"...They taste the bitter, that they may know to prize the good" (Moses 6:55)

The other morning as I walked in the cold weather, my heart was very heavy. I was having a difficult time focusing on anything positive and was feeling a bit sorry for myself after an incident that had taken place with family the night before. I wanted to quit thinking about it and focus on something else. I really wanted to run away from the problem, but that would do no good and be very selfish. So, as I walked, I looked around at the stark contrast between the white of the snow and the dark branches of the trees. I thought of how the trees go dormant during the winter and that eventually spring always comes after what seems like such a cold and deathly winter; buds appear and bloom into flowers, leaves poke their heads out and grow. Most definitely, "there is an opposition in all things" (2 Nephi 2:11).

I started to make a mental list of all the things that I was grateful for, of oppositions as I walked. This helped me focus on something else other than the heavy heart that I didn't want to keep carrying in the bitter, cold morning. I have to be honest, the "bitterness" came from my foul mood, and the "sweetness" was an effort to change my attitiude. There is not a particular order to this list of oppositions, but each, both the bitter and the sweet, has brought a blessing into my life. I hope you will come up with your own list of oppositions. If we "should never have bitter [or opposition we] could not know the sweet" (D&C 29:39). As the Lord said to Adam, "...they taste the bitter, that they may know to prize the good" (Moses 6:55).  Truly, opposition blesses our lives with bitterness so that we may recognize the sweetness of the Lord and His "tender mercies" (1 Nephi 1:20). Without bitterness, we would not recognize what is sweet. Some of these may not make any sense to you, but this is my list of oppositions...and they need only make sense to me. I share them because I have grown from them, and have tasted the bitter and the sweet, and the sweet is "the most sweet, above all that I ever tasted" (1 Nephi 8:11).

My Short Blessing list of Oppositions 

• being hungry and thirsty in opposition to having enough food and water to eat and drink; not only physically but spiritually as well (see Matt 5:6)
• being bitterly cold in opposition to being warm, especially when I return home to the "warm hearts" of loved ones (see D&C 121:9)
• having a sick child in opposition to having a child become well or my children healthy all the time (see D&C 42:48)
• icy roads that I fall on and have to pick my self back up in opposition to roads that have been cleared and are easy to follow so that I don't stumble and fall (see 2 Nephi 4:32)
• being tired and exhausted in opposition to being awake and alert (see 1 Cor. 15:34)
• feeling alone and abandoned in opposition to feeling totally loved and surrounded by loved ones (see D&C 6:20-21)
• being in excruciating pain in opposition to having no more pain or free from pain (see Alma 36:19; Revelations 21:4; Mosiah 27:29) 
• tears of sorrow in opposition to tears of joy (see Psalms 126:5)
• darkness and night in opposition to sunshine and daylight (see Moroni 7:15) 
• making enemies in opposition to making and having friends (see Matt 5:44; 3 Nephi 12:44)
• barren, no growth in opposition to planting trees, pruning shrubs and  bushes and watching the beauty of these grow (see Alma 33:23)
• impatience, fretting, and worrying in opposition to waiting patiently, being calm, filled with faith (Psalms 37:5-11)

As I pondered these oppositions, and looked around me at the cold of winter that covered the earth, I realized that all these things testify of Christ. They all call us to Him, "He that ascended up on high, as also He descended below all things, in that He comprehended all things, that He might be in all and through all things, the light of truth; which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ" (D&C 88: 6-7). As we go through opposition, which gratefully we do, even though it is difficult and hard and sometimes we desperately don't want to, we can look to Him, the One who knows how to succor us according to our infirmities (see Alma 7:12) and heal our all our wounds and our souls and thus, we may know "to prize the good".

"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)

The other day, I showed up at my mom's house to see what I could do to help get my sister-in-law and 10 of her 14 children ready go to the airport. When I arrived I asked what I could do to help and my sister-in-law took me to the laundry room, showed me two boxes that were, in my opinion, already full and then said she needed my help loading the rest of the clothes from the dryer, a laundry basket, and a drying rack. Now, these clothes weren't just socks; they were jeans, and sweaters, and sweater dresses, and bulkier clothes. The thought ran through my head of, "there is no way these things are going to fit", but I didn't verbalize it. I just said, "Okay" and she left the room.

Sometimes, we are asked to do things that seem impossible. They might be minor tasks but are truly life saving for someone else, and we feel completely inadequate, insecure, and unsure of our abilities. Gratefully, the Lord knows better. He always does. The Lord has promised us that He will sustain the righteous. For forty years he sustained the Israelites wandering in the wilderness. "Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not" (Nehemiah 9:21). He not only sustains the righteous, but also will carry their burdens: "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved" (Psalms 55:22). What great comfort in a world where there is turmoil and challenges to be faced, great and small, on a daily basis.

As I looked at the boxes I knew my sister-in-law needed them filled. I then said out loud, and kind of to myself, "Okay, if the Lord can feed five-thousand and have baskets of food left over, He can definitely help me make these clothes fit. I need a miracle". I then silently prayed for a miracle to make it all fit. I just got to work. I rolled clothes, jeans, shirts, dresses, socks, more jeans, and more dresses. I opened the dryer and was surprised how many clothes there were in there. But I just kept working. My sister-in-law came in and put a hairdryer and a cosmetic bag in of the boxes. She even brought in more socks and undergarments from some where else. All the clothes fit, and more. I called for my nephew to come and help me tape it shut. I call it the miracle of the boxes.

Sometimes I do feel very inadequate, and I am. I am not saying that I don't have talents or that I am not good at things, that's not the point. The point is, He makes up the difference because He is the difference! We all have weaknesses and need the Lord's help no matter who we are and whether or not we recognize it. The pride of man makes us think we can do it all on our own; that we can be perfect, or that we can handle it all without help, even the day to day stuff. Thankfully, we are so loved, that we don't have to, nor are we expected to do it alone. "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). When we are called to serve or do what seems to be an impossible task, He is the One that will fill the already full boxes just as surely as He fed the five thousand with two barley loaves and five fishes and "filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten" (John 6:5-13).

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16)

I have an original painting I got with gift money which has brought me great joy. It is of the resurrected Christ standing next to Mary just outside the garden tomb. Mary hasn't yet seen or noticed Him. I have often pondered on this event captured in this painting. 

(Painting by J. Kirk Richards click here to see more of his work)

There must have been such grief for so many who had lost their Lord and Master, a Beloved Friend, Teacher, Family Member, Leader, Loved One. The depths of sorrow, I can't comprehend. I then ponder the joy that must have filled Mary as she recognized her Master, her Beloved Jesus Christ (see John 20:13-18). His promise to rise again in three days (see Mark 8:31) had been fulfilled, which I can only imagine, had been hoped and was then comprehended. He had "finished the work" of his Father ( John 17:4).

Jesus Christ is truly resurrected, lives, is whole, and complete. He is the Gift to us from our Father in Heaven. We must choose whether or not we want to receive this Gift through faith, for there is no other way to receive Him. I think Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004) said it eloquently when he stated: "Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus" (Settle This in Your Hearts)!

The words to a Children's Primary song, "He Sent His Son" (#34) teaches many principles of sacrifice, love, hope, and enduring, that come from the Gift of our Savior which Heavenly Father gave to all the world. The words are as follows:

How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness?

He sent his Son, a newborn babe, with peace and holiness.

How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go?

He sent his Son to walk with men on earth, that we may know.

How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death?

He sent his Son to die for us and rise with living breath.

What does the Father ask of us? What do the scriptures say?

Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way.

What does He ask? Live like his Son.

(Words by Mabel Jones Gabbott, 1910-2004)

We are all God's children, and Heavenly Father needs to teach and have us learn of perfection (see Matt. 5:48). So He sent us a perfect example, because He loves us- perfectly. "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" (John 3:16). Our Heavenly Father gave us the Gift of Christ, He sacrificed his Son for us that we might live again with them if we exercise faith in Jesus Christ. Faith takes action, and sometimes that action is to willingly sacrifice.

At Christmas time, it is a time for giving gifts, which brings great joy. My Children often give me gifts that are a sacrifice of time and money for them. I appreciate these small sacrifices for me, which brings joy to both of us. In a small way, they are expressions of their love. Heavenly Father wants us to receive the joy of giving gifts (see 2 Nephi 2:25). He sometimes may ask us to sacrifice or offer things we may not want to give up or aren't ready to part with, such as time, money, habits, grudges, loved ones, just to name a few. We often think of these things as our possessions or our "substance, which [does] not belong to you but to God" (Mosiah 4:22). When we willingly offer them to Him as gifts and we put our faith in His time table and His plan for us, then our joy will be fuller and deeper. "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy" (Psalms 126:5). The Lord has also said: "I will order all things for your good, as fast as ye are able to receive them" (D&C 111:11). And Paul testified: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

"What does the Father ask of us? Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way" (#34). What beautiful and simple gifts to give our Father in Heaven and our Savior this year: faith, hope, love, kindness, forgiveness, peace. Christ is the perfect example, the perfect Gift. Mary, in the garden tomb, was joyful at the resurrection of Jesus Christ. At this time of year, each of us gets to decide if we will turn and see the resurrected Christ; or in other words, "if there is room for Jesus".

"Hold up your light that it may shine unto the world" (3 Nephi 18:24)

We decorated our Christmas tree this past weekend. I do enjoy decorating the tree and putting on the ornaments that hold many memories. Some of the ornaments are cherished gifts filled with love and care. I have three such ornaments that I want to share with you in particular. These three ornaments are hand made by three different friends and to me, each resembles a star. The women who have made and gave me these ornaments have left a lasting impression upon my heart, my life, and my spirit. They are women of God in faith, in action, and in how they live; and each woman is unique, just like the ornament they created for me. 

 As I have pondered these stars and their creators, I think they are a great representation of all women of God, each unique in our gifts, talents, shape, and size. No two are exactly alike. Yet, each woman is beautiful and shines in her own way. We are taught: "...the righteous shine forth in the kingdom of God" (Alma 40:25); "and they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament" (Daniel 12:23); "then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father" (Matt. 13:43).

The world would have women believe their value is reflected in what they wear, in riches (see Alma 4:6), in how much one weighs, how much she knows, in the "vain things of the world" (3 Nephi 6:15). But women of God know they are more than "stuff" or "labels". I like what Sister Elaine S. Dalton, the General Young Women's President stated when she said, "I wish every...woman...would know and understand that your beauty- your "shine"- does not lie in makeup, gooey cream, or the latest clothing or hairstyles. It lies in your personal purity. When you live the standards and qualify for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, you can have a powerful impact in the world. Your example, even the light in your eyes, will influence others who see your "shine", and they will want to be like you" (Now is the Time to Arise and Shine!). The "shine" she is talking about is the Spirit which "giveth light to every man that cometh into the world" (D&C 84:46). The women who gave me these ornaments look nothing alike, come from very different back grounds, and a wide range of income. But, each of them "shine" with the Spirit because they "have all things common among them; therefore there [are] not rich and poor, bond and free, but they [are] all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift" (4 Nephi 1:3). Notice, it doesn't say all things in common, but "all things common"- which is a state of the heart and when lived after this manner, it is reflected in all areas of our lives.

I love the words from these two primary songs: "I am like a star shining brightly, smiling for the whole world to see. I can do and say, happy things each day, for I know Heavenly Father loves me" (Primary Song #163).  And the other: "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam to shine for Him each day" (Primary Song #60). Each one of us is unique, with special gifts to give. What a great blessing to be a woman, a daughter of God and "shine" for the whole world to see; not in a vain or self centered way, but in a confident way that comes from knowing individually, I am "a beloved daughter of God" (Sister Linda K. Burton) with individual gifts and talents to offer; most precious being a testimony of Christ and His power. This knowledge comes as we go forth in faith, and as Christ said: "Hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up- that which ye have seen me do" (3 Nephi 18:24).
I am truly blessed by great women and men who hold up their Light by doing and living. The interesting thing of it all...it is in the small things of life that their Light is reflected and most of them have no idea how far reaching their light really is. It pierces the dark and makes life brighter. Today is the day~Shine on!

"...to be spiritually minded is life eternal" (2 Nephi 9:39)

As I drove my son to school the other morning I must have cut a man off or something because when we stopped at the light the man just glared at me and did not smile. He appeared to be extremely angry, or at least that is what his look told me. I looked back at him and smiled a big smile, like this (I was in these clothes, and wearing my sunglasses, took this photo shortly after for full effect): 

My smile then melted into a genuine smile: 

The man then relaxed and actually smiled back. My son commented to me that the man must have been pretty angry. He asked me what I had done to tick him off. I said I didn't know, and I hadn't done it on purpose. It's not like I try and go around making people angry; that doesn't feel good. If anything, I prefer peace and definitely a smile back.

As I drove home I pondered the smile and what a difference it made. In 2 Nephi 9:39 it states: "Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually minded is life eternal". Spiritually Minded Is Life Eternal- there is your S.M.I.L.E. When we focus on "the things that matter most" (Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf), the things that can be felt with the heart, then we are being spiritually minded. This may mean that "we have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families"(Elder Dallin H. Oaks). Spiritually minded things develop our faith and strengthen our families. Letting go of anger, forgiving, being patient, just to name a few things, can be felt with the heart and help develop faith and strengthen our families.

The Romans were reminded the importance of being spiritually minded, "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is peace" (Romans 8:6). There is peace in our busy lives when we "seek this Jesus of whom the apostles and prophets have written" (Ether 12:41) in all we do and say. It can be a challenge to do this in a world filled with tight schedules, stress, and so many choices of how to spend our time, let alone our money. As we look back over our lives, the things that last the longest are the memories we create, our relationships we have with others, and our testimony of Jesus Christ, "The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6; 2 Nephi 19:6). Pres Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught: "Diligently doing the things that matter most will lead us to the Savior of the world" (Of Things That Matter Most) and thus we will S.M.I.L.E.


Enjoy a short video: "Moments That Matter Most"

"...ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a prefect brightness of hope..." (2 Nephi 31:20)

I love looking up definitions from my big, fat, red dictionary I got in college many years ago. I use it frequently. So, the other morning I looked up a few definitions from one of my favorite scriptures which reads:

  "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a prefect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." 

2 Nephi 31:20

I love the admonition to "press forward with a steadfastness in Christ". "Press" means "to act with steady force". In cycling, when going up a hill, if I stop pedaling I will fall over and crash or I can turn around and go back down the hill, but only if I turn quickly enough and this defeats the purpose of getting to the top. In order to make it to the top, I must act with steady force, or press forward and keep my legs pressing in a forward movement. Steadfastness means: "firm, fixed settled or established; not changing, or fickle, or unwavering; constant". Think of this with "pressing forward"- unwavering and constant. It is so effective in cycling. In life, it is also effective when we press forward, unwavering in making good choices, choosing the right. It might be a lot of work, or perhaps a long hill. But if we are pressing forward and don't turn around or stop pedaling and are steadfast, we will make it to the top. And WOW! does that feel awesome!!!

As I looked up definitions, the one that intrigued me the most was "brightness". It says: "shining with light that is radiated or reflected". "Having a perfect brightness of hope" or a prefect shining with light that is radiated from us and that light is Christ. Christ is our hope. We hope in His eternal sacrifice. Hope in His power to heal us. Hope in His eyes to see, because we can't and don't see what is over that hill that we are in the middle of climbing and it sometimes feels like we have been climbing it forever! Hope, a perfect brightness of hope, so bright it reflects in our countenances (see Alma 5:14, 19) because we hope in the perfect Atonement made for us. 

The hope is, even when we can't see over the top of the hill, that Christ sees and knows all that is over the hill. And Christ does know and sees beyond the current hill we are climbing (see Matt. 6:8; 2 Nephi 2:24). As we "press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a prefect brightness of hope" we can make it through, up, and over all the challenging hills, valleys, and rides of life. Christ is "the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6). We don't have to wait to get to the top to have a Christ-like life as we "endure to the end". A Christ-like life, is eternal life now. 

Have a "prefect brightness of hope"- He knows all, sees all, and loves us beyond measure and we have nothing to fear (see 2 Tim 1:7; D&C 98:14). Just keep pedaling, or as the scripture says, "press forward with a steadfastness in Christ". Life is good, even when it's hard and seems all up hill. This I testify.

"[God] maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust" (Matt. 5:45)

We had a power outage this past weekend that lasted for about 6-7 hours. It had started to bring back memories of the year we had no power for 3 days. You need to know something about me. I get a little edgy when I am cold. A little edgy when I am tired. A touch off when I am hungry. A touch out of sorts when I have an infection. If you throw all of those together...well, let me just say, in the nicest way possible, that all heck breaks loose and it is better to not be around me when they all come together. My family knows that they need to stay out of my way. So, this past weekend, when it was getting closer to the 5 hour mark with no power and it was getting dark outside and the temperatures were dropping, I was really trying to hold it together...I hope the Lord sees fit to take me when "The Big One" comes, I am not much of a "pioneer" without my modern conveniences, such as food, heat, light, medicine, a warm bed, did I mention food?

Sometimes, things just go wrong and for no apparent reason. The power goes out on the best of us, and we are cold, hungry, tired, and we have an infection all at the same time. Things could definitely be worse (I have experienced way worse and I try to accept what I am given and be grateful...note the try, it doesn't mean that I am happy about it, or that it is easy). One of the conclusions that I have come to when bad things happen to good people (which happens all the time), is that "[God] maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust" (Matt. 5:45). Power outages, unfortunately, don't skip homes that are paying tithing, or even paying their electrical bills. They happen to whomever happens to be on that grid. Power outages happen to the best of us. They make life inconvenient, change our routine, test our patience, make us slow down, sometimes they make us questions why things have to happen to us, sometimes they may even make us question our faith. These are not necessarily bad things.

Another conclusion I have come to about bad things happening to good people is that unbeknownst  to us, these trials, or power outages, can actually be strength building opportunities for us. The Lord has said, "I will try the faith of my people" (3 Nephi 26:11) and taught through His prophets "...ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith" (Ether 12:6). Sometimes, as I am riding my bike up a long, steep hill I have to look down rather than up. This is the proper placement for my head. The hill looks flatter, I am able to focus on each stroke as I pedal, and I slowly, oh so slowly, make my way to the top. It is with my head down, humbled in prayer that is in the proper position that makes all the difference, when I need help in my deepest, and darkest hours of my "power outages". Elder Henry B. Eyring said, "Trouble itself can be your way to strengthen and finally gain unshakable faith" (Mountains to Climb).



Life isn't always filled with lights and without its storms. I sometimes wish it were. But then I look back at all the growth that has come form all that hard work, diligence, and perseverance of pedaling up those long, steep hills and you know what? I wouldn't change a thing. I to add my voice with the prophet Nephi and say, "I know that [Christ] loveth His children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things" (1 Nephi 11:17). Things work out, if not in this life, then in the next. We are loved beyond measure and we are not left alone in the dark. This I testify.

The day after the storm...and after the power outage. The sun always comes out after the  storm.

Note how the branch is hanging down from the weight of the snow, this is several hours after the storm has ended.

The mountains from our home. I am standing in our driveway. We received at least a foot or more of snow, and the mountains received 48" or more!

Yea, all things which come of the earth... are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart" (D&C 59:18)

My 10 year old son will still ask me to come and listen to him say his nightly prayer every once in a while. (I know this isn't going to last much longer, I will enjoy it while it does last). When he prays he will sometimes say, "Thank You for this wonderful world we have to live in". My son is spot on, we do have a wonderful world to live in, especially with all its modern conveniences and life of ease and comfort. "And it pleaseth God that He hath given all these things unto man" (D&C 59:20). There aren't words to describe the world God created for us that is filled with beauty and joy.

As I have pondered my sons gratitude to Heavenly Father I have thought of so many blessings we now enjoy and possibly take for granted in our busy, everyday lives. I remember in my teenage years my grandfather would tell me how he remembered when television was first invented. Think of all the information that is shared through television (let alone through books, computer, classes, people) for our benefit and good: news, weather, educational shows, we can learn about every kind of animal and bird, plants, herbs, gardening, building and construction, the seasons, and the earth, cooking shows, cycling, and we can watch  General Conference, just to name a few things. All this is "made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and gladden the heart. Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body, and to enliven the soul." (D&C 59:18-19).

I love these words: "for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and gladden the heart...and to enliven the soul". The Lord has blessed us with an incredible world in which to live. I only listed a few of the things that make my everyday life easier, let alone gladden my heart, taste good, please my eye, smell good, strengthen my body, may use for clothes, or enliven my soul. I am sure you can come up with a few of your own items or ideas which bring any if not all of these blessings into your life daily.

Another quick thought about this "wonderful world we live in" is that not only do these items bless our lives by making it easier, more joyful and "gladden our hearts", but they also testify that there is a God. "And behold, all things...are created and made to bear record of [Christ], both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritual; things which are in the heavens above, and things which are on the earth, and things which are in the earth, and things which are under the earth, both above and beneath: all things bear record of [Christ]" (Moses 6:63). The prophet Alma also taught: "...All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator" (Alma 30:44).

What a blessing to have all these witnesses of Christ surround us, to gladden our hearts, for our benefit and use, for taste and for smell and to strengthen our bodies and "enliven the soul" (D&C 59:18-19). We really can "feel [our] Savior's love, in all the world around [us]" (Children's Songbook #74) as we give thanks for the beauty and creations that have been given to us.

~Here are a few items/blessings that gladden my heart, enliven my soul, or otherwise...

Indoor plumbing...it gladdens my heart because its indoors and it got fixed.

Cycling...this particular picture was taken just before a ride with my dad and my brother-in-law around Bear Lake. Love  this sport!!!

Basket weaving...definitely cheaper than therapy.

Cherry pie our 10 year old son made, with gluten free crust so his sister could eat it, too. It tasted as good as it looks!

Roses from my back yard neighbors. I love yellow roses! 

The temple is a place I love to attend. (Click here to learn about why I attend temples.)

This little group of people...let me just say, my heart soars when I think of them. I love spending time with them.

After looking at all of these incredible blessings in my life, I testify, there is a God. He lives. He loves us. And He knows our needs, our pains, our desires, our hopes, our dreams, our every thing. He also knows what is best for us. Our challenge is to trust Him, The Creator of this beautiful world we live in.

"In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established" (2 Cor 13:1)

As I was reading from The Book of Mormon today in 3 Nephi 11, I reread the account when Jesus Christ shows Himself unto the people of Nephi. When they first see the resurrected Lord it reads, "they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them" (3 Nephi 11:8). Every eye is turned towards Him, and everyone sees Christ. They witnessed with their eyes the Savior of the world, but they were not sure if it was Christ. They thought it might have been an angel. Gratefully, God is a merciful God and follows patterns and in this case, the law of witnesses. 

Paul taught the law of witnesses and we are taught it as well in our day. It reads: "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established" (2 Cor 13:1; D&C 6:28; see also Deut.19:15; talks here and here). We don't need to rely on just one voice or one witness to tell us if something is true. What a blessing the Holy Ghost is to confirm for us things we have felt, seen, and heard. This is the role of the Holy Ghost, to testify and witness of Jesus Christ (see 2 Nephi 31:18). The people of Nephi also get to experience the law of witnesses. I will continue to explain.

The people of Nephi then hear the voice of the Lord (see 3 Nephi 11:10-11). They hear His voice and He identifies Himself saying: "Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning" (3 Nephi 11:11). This is the second witness for the people of Nephi. They hear the voice of the Savior of the world with their own ears. Their reaction is heartfelt and humbling. "When Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude fell to the earth; for they remembered that it had been prophesied among them that Christ should show Himself unto them after His ascension into heaven" (3 Nephi 11:12). 

The people of Nephi had been taught for 400 years by prophets that Christ would appear to them after His resurrection. They fell to the earth and worshiped Him. His great love for them is manifested in His reaction to this testimony of realizing that the prophesies had been fulfilled and Christ was indeed before them. Christ, the God of the whole world didn't expect them to just rely upon their eyes and ears, which would have been enough, according to the law of witnesses. But their Savior, and ours, goes farther than that; He invites them to come and feel and then know.

 "The Lord spake unto them saying: Arise and come forth unto me, that may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world" (3 Nephi 11:14). And the people, all of them, "went forth, and thrust their hands into His side, and did feel the prints of the nails in His hands and in His feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was He, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come" (3 Nephi 11:15). They were able to see, hear,  come, and feel that they may have their own witness of Jesus Christ. After which, they "did bear record" that it was Christ. 

I add my own witness and record, that I too, have seen and have read the words of the prophets and apostles that testify of Christ. I have come to Christ by trying my best to keep His commandments and follow Him. As I have done this I have felt the Holy Ghost witness to me that "This is the Christ". The Savior of all mankind. Without Him, all mankind would be lost (see 1 Nephi 10:6). But we are not lost. There is great hope and we need not fear as we see, hear, come, feel and know Jesus is the Christ. This I Testify.

This is one of my favorite Hymn's "This Is The Christ"

words written by  Elder James E. Faust (July 31, 1920 – August 10, 2007)

"...He holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society." (D&C 134:1)

I am so proud of myself. I just voted by mail and it feels so good. I honestly don't really like politics. I laugh because I do have very strong opinions, but I don't like discussing politics. I get very frustrated with...people. But, I would not give up my right to vote or my freedom, both of which come from the eternal principle of agency. Agency is: "The ability and privilege God gives people to choose and to act for themselves" (Guide to the Scriptures).

As I have thought about the privilege of voting I have learned a couple of things. In the 134th section of the Doctrine and Covenants there is a declaration of what we believe about governments and laws in general. Verses 1 and 2 read:

 "We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that He holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society. 

We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life" (D&C 134:1-2). 

When we vote we are using our agency "for the benefit of man". If we choose not to vote and we complain about what goes on, we have no excuse and no right to do so. We made our choice when we did nothing. We let others choose for us when we don't vote. We will be held accountable for this choice like it or not.

I said I don't like discussing politics because of people. Well, I am just going to let Elder Quentin L. Cook speak for me on this point, which applies to more than just politics. He said:

"We need to be civil in our discourse and respectful in our interactions. We live in a world where there is much turmoil. Many people are both angry and afraid. The Savior taught us to love even our enemies (see Matthew 5:44). This is especially true when we disagree. The moral basis of civility is the Golden Rule. It is taught in most religions and particularly by the Savior. "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise" (Luke 6:31). Our faith requires that we treat our neighbors with respect" 

(Restoring Morality and Religious Freedom).

I may not like arguing politics...but I sure have strong opinions about what I think is right and good, and it's okay if we agree to disagree. I definitely I love my freedoms; with that comes the love of freedom of speech, the love of my right to bear arms, my right to life, my right to the pursuit of happiness. I choose to vote because I want to voice what I believe is right, and I hope you choose to voice your opinion as well by using your God given gift of agency and vote in this years election. (You may then complain if you feel so inclined...but I can testify that complaining doesn't really help the situation change much, it might make you feel better to vent momentarily, but it usually doesn't bring about change.) Notice, I don't tell you how to vote, just VOTE!

P.S. Here are a couple of excellent talks about the Constitution; Challenges for Our Day; and a whole series on Religious Freedom.

"...having on the breastplate of righteousness" (Ephesians 6:14; D&C 27:16)

Having done my mammogram the other day I am full of thoughts about the power and righteous influence women have been given through our blessed chests. I nursed four children, and lost a size or two, but would gladly do it all over again. Nursing was one of my favorite aspects of when my children were infants. For me, nursing was a time for giving, relaxing, renewing my children's nourishment, a time to learn, a time to love and cuddle. I nursed longer and longer with each child. What I don't miss is the horrible pain that came when I very first started nursing a child (not going to lie-it hurt like crazy! then I built up callouses and the pain went away), pain of engorgement or even the once in a while infection that I seemed prone to get; let alone the angry glances of men and women who took offense to breast feeding my child in public even though they could see nothing but a blanket and perhaps a foot or my child's waving hand. Oh, the power of the chest of a righteous and virtuous woman.

The Apostle Paul taught the Ephesians to put "on the breastplate of righteousness" (Ephesians 6:14), and the Lord also has given us the same counsel, in our day, to put on the same armor (see D&C 27:16). A breastplate covers the breast, the heart, the lungs, ribs, stomach, and many more vital organs. But, there are two organs in particular that after having had my mammogram made me think of the value of being a woman. The two organs are the heart and the breast, both of which are symbols for charity.

I learned years ago that a nursing woman is a symbol for charity. What an incredible gift a woman gives to her children, life. Now, this is not about whether or not you nursed your children. This is about the symbol that comes with just being a woman, that symbol being charity. We are all mothers even before we have children (see my post here), yet our bodies are symbols of what is innately within us when we are pure. Joseph Smith admonished at one of the first Relief Society meetings: "You are now placed in a situation where you can act according to those sympathies which God has planted in your bosoms. If you live up to these principles how great and glorious!- if you live up to your privilege, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates....If you will be pure, nothing can hinder" (Daughters in My Kingdom, pg 169). To God, we are nurturer's; thus we feed the hungry, share, give life to others of His children, we teach, we create an environment for others to thrive. The world would often have us viewed as "objects", toys with which to be played, or even ignore those wonderful gifts given to women and act like men. Now, I must say, that it is fun to play with my husband and him with me...but to him, I am more than just a toy or an object, and I am most definitely feminine in his eyes; which makes charity all that much more symbolic and powerful when you put the husband and wife into the equation.

As daughters of God, and sisters in Relief Society, the largest and divinely inspired organization for women (learn more about it here and here) we are "taught to live up to [our] divine potential by fulfilling God's purposes for [us]. As [we] come to understand who [we] really are- God's daughters, with an innate capacity to love and nurture- [we] reach our potential as holy women. With charity in [our] hearts, [we] fulfill the purposes of Relief Society: to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help those in need" (Daughters in My Kingdom, pg. 170). Notice that the first item is faith and personal righteousness. When I was nursing I would keep a large jug of water by my chair and carry it around with me. I would drink it all gone to replenish myself first, before I fed my child. We must, as women who give, and serve and care for others, "eat and drink of the bread and waters of life freely" (Alma 5:34) for ourselves first, and then we will be filled and can have more than enough to help others.

At times, there will be moments, or days, or perhaps even months or years of healing, and we will need to receive rather than give. And Christ says: "[She] that receiveth my gospel receiveth me; and [she] that receiveth not my gospel receiveth not me. And this is my gospel- repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom" (D&C 39:5-6). When we receive Christ, we are receiving His Atonement which heals us. Even though our bodies need time to heal after having a child, we also give while we nurse as we heal from labor and delivery. This same principle of charity applies in other aspects of our lives. We are healed through Christ as we serve others in small and simple ways. Through this healing and giving we are being taught "the peaceable things of the kingdom".

With the motto for Relief Society being: "Charity Never Faileth" (see Moro. 7:46; Daughters in My Kingdom), think of a nursing woman whose milk never fails as she continually nurses. When a woman gives of her time and of herself her milk supply is naturally replenished and there is more and more to give. "Charity is the pure love of Christ and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him" (Moroni 7:47). This is the power given to righteous and virtuous women that is "planted in [our] bosoms".

Men aren't exempt from nursing. At least not in the scriptures. "And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers" (Isaiah 49:23). Men and women who have gone through the Holy Temples of the Lord and made sacred covenants are ordained to become queens and kings if we keep those covenants. Part of that responsibility is to nurse others by sharing with them the bread and water of the gospel. Young men who hold the priesthood have the humble and great responsibility to help nurse mankind by being missionaries: "...The Lord God will proceed to do a marvelous work among the Gentiles, which shall be of great worth unto our seed; wherefore, it is likened unto their being nourished by the Gentiles and being carried in their arms and upon their shoulders" (1 Nephi 22:8 (1-9)).

The wearing of the breastplate of righteousness applies to all men and women who desire to come unto Christ. I use the same words as the prophet Moroni: "Wherefore, my beloved brethren [and sisters], pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see hims as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen" (Moroni 7:48).

What more can I say? Go and get your spiritual mammogram..."having on the breastplate of righteousness" (Ephesians 6:14; D&C 27:16) which, for me, is charity, the pure love of Christ.

"And ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked" (Mosiah 4:14)

I do a lot of dishes. Washing, drying, cleaning, putting away. And then I get to wash, dry, fold, and put away said towels. We go through a lot of towels. As I do this it gives me time to either get frustrated with the fact that I do a lot of dishes and laundry, or I can focus on the blessings I have been given and even ask for help. Going through many towels the other day led me to pondering about another towel that was crucial in the Savior teaching His apostles, which leads to teaching us.

This towel was used when the Savior and His disciples had gathered for the last supper. After supper Jesus took a towel and prepared to wash His apostles feet. (see John13:4).  He went and "He poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded" (John 13:5). This humble ordinance of washing their feet (see D&C 88:139-141) speaks volumes about our Savior. He is the Creator of the world, about to be crucified to save all man if we would repent, (see Moses 5:15, Helaman 12:23; 3 Nephi 9:22) yet He knelt before His apostles and washed their feet.

It is humbling when the Lord blesses us with people who "wash our feet" by serving us and help us "bear one another's burdens, that they may be light" (Mosiah 18:8). The Lord also blesses us as He allows us to help Him when we serve others. We become better, more Christ like in our behavior and in our hearts as we serve other people and our families.

Christ is omnipotent, which is the "divine trait of having all power" (Guide to the Scriptures; see also Genesis 18:14; Alma 26:35). There is no limit in what He can do. He could help every one do everything. But He isn't selfish or self centered, rather He is loving and kind and in His kindness He gives us opportunities to serve and to be served by others. He is omniscient, which is "the divine trait of having all knowledge" (Guide to the Scriptures; see also 2 Nephi 2:24) and therefore knows what things [we] have need of, before [we] ask Him" (Matthew 6:8). He allows us to learn by doing and receiving: doing or receiving service (which can be very difficult) (Mosiah 2:17), loving our neighbor (Matthew 22:39), caring for the poor and needy (see Alma 1:27), visiting the fatherless and the widows (James 1:27). Serving our own family brings great joy and peace even when it sometimes seems like we do a lot of mundane tasks such as washing and drying the dishes.

The simple day to day tasks of "feeding the hungry and clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants" (Mosiah 4:26) leads me to how much cooking and washing of dishes I do for my family. There are many tasks that go unnoticed, yet are needful...such as "feeding the hungry and clothing the naked" (Mosiah 4:26). The hungry and the naked are our children. Think of how much cooking, washing of dishes, and laundry we do for our children and families. King Benjamin, a prophet in The Book of Mormon teaches: "And ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked" (Mosiah 4:14). One of the greatest blessings as a mother is to feed and clothe our children. All that work, all that cleaning, preparing, and serving is the "building up of God's kingdom" (Consecrate). Christ could do all the work, but He let's us develop Christlike qualities as we serve others in small and simple ways; just as He showed us by His example when He washed and dried His disciples feet.

"Take...the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you" (D&C 27:18)

I have a lot of knives for cooking. I have some really nice knives, some of which are big enough to be like swords. But no matter how much I paid for the knives, if they aren't sharp, they act the same...dull. It is difficult to cut things with a dull knife and it is a lot easier to cut myself with one that isn't sharp. As I was cutting some meat the other day, with a sharp knife, I realized that the Lord has given us a "knife", or better said in His terms, a sword. Christ said for us to "take...the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you" (D&C 27:18, see also Ephesians 6:17). God uses His sword to lift, guide, and bless His children. Men use "swords" for many reasons, often "focused only on punishing behavior" (Elder Lynn G. Robbins).

When we use the word of God, or His sword to lift others, we apply it as taught in D&C 121 which reads: "No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; by kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile" (vs. 41-42). The word or sword of God has "a great tendency to lead the people to do that which [is] just- yea, it [has a] more powerful effect upon the minds of...people than the sword [of man], or anything else, which [has] happened unto them- therefore...it [is] expedient that [we] should try the virtue of the word [or sword] of God" (Alma 31:5).

When we use a sharp knife or sword, to me, this means I am prepared "come what may" (Pres. Thomas S. Monson;  Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin) because I have immersed myself in the "word of God" (see Articles of Faith 1:8; Luke 4:4; Alma 6:5). His word becomes "sharp" and blesses my life with the "sword of [His] Spirit" (D&C 27:18) which leads to more revelation for myself and my family.

Sister Julie B. Beck, former General Relief Society President taught, "The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life" (And Upon the Handmaids in Those Days will I Pour Out My Spirit). Funny thing is that I actually took a "knife skills" cooking class once. The Lord offers His own "knife or sword skills" classes. They are offered each week when we attend our church meetings. Every six months we get a bonus "skills" class when we have General Conference (click here to watch a session of Conference). Attending these "classes" and the studying of the word of God leads to more personal revelation and guidance from the Holy Ghost. The sword of God helps us "quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" (Ephesians 6:16). So I say, sharpen that sword, attend your skills classes and "feast upon the word of God" (2 Nephi 31:20); this I testify, will give you more power than man could ever offer or give you; "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12; see also D&C 14:2; D&C 12:2).

"...all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good" (D&C 122:7)

Without going into any detail, let me just say, today has been very challenging on many levels- and the day isn't even over yet. It is days like this that the scripture on faith gets me through. It reads: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). There is great hope in the power of the Atonement. I didn't see it or witness it with my eyes. It is something I only know with my heart. Faith is knowing something with your heart even when it may not make sense to your mind. It is on these really hard days that the battle heats up, the pressure is on, the testing fires are really burning so to speak. This is when the only thing to do is to "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).

 "When we understand more than we know with our minds, when we understand with our hearts, then we know that the Spirit of the Lord is working upon us" 

(President Harold B. Lee)

It's funny how things have to go sometimes. Not funny ha ha, but funny strange and hard. Everything does work out. The Lord himself said: "...all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good" (D&C 122:7). Even though I know things aren't going to change over night, and maybe not for a really long time, there is one thing I do know. God knows. He loves us and will watch over us in all things and all things do work for our good. This I testify.

"We do not doubt our mothers knew it." (Alma 56:48)

Another Happy Birthday to me! I love celebrating my birthday, but I have thought that perhaps I should be celebrating my mother on this day, for she is the one who gave birth to me, thus her "birth" day. As I have thought about birthdays, I have concluded that for every person on earth there is a woman who has been willing to give them life. These mothers should be celebrated. The sacrifice of all things, her body, blood, time, talents, and much more to bring a child into this world, let alone raising a child, cannot be compared. The Guide to the Scriptures gives this definition for mother: "A sacred title referring to a woman who bears or adopts children. Mothers assist in God's plan by providing mortal bodies for God's spirit children" (Guide to the Scriptures: Mother). Motherhood is an incredible responsibility that too often is minimized in our fast paced world. A woman who is willing to give up her body, and share in the creation of God's children thus fulfills part of her divine responsibility. Also as mothers, being that we are all mothers (see Genesis 3:20; Moses 4:26; Blog post), we help "lead, guide, and walk beside" others on their way through this life (I Am A Child of God).

Here are just a few scriptures and thoughts I want to share that remind me and help me celebrate my "birth"day, my mother, and motherhood. I hope that as you read these you too may ponder the power of  "motherhood" in your life, from all the various women who have taught, guided, loved, lifted, and inspired you to be who you really are.

The deterioration of the family is of great concern to the Prophet and the Apostles (Elder L. Tom Perry). Mothers can and do make an eternal difference. "Pure love is an incomparable, potent power for good. Righteous love is the foundation of a successful marriage. It is the primary cause of contented, well-developed children. Who can justly measure the righteous influence of a mother's love? What enduring fruits result from the seeds of truth that a mother carefully plants and lovingly cultivates in the fertile soil of a child's trusting mind and heart? As a mother you have been given divine instincts to help you sense your child's special talents and unique capacities. With your husband you can nurture, strengthen, and cause those traits to flower" (Elder Richard G. Scott). One of the gifts my mother gave me was the example she set in never criticizing my father. Even with all the long hours he worked (and continues to work even at the age of 72) and the times of little to no income, raising 5 children pretty much on her own (because he was working so much), I cannot recall her ever saying a derogatory thing about my father. In her "pure love" for my father, she set an example about marriage and child rearing that will span generations.

The power and influence of a mother is evident in the 2000 stripling soldiers who were led into battle by the prophet Helaman (see Alma 53:22). They are described as thus: "And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all- they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted. Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him" (Alma 53:20-21). Why were these 2000 young men like this? From the words of their prophet leader, Helaman, we are told: "Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. And they did rehearse unto [Helaman] the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it" (Alma 56:47-48). They had been taught by their mothers that if they had faith in God, He would deliver them. By the things she says and does a mother teaches her children through example  The stripling warriors were delivered from death by God. My mother, even though she never said those exact words, she lived them. In times of trial, sorrow, challenges, and joy my mother always lived the example of faith, living and teaching her children that she did not doubt, God would deliver us.

One last scripture: "Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her" (Proverbs 31:28). After many birthdays, I have come to see, hear, and witness this statement about my mother. My father always praises her, and is so proud of who she is and the example she is to her posterity. What a blessing to have a matriarch who leads by faith, love, and purity. Mother's are invaluable, more precious than gold. As Elder Richard G. Scott speaks of his wife, I am sure my father would these same words: "I know what it is to love a daughter of Father in Heaven who with grace and devotion lived the full feminine splendor of her righteous womanhood" (The Eternal Blessings of Marriage).

As righteous women who sacrifice so much for their children, birthdays are really a celebration of not only the life of the person who has lived it, but also a great day to celebrate the woman who helps in the life of each child of God no matter how old the "child" is. As women of God we are mothers to many by loving, guiding, caring, teaching, and living what we know to be true. The hope is that children of God may also say, "We do not doubt our mothers knew it" (Alma 56:48) because of our example and teaching that "God will deliver us".

Me and my mother on my "birth"day. I do not doubt my mother knew it.

"Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you" (Philippians 4:9)

For the longest time I didn't want to get "clips" for riding my bike. This is where you have riding shoes attach to your pedals. I had heard that the power to move and pedal, and the energy was suppose to make an amazing difference. I was afraid to get clips because I didn't want to wreck. Well, I finally succumbed to getting them and guess, what? I wrecked, twice, on the same 50 mile ride. But, I also learned that there is more power when I am clipped in and my pedaling is so much more efficient. When I am clipped in I am committed, committed to the power that comes through pedaling, committed to staying on the bike when I hit a bump, committed through tough situations, even if it means I may wreck. It is more than just knowing that power is available and saying it is a good thing. It is putting my behavior where my mouth it.

Being clipped in on my pedals has made me think about being "clipped in" or converted to Christ and His gospel. His way of living and doing things sure is lighter and gives me rest when I follow His ways (see Matt. 11:28-30). When I clip in I am really committed to the power that is available. Christ's power is so much more efficient than doing things on my own. When I am clipped-in, or converted to Christ I am still going to have hills to climb, cars that nearly hit me, and accidents. There are going to be hard times. Just because I am "clipped in" doesn't mean everything will be perfect. I wouldn't get any better if all was perfect. The beauty is, I can get back up, clip back in, and continue in His power.

Getting clips and using them is more than just knowing that it will help me be a better rider and have more power. When I actually clip in, I am able to "see" the difference in the power it gives me. The Apostle Paul taught: "Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you" (Philippians 4:9 bold added). It is after the doing that I am actually able to see! And as I see the difference small changes make in my life, I am converted and changed into a stronger and better person. My actions follow my beliefs, not my beliefs following my actions.

This I testify, just as the prophet Nephi: "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them" (1 Nephi 3:7). I too know that the Lord provides a way for us when we go and do, not just sit and say. His power is greater and stronger and being clipped in or converted to Him is not only power, but peace.

"Feed my sheep" (John 21:15-17)

I have a son who absolutely loves clam chowder. Another really likes salmon. And my third son loves to eat and make peanut butter popcorn. My daughter will eat my leftovers and she brings her friends to our home for lunch and shares our food with them as well. I do like to cook and I usually make breakfast for our children before school, even if it is just a smoothie. I realized that I spend a lot of time cooking and feeding my family and others. I mean a lot of time!

It hit me the other day that feeding my family is one of the best things I could spend my time doing. I love gathering to eat together, to share our day, share what was good and what was bad. It is a wonderful time even if the food is consumed within a few bites. Feeding my family consists of more than just making food. It's also about feeding their souls, building family relationships, creating memories. We are gathering. One of the Lord's great purposes is to gather and feed His sheep.

When Christ appeared to his disciples for the third time after He had risen, He says to Peter three times, "Feed my sheep" (John 21:15-17). Feeding our families is a blessing. We not only feed our families, Christ's sheep, by making food for them, but we also feed them through kindness, love, service, having a cheerful attitude, being quick to forgive and so many other ways. There may be times when we don't know how to feed others or our families. Comfort comes from the words of Christ, saying: "Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers...Arise and gird up your loins, take up your cross, follow me, and feed my sheep" (D&C 112:10, 14).

Making and taking the time to cook and feed others is a great blessing. When I realized I was doing more than just slapping food together and stuffing my kids with food, my attitude changed about making dinner and other meals. I am following Christ and answering His call to "Feed my sheep" (John 21:15-17). Gratefully we can feed His sheep daily as we feed our families and others we come in contact through small acts of service, love, and sharing our "food".

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Recipe for Clam Chowder:
2 cans (6 1/2 oz. each) minced clams
4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1-2 celery stalks, diced (or 1/2 tsp celery salt)
1 large onion, finely chopped
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup flour (I use Pamela's baking mix or Grandpa's Kitchen other Gluten Free flour)
1 quart half and half
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp sugar
pepper to taste (I like to use white pepper, but black is great)

Pour juice from clams over vegetables in large saucepan. Add water to barely cover. Cover. Simmer about 20 min (until potatoes are tender). Meanwhile, make roux by melting butter and then stir in flour. Mix until smooth. Whisk in half and half. Stirring constantly; cook until smooth and thick. Add undrained  vegetables and remember the clams (I have forgotten these before). Heat without boiling. Season with salt, sugar, and pepper. (yields 8 servings)

Recipe for Peanut Butter Popcorn
2 bags microwave popcorn (about 6-8 cups)
1 cup sugar
1 cup Karo or corn syrup
1 cup peanut butter

Pop popcorn and remove unpopped kernels. In a pot combine the sugar and syrup. Cook and stir until just boiling. Remove from heat; stir in peanut butter. Stir in popcorn.