Daughter of God

Today we attended the rededication of the Ogden, Utah Temple. One of the speakers (Bonnie L. Oscarson) talked about serving in a Temple in Sweden. She spoke of an older sister who had Alzheimer's. This sister could no longer live on her own, so she'd been moved to an assisted living facility near the Temple, She had forgotten many things about her life, but one thing she never forgot was the way to the Temple. She came and served there faithfully. One day as Sister Oscarson was helping this sweet sister in the Temple, she had a strong feeling from the Spirit. She knew that Heavenly Father knew this dear sister, saw her service and loved her for it. It was real and just that personal. 

Of course, my thoughts flew to our own dear Mom - Doris Webster, who also has Alzheimer's.

 

Mom also can no longer live on her own. She too, lives in an assisted living facility. Mom isn't a member of the Church, and doesn't attend the Temple. Mostly, she stays in the home where she lives and interacts with her housemates and the staff. But that doesn't mean that she doesn't serve. 

Here's what I mean. Mom's always been a nice woman. She has a sweet nature and personality. When we visit her and talk to the staff, that's what everyone says. "Oh, Doris is a sweetie! She's such a nice lady!"

Mom has even found a best friend. If you come to the house looking for Mom, you'll also find Ella. Mom and Ella love spending time together. They're always smiling and having fun with each other. I know Mom brightens Ella's day as much as Ella does hers.

As I thought of these things, I realized something true and lovely. Heavenly Father knows our beloved Mom. He sees her sweet nature and the lives she touches by being kind. He sees the friendship she and Ella have developed and He loves them for it.

Mom may not remember as much anymore - but Heavenly Father remembers her, and He loves her because she is His beloved daughter.

Just some thoughts after a lovely Sunday here in Utah.

Old??? Not me!!!

The other night as I was getting dinner on the table, Kevin looked around and realized that Jackie was gone for the evening and it would be just us. He said, "Are we going to be that little old couple who make dinner together every evening and sit down to eat just the two of them?" I answered, "Honey, we already ARE!!"  ...except for the OLD part, of course. Oh, and we'll live with the crazy cat that does weird stuff to keep us entertained.

Beautiful Heartbreak - Hilary Weeks - Every Step

I had a conversation with a friend today. She was asking me about health-issues. She expressed sympathy and even sorrow that I had to endure what I've been going through. I think my response surprised her. It surprised me at how very deeply & sincerely I meant it. I told her that I was ok. That I knew that this was something I had to go through. I believe that Heavenly Father allows us to experience hardship so that we can learn lessons in life that we might not learn any other way and also, to grow and develop in ways we might not be able to otherwise. It's an opportunity for us to become who we're supposed to become. My friend said "Wow, Annette...you have so much more faith than I do." I don't know about having more faith than my friend...she's pretty darned amazing. This is what I do know...

I know what I want most, and that is to return and live with my Heavenly Father again. Given that desire, I am willing to do whatever He deems necessary for me to get there. I know that He knows the best way for me to get back to Him. I know that He has a plan for me and my life. My task then, is to follow that plan, be obedient, and go home when my time on earth is finished. Hopefully I will be blessed to hear Him say: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant - enter into the rest of the Lord".

Honestly, any price I had to pay to hear that welcome home, and "see that view" would be worth it. Sometimes it IS a beautiful heart-ache - it's not easy, but it's always worth it!

Square with the Lord...

Years ago, a dear friend of ours was publicly accused of wrong doing. His face and name were splashed across the local papers and trumpeted from the nightly news. Those of us who knew and loved this good, good man knew - absolutely  - that the accusations were false.

One evening, when Kevin and I were out on a double-date with our friend and his lovely wife, we asked him how he was holding up under the scrutiny. His answer impacted us so deeply, it truly changed our lives. His chief worry was for his wife and children and how this situation would affect them. Then he said:  "When I look in the mirror, I know that the man I am looking at is 'square with the Lord', and that is what matters."

Wow!!!  "Square with the Lord"... What a great way to live. Kevin and I decided that was a great example to follow. We needed to live so that we were "square with the Lord", and everything else would fall into place and be ok.

Fast forward almost 20 years...

Today I was talking with another dear, dear friend. I told him this story and how it changed our way of thinking. Our conversation today got me thinking about what it means to be "square with the Lord". Does that mean that you do what Heavenly Father says all the time and never make mistakes? Heaven forbid that it would mean we have to be perfect!!! This is the gospel according to Netty, so I don't necessarily have chapter and verse on it, but here's what I think, and how we've chosen to live "square with the Lord". Being "square with the Lord" simply means that you are doing your best to follow His way. Doing your best...with the knowledge, state of mind, experience, and capabilities you have at any given moment. Sometimes that means you do better than others. I am grateful our loving Father doesn't expect us to be perfect, or I would definitely fall miserably short.

To me, the good thing about living "square with the Lord" is that He perfectly understands how difficult that can be for us. The Book of Mormon prophet, Ether wrote:  "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." *Ether 12:27 

Heavenly Father gets our imperfections or weaknesses. He loves and understands us perfectly. He has also provided a way for us to overcome those weaknesses. 

In addition to knowing our weaknesses, He has lovingly given us promises of help along the way to aide us in overcoming those imperfections. In the Doctrine and Covenants He promises:  "...for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you to bear you up." D&C 84:88 

What an amazing concept...angels round about us. Talk about a humbling thought.

I have had a little experience with that concept. In my life, I have been the recipient of angelic assistance. I have seen Heavenly Father send angels to bless my life - angels from both sides of the veil. He is very good at using angels with the faces of friends and neighbors to bring us blessings and help us through the hard times. And at times in the quiet watches of the night when I have been the most troubled, He has allowed me to feel the presence of angels from His side of the veil for comfort, peace, and healing.

"Square with the Lord" is a great way to live our lives. Best of all, He doesn't expect us to do it alone. He will be with us and send help when we need it. Somehow that makes it seem doable and worth it.

Lovin' Summer....

...and waving it goodbye as we roll into September!

Somehow it doesn't seem like it should be September, yet. We are still watching our garden produce yummy veggies. It's our most successful garden yet! Only took us seven years to figure it out, but we finally did! Whoo hoo!!! Yesterday we harvested enough tomatoes for me to preserve some sauce for the winter. When it's cold and snowy outside, that tomato sauce will provide the base of many delicious soups and pasta dishes. I love that!!!

It's been a challenging Summer. It doesn't look as if those challenges are going away any time soon. 

Friday we met with my doctor to "officially" review my biopsy results. The good news is there's definitely no cancer. The bad news is that the tumors are sarcoidial tumors which result in a disease called, funnily enough, "sarcoidosis". Thankfully, it is treatable. Unfortunately, the treatment isn't wonderful. It involves steroid treatment for up to a year, in conjunction with some other meds that just plain make you sick. Since all the meds involved can cause some icky side-effects, there are lots of continuing tests and monitoring in my future. Lest you think I'm heading for a pity-party...don't worry. I have no plans for that kind of a party. I am actually looking at things from a brighter side and counting all the tender mercies that are coming my way. I am working towards being able to function as normally as possible given the shortness of breath & other symptoms of this condition...usually it involves spurts of activity punctuated with breathing-breaks and rest-periods. But at least I'm getting things done, right??  

In the meantime, I plan on milking these last precious days of summer for all the light and joy they can bring, before we dive head-long into Fall. (My favorite season, by the way!). I have canning to do, flowers still to nurture, and the sanctuary of my garden to enjoy...

 ...before we break-out the spice of Autumn and the jack-o-lanterns.