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.

Thankful

Today I am thankful. Well, to be honest, I try to live everyday with a thankful heart.  But today I am especially thankful.

I'm getting over bronchitis, and today I feel more like myself than I have in a week. So...thankful.

I was able to get over and visit a friend for an hour or so. She always lifts my spirits. So...thankful.

I did some service for a family member. So...thankful.

Last night, the Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Thomas S. Monson, passed away. He has been an Apostle in full-time service of the Church for 54 years. He was 36 at the time of his initial call to the Apostleship. That is a wonderful legacy of service to God and his fellowmen. President Monson was a great example of humble, Christ-like living. So...thankful.

The organization of the leadership of the LDS Church follows the patterns dictated by Heavenly Father. There is no campaigning to become Prophet. There is no voting or popularity contest. Heavenly Father has set His Church in order and we follow His plan. The most senior Apostle steps up to fill the place of the Prophet and is ordained by the Quorum of the 12 Apostles - just as it was when Jesus established His Church when He was on the earth. The continuity and dignity of the succession of modern day prophets increases my testimony that Heavenly Father leads His Church through the Priesthood Keys held and utilized by His Ordained leaders. So...thankful.

There is peace in my heart, even as I mourn the passing of a great, but humble servant of God. Peace that comes from knowing - absolutely, without a doubt, that this life is NOT the end. That this beloved, kind, gentle man is now reunited with his sweetheart, Francis, and the Savior whom he served so well. This knowledge gives me peace and hope.  So...thankful.

Today I am thankful - especially thankful for a loving Father who provides the means, tools, and path for us to make our way home to Him. Today I am thankful...

Come...Listen...

"Come, listen to a Prophet's voice, and hear the word of God..." So sings the hymn of the same name... 

Every six months, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gather to do just that. We believe that Jesus Christ has restored His Church to the earth and established prophets and apostles in our day to teach us His words and help us return to His presence.

Tomorrow begins one of my  two favorite weekends of the year - General Conference. We tune in via TV, internet or other media to watch and listen to the leaders of our Church. We receive counsel, guidance, comfort, peace, and even correction. This gives us a spiritual path to follow for the next six months. It provides lessons and teaching material for our regular Sunday meetings, and helps us better focus on what Heavenly Father wants us to do.

If you have questions about life and your place in the universe, come join us...listen and learn. You might be surprised at the enlightenment you can find here: www.lds.org/general-conference 

"Come, listen to a Prophet's voice, and hear the word of God. And in the way of truth rejoice, and sing for joy aloud. We've found the way the prophets went, who lived in days of yore. Another prophet now is sent, this knowledge to restore" *LDS Hymnal #21*