. I've cared for family members with dementia, and others with mental illnesses I would not wish on anyone. Through all these experiences, I have drawn strength and faith from my Savior, Jesus Christ. There have been nights when all I could do was lay my burdens at His feet and beg for a modicum of peace to carry me through the next day. EVERY time, He took my burdens and gave me peace.

The year 2017 has not been without these same trials. However, I can say that I have been tutored at the feet of the Master. I can say that only through Him have I been able to endure these challenges in my life. I am so grateful for a Father-in-Heaven who loves me enough to take me by the hand and teach me through my life experiences, how to be the daughter of God He wants me to be. I wouldn't go seeking these trials and tests (who would???); but when they come, I know from "whence cometh my strength". 

So as we ring out the old...I do so with a grateful and humble heart. I am looking forward to ringing in the new with happy anticipation and  hope for joy, peace, and love for myself and all of you.  

Happy New Year!!!

Peace on Earth...

...or even just in my heart...

I'm sitting here in my cozy, warm house. The washer is running, I'm almost done unloading the dish washer (I'm taking a break), the lights twinkle on my Christmas tree, and Christmas Carols are playing in the background. Outside the wind is howling as it sweeps in ahead of a winter storm that's forecast to bring snow. There is satisfaction from the work I'm doing for my family, and peace in my heart.

I was pondering this feeling I've had in my heart all day. Serenity, peace, call it what you will. It's not as if there's no struggle or strife in my life. I've learned that "hard things" are part of this mortal experience. But how, in the midst of turmoil, is it possible that I'm feeling so calm and at peace?

Part of it is this Christmas Season. However, for me, it goes deeper - while still having it's foundation in this most wonderful time of the year.  For me, it goes all the way down to why we celebrate Christmas at all. One of my favorite Hymns is "Where Can I Turn For Peace?"  I read the lyrics again today, and it truly says what's in my heart:

"Where can I turn for peace?
Where is my solace
When other sources cease to make me whole?
When with a wounded heart, anger, or malice,
I draw myself apart,
Searching my soul?

Where, when my aching grows,
Where, when I languish,
Where, in my need to know where can I run?
Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?
Who, who can understand?
He, only One.

He answers privately,
Reaches my reaching
In my Gethsemane, Savior and Friend.
Gentle the peace He finds for my beseeching.
Constant He is and kind,
Love without end..."

We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas - but why? Because "...God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life..." (John 3:16)

I love the story of the Nativity...the peace and joy of that wonderful night. The humility of the shepherds, the strength and faith of Joseph, the quiet serenity of Mary, and the joy and triumph of the Heavens singing praise. 

But I love what His birth represents.

"He is a quiet invitation
He is hope when hope is gone
He is lasting peace 
and the answer we are seeking.
He is the pathway home..." *Hilary Weeks "He Is"*

Everything I have that matters to me,can be mine because He came to earth - to a stable, in a manger - because He lived and set the example. Because when His time on earth was through, in a way I don't understand, but for which I am eternally grateful - He took upon Himself my 'wounded heart', my sins, my imperfections and paid the price so that I wouldn't have to if I willingly repent and heed His 'quiet invitation' to come unto Him.

So, because of Jesus Christ and His perfect Gospel, I am able to sit here, listening to the hum of the washer and dryer, the sweetness of Christmas music; while the storms of life rage around me; and I can be at peace.

My prayer for each of you this Christmas Season and always, my dearest family and friends; is that you too, can find that peace and solace - that 'love without end'. 

I wish Heavenly Father's blessings on each of you, and wish you all a very Merry Christmas. May you find peace, love, light and joy.

Merry Christmas with all my love,

Netty 

Living life and loving it!!!

I have a chalkboard key/hat-rack hanging in my kitchen. On it, we write messages. Sometimes silly, sometimes meaningful, often funny. This  month it looks like this...

That got Kevin and me thinking...what ARE we thankful for? 

An obvious answer for both of us was each other. Another, of course, was the Gospel in our lives. But those answers got me thinking even more. WHY????

Why am I thankful for Kevin? He's my best friend. He "sees" me - warts and all - and for some strange reason, loves me anyways. He "gets" me...(that should probably scare him a little haha). He's SUCH a good man, and always wants to do what's right. I could go on and on and on and on... Oh, and he's SOOOOO handsome!!! ♥♥♥♥

The Gospel??  Quite simply, it makes me happy. Everything I value most (especially Kevin and our children) are mine for eternity because of the Gospel.

I'm grateful for challenges. Those that come in life and those I issue to myself. They all teach me so much!

Recently, I issued myself a couple of challenges that are truly teaching me new things, and making me find joy in this journey.

One was to dive back into reading the Book of Mormon when President Monson issued his challenge last April. Everyday when I read, I find my love for and testimony of this great book increasing.

Another was to accept the challenge by President Russell M. Nelson to study the Topical Guide entries in the scriptures under the heading "Jesus Christ".  I also decided to keep a scripture-study journal of my efforts. I've never studied the scriptures this way before. It's interesting, and I'm finding new insights that I hadn't thought of previously. My testimony that Jesus is my Savior grows each time I open the Topical Guide and start to study. I am loving how much I'm learning!

I have also decided that my journey towards physical health and fitness needed to be more of a priority. That led me to choose not to let other things get in the way of following my meal/exercise plan. What a difference that decision has made.

In the last month I've set some weekly goals or myself and met every one of them! I've pushed myself and been very disciplined about working out and eating healthy. The results are encouraging to say the least!!!  I've lost 18 pounds in the last four weeks!!!!  Just in the last two weeks, I've lost 9 pounds of fat, and put on 2 pounds of muscle!!!  I feel so much better and I am really enjoying myself. Who'd have ever thought I'd actually enjoy exercising?????  Certainly not me.

So, in answer to my chalkboard question....What AM I thankful for????

I'm thankful for this life and the opportunity to live it. To choose for myself the path I need to take. To choose to find joy in my journey through pushing myself to be the best "me" I can - spiritually and physically. To live this life with the love of my life - with all the ups and downs, funny and sad, stressful and happy things that come our way. 

I'm thankful that I get to choose to live a life of gratitude and joy!

Happy Thankful-month!!!!

What are YOU thankful for??????

Peace....

Each Easter and Christmas, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints comes out with a message to help us focus on our Savior, Jesus Christ. This Easter, the message is called "Prince of Peace"

Things in our family have been a little chaotic over the last year or so. Heart-breaking would be an apt description for much of it. Still, through it all, Kevin and I have felt the love of our Heavenly Father as He has patiently and compassionately guided us through the lessons He trusts us to learn.

One of the main things we're learning, is just how much we depend on our Savior, Jesus Christ for peace. Everyday, but especially when life gets fraught with turmoil; we can turn to our Savior. He already bore our burdens, felt our pain, sicknesses, and sorrows, and atoned for our sins. Because we KNOW that He did this for us, we can rely on Him to help us through. We can, as the hymn says, "Cast our burdens at His feet..."

Through the heart-breaking, soul-searching times we've endured lately, I've done this. I have wept oceans of tears, drawn out my heart in prayer, and finally found peace in humbly petitioning my beloved Savior to help me through the hard things. 

I testify that He is the source of all peace, comfort, and joy! Through Him, Heavenly Father's great plan of happiness is made possible! I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. He died for us, so that we can repent and return to live with Heavenly Father again. On the third day after His death, He rose again! He lives! Because He lives, we can too!!!

Happy Easter!!!

We talk of Christ..

This past Sunday, our Bishop quoted a scripture that got me pondering this Christmas season and what it means to me.  It happens to be one of my favorites, (I have many...lol) and it is one that formed the foundation of how Kevin and I tried to raise our children.

2 Nephi 25:26 -

"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophesies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." 

To me, Christmas is a celebration of Jesus Christ. His birth heralded the beginning of the greatest gift mankind would ever receive. It is the most beautiful story I have ever heard. It has been the focal point of our Christmas celebrations since Kevin and I started our married life. Because it brings us such joy - as we rejoice in Christ - we have taught this story to our children. We did this so that they could know "to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." 

Now our children are married and starting their own lives and traditions. I hope with all my heart that they take the things they learned here at home as we "talked of Christ" and use them to begin the foundation of a family that will be strong and steadfast in the Gospel. But also a family that will approach each Christmas Season with joy in their hearts as they too, "rejoice in Christ".

Today is Christmas Eve. Tonight, we will gather with family and friends. We will talk of Christ and His birth. We will tell, again, the beautiful story of the Nativity. We will soak-in the wonder, magic and majesty of that long-ago night in Bethlehem.  I think, as I look around me and see those I love most enjoying the sweetness of this precious time together; I will, as Mary of old, keep these things, and ponder them in my heart... 

From all of us here at "Happy Acres"...Merry Christmas! 

Merry Christmas!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." *Isaiah 9:6

"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." *Luke 2:19

Here we go again...

So, today's the day...wow!  So many mixed emotions.  I am anxious to get this done and FINALLY get some answers.  Being sick for almost three months and not knowing why has been frustrating.  I am a little nervous about having this biopsy done.  The tumors are in an area of my lungs - pretty close to my heart, so there are concerns.  I am also a little anxious about what the results of this biopsy will be...

Ok, anxious - yes...fearful - NO!!!  I have received Priesthood blessings that reassure me that I will be alright.  However, from past experience, I've learned that "all right" does not mean without challenges.  All that being said, I know that with the my Heavenly Father watching over me, and the love and prayers of my friends and family, I can overcome any challenge.  I have faith in that!

Last night as I was getting ready for bed, I had my "Pandora" internet radio set to my "Sunday Music" station.  The last song I heard was Hilary Weeks "He Is" - which is about all the things our Savior, Jesus Christ is.  One line reads:  "He is a long deep breath at the end of the day".  Somehow that seemed profoundly significant.  He is...and with Him I KNOW I will be fine.

Love to all of you!  See you when we're done!

Netty