"...thou hast done this with such unwearyingness..." (Helaman 10:5)

I just want to point out a cool word I came across in the Book of Mormon. Unwearyingness. The definition for weary is "exhausted in strength, endurance, vigor, or freshness" (Merriam-Webster). So, to be unweary is to have strength and endurance- to be able to continue forward without tiring. Another way to describe being unweary is to be dedicated and committed to what you are doing.

Nephi is described as being unweary. As you read these verses, I invite you to personalize it, asking the Lord to reveal to you what you have done "with unwearyingness".  Or perhaps ask what you might do "with unwearyingness":

"Blessed art thou, [insert your name], for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments. And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will" (Helaman 10:4-5). 

Here is a summary of what Nephi did with unwearyingness:
- declared the word, which was given him from God, to the people
- did not fear the people
- did not seek his own life (sometimes we have to give up the life we think we are "supposed to have", which can then free up the way for God to give us the life He is preparing for us, even eternal life)
- he kept the commandments of God

Here is a brief summary of the blessings Nephi received because of his unwearyingness:
- blessed forever
- made mighty in word
- made mighty in faith
- made mighty in works
- all things should be done unto Nephi according to God's word. In other words, anything Nephi asks of God will be done because Nephi would not ask anything that would be contrary to the will of God.

Life is not always perfect. Often, it is filled with adversity, trials, pain and suffering. But these experiences need not stall us or make us weary in well doing (see Galatians 6:9). Rather, God wants a powerful people (see Sheri Dew's talk about this). God gives us the strength to do all things (Philippians 4:13) and He provides a way for us to do all things that we are commanded to do (see 1 Nephi 3:7). I know God will bless you and guide you as you seek the spiritual gift of unwearyingness. This I testify.

This is a video of the Tabernacle singing: If the Way Be Full of Trial, Weary Not

These are the words for the chorus:

"Do not weary by the way,

Whatever be thy lot;

There awaits a brighter day,

To all, to all who weary not."

"...bear one another's burdens..." (Mosiah 18:8)

*Editors note: I wrote this shortly after my mom passed away. I'm ready to share it now.

I have been kind of a bad driver this week. Not intentionally by any means. But mostly because I have been distracted. As I have been driving I have been thinking about my mom. She passed away 3 days ago.

As I pulled into a parking spot today, I could hear my sweet mother's voice say, "Good job! How did you learn to do that so well?" I chuckle at it now. I didn't understand then why she would say that, but now that she is gone, I think I understand a little more. She was trying to look for the good in what I was doing...even if it was complimenting me on my parking job.

I have pondered driving and being distracted and it has brought me to a scripture:

 "...And now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called His people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light; yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort..." (Mosiah 18:8-9). 

What does driving have to do with bearing one another's burdens, even making them lighter? or mourning with others? or comforting others? Well, sometimes I also get upset at other people who I deem to be "bad drivers". But, maybe..., they aren't trying to be a bad driver. Maybe their mother just passed away, too. Or maybe they are just having a really bad day. I think that we can make another's burden lighter just by being a little more patient with them. I believe we could all use a little more patience...I know it makes my burden lighter.

The day of my mom's service

This whole funeral experience is kind of difficult- making arrangements, communicating, and trying to do what seems good for everyone...all while mourning the loss of my mother. One of the really difficult part comes when others tell me that their way is better. Or they continually ask, "Why are you doing this and not that"? or "Why in the world did you choose to have so-and-so do that?" I tell you, I sometimes want to just scream, "I'm trying to do the best I can!" But then I realize that maybe they have also lost their mother recently. And so I can help bear and make their burden lighter by being a good listener, forgiving them quickly, by being patient with them. And even forgiving myself!

My mother's compliment on my parking has reminded me to say, "Thank you for your help", and to look for the good in the simple acts of service others give me and my family. I know that God helps us as we seek to mourn with and comfort each other. Families are definitely the best place for us to practice forgiveness, being patient, and being kind. But I think driving is a pretty close second when it comes to practice time. These simple acts are one way we can make another's burden light and mourn with them. They can also give great comfort. I know it has for me.

"...that ye may learn wisdom..." (Alma 32:12)

Learning wisdom...

Do you ever feel like you are having experiences in life in which...well, that you got the short end of the stick? I have been feeling like this off and on since I got diagnosed with CRPS (March of 2016; learn more about CRPS here and here). But today I have had to stop and think a bit after having a new insight from this scripture:

"I say unto you, it is well that ye [have ...insert challenge here], that ye may be humble, and that ye may learn wisdom; for it is necessary that ye should learn wisdom; for it is because that ye [have...said challenge], that ye are brought to a lowliness of heart; for ye are necessarily brought to be humble" (Alma 32:12)

 When I read it like this, "it is well that ye have CRPS, that ye may be humble, and that ye may learn wisdom"...I wanted to say, "What?! It isn't well. This really, really stinks (to put it mildly)!" Sometimes I get caught up in, "...but I can't do such and such" thinking, especially, I can't ride my trike or go on hikes anymore! To say nothing about all the shoes and boots in my closet that I can't wear!

Then I had to pause.

I have to be still. "Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still." (Psalm 4:4). I really like that...stand in awe...be still. I have found that when I am still, when I am calm and not all whiny or mad, or full of self pity, it is then that I receive answers, or peace, and I understand better what I need to do...or not do. Sometimes it takes me a bit to be still. But when I finally get there I realize that life is more than the doing or the getting.

I believe that this life is "a time to prepare to meet God..." (Alma 34:32). And to prepare I must learn how to be godly, which includes learning patience, long-suffering, spiritual endurance, being quick to forgive, healing, sorrow, joy, peace, being still...you get the idea.

It is not "necessary" that I ride a bike. But it is "necessary that I learn wisdom" (see Alma 32:12). "Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished" (Ecclesiastes 4:13). Admonished is to be "warned of something to be avoided" (Dictionary). Another favorite about wisdom: "O be wise, what can I say more? (Jacob 6:12).

I invite you to pause, to be still. Take time to think about what godly attribute or quality you are learning. I know life isn't fair, but it sure is worth learning wisdom.

This is an interesting photo to me as I can see the "shine" on my left foot where my nerves have been damaged. And the "tan" is not really a tan at all, but rather, it's kind of a "burn" from the heat of the sun, not the light of the sun, if that makes any sense at all. Indeed, I am so grateful for my feet, as I can still walk -not for exercise, but for function- and that's enough for now.

"...be of good cheer..." (John 16:33)

My mom, a woman of great strength and good cheer

As thoughts of my mom distill  upon my heart and mind, I hear her voice in my head call out, "Be of good cheer!" She would enthusiastically say it, frequently, as I was leaving her home. Rather than saying good-bye on her answering machine, she ended the message with, "Be of good cheer". Those were words of comfort she afforded me when I was seeking support and understanding. I believe it was her motto, and she truly lived it.

Those same words were spoken by Jesus Christ. He said it while talking to his disciples shortly before the agonies He would suffer in Gethsemane, before being betrayed by Judas, and before He would endure an unjust trial which would lead to His crucifixion and death. He said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). I believe that Christ knew life ahead would be challenging for the twelve apostles as He used the phrase, "ye shall have tribulation".

In modern revelation He offers comfort to us through this same declaration. "And ye cannot bear all things now (again, Christ is letting us know we will have trials and life won't be easy); nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along." (D&C 78:18). I love the word, nevertheless. It means, " in spite of that" (nevertheless). Thus, in spite of the trials. In spite of the worry. In spite of betrayal. In spite of hardship or pain. In spite of the monotony of daily life, which can be its own curious type of pain..."be of good cheer".

Even though my mom got weaker and less independent,
she always chose to be of good cheer.

I have learned over the years that we never know what someone is suffering or going through at any given time. No one gets out of this life without trials, pain, sorrow, or loss. Life for my mom was not easy- she definitely had her fair share of tribulations.

Nevertheless, she was one of the most optimistic, cheerful, and positive persons I have ever known. She quietly lived the gospel, which spoke volumes of lessons for me. She did "submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord" (Mosiah 24:15). She embodied the words of Pres. Thomas S. Monson in which he encourages us to "be of good cheer". He said, "This attitude is what will pull us through whatever comes our way. It will not remove our troubles from us but rather will enable us to face our challenges, to meet them head on, and to emerge victorious." He continues, "I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments. There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us." Pres. Monson ends with, "My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith" (Be of Good Cheer).

I testify of the power of being of good cheer. It is real- even life changing. I testify that God is with you. He hears and answers your prayers. We have nothing to fear. This I testify.

"...arouse the faculties of your souls..." (Jacob 3:11)

I love seeing beautiful flowers!
They are soul satisfying. 

I have been pondering what it means to live, and how to really participate in life. I found two ways (I am sure there are others, but these are the two that were very clear to me).

First way: "And others will [the devil] pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say; All is well in Zion; ye, Zion prospereth, all is well- and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell" (2 Nephi 28:21).

I love greeting this man with a kiss every time he comes home
...and then some. 

Second way: "O my brethren, hearken unto my words; arouse the faculties of your souls; shake yourselves that ye may awake from the slumber of death" (Jacob 3:11).

What I noticed is that the devil is sneaky. He will "lull us into carnal security". Carnal means "1. relating to the physical and especially sexual appetites. 2. Worldly or earthly; temporal. 3. Of or relating to the body or flesh; bodily." (Carnal). This kind of living relies on physical and temporal experiences. I see it as an "eat, drink, and be merry" (2 Nephi 28:8) way of living.There is no real use of one's senses in this situation. The devil "carefully" leads one "down", making one think that, "all is well", when in reality one will miss out on that which is real, even light (see Alma 32:35).

In contrast, Jacob invites us to "hearken", which is a call to action. I love the invitation to "arouse the faculties of your souls". For me, this is using all of my senses, my thoughts, actions, physical as well as spiritual faculties to learn and experience life. This is another way of saying, Wake-up! Living life in this way is powerful, fulfilling, and offers many light filled moments. When I choose to live this way my experiences are rich and satisfying, calming in a way that leads me to want to experience and share the joy I receive with others.

I keep thinking about these ideas. What parts of my life need waking up? What faculties do I need to arouse that involves my whole soul? Am I being "lulled" to sleep or am I "awake"? I keep thinking that the world would have me believe that if I am busier then I am more awake. I can tell you from first hand experience that is not really being awake, it's just being busy.

Enjoy my food!

I invite you to take time to ponder what you need to do to "awake and arouse your faculties" (Alma 32:27). Perhaps it's taking time to notice God's beautiful creations (see 1 Tim. 4:4) , taking time to listen (see Moroni 8:8) , tasting your food (see Proverbs 24:13) , enjoying the harvest of the season (see Revelations 14:15), greeting your spouse with a kiss (see 2 Cor. 13:12), being "still" (which is so very different that being lulled to sleep) (see D&C 101:16, Psalms 4:4), choosing to spend time with loved ones (see Lev 25:10). These are some thoughts that come to my mind. What does your heart tell you?

"...now it is high time to awake out of sleep." (Romans 13:11). Indeed, we must wake-up!

Awaking to the touch of a bee on my leg. It was so light and gentle.

More joy to my soul

I love spending time with Hershey...instant love and acceptance.

Rosie...such a gentle and sweet dog. I'm so grateful God made these creations!

I love peach harvest time!

I took time to bottle some of the peaches...my mom taught me how to do this. How I miss her!
Through this process I felt closer to her and had a satisfied feeling of working hard, preparing and preserving, and a deep appreciation for all that God has created for me to enjoy.

"...and those who died in the faith of Christ are happy in Him..." (Alma 46:41)

I have so much on my mind. But words escape me. So, I will write the few words that come to me.

My mom passed away on Sunday, August 26th, surrounded by loved ones, in her home. I was there. I am so grateful for this very tender experience.

I will share one experience with you. I went to visit my mom on Friday, August 24th. When I arrived I asked her, "How are you doing, Mom?" She opened her eyes and replied, "I am so happy!" I told her what I was doing that day and she said, "Enjoy it! Just enjoy it!"

As I have reflected upon this experience again and again, a scripture has come to my mind:

"And it came to pass that there were many who died, firmly believing that their souls were redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ; thus they went out of the world rejoicing.... But there were many who died with old age; and those who died in the faith of Christ are happy in Him, as we must needs suppose." (Alma 46:39,41)

I know my mom is happy, she told me so.

"...by labouring with all the might of his body and the faculty of his whole soul, ... did once more establish peace in the land" (Words of Mormon 1:18)

As thoughts of soul expanding experiences have been on my mind, the words of this scripture took on new meaning for me. "Wherefore, with the help of these [holy men], king Benjamin, by labouring with all the might of his body and the faculty of his whole soul, and also the prophets, did once more establish peace in the land" (Words of Mormon 1:18).

As a mother, I have been given the help of  holy men and women, such as sisters, brothers, friends, leaders, parents, grandparents, teachers, bishops, and so many more people to help me establish peace. I have labored "with all the might of [my] body and the faculty of [my] whole soul..." to establish peace in our home. Think about these words, faculty of the whole soul. It's with the entirety of our souls that we do all we can to help lift and strengthen the family of God.

As a parent, I do use "all the might of my body" to help my family be united and strengthened in God's love. I do know what true peace, even the "peace of God, which passeth all understanding" (Philippians 4:7), feels like and I want my children to feel it, too. I don't know of any parent that doesn't seek and strive to maintain peace in their homes.

And then the words: "...faculty of  his whole soul..." (Words of Mormon 1:18). This phrase caught my attention. Faculty means: "1) an ability, natural or acquired, for a particular kind of action: a faculty for making friends easily. 2) one of the powers of the mind, as memory, reason, or speech: Though very sick, he is in full possession of all his faculties. 3) an inherent capability of the body: the faculties of sight and hearing. 4) exceptional ability or aptitude: a president with a faculty for management."
Nephi said this about "faculty": 

• "Wherefore, I, Nephi, did exhort them to give heed unto the word of the Lord; yea, I did exhort them with all the energies of my soul, and with all the faculty which I possessed, that they would give heed to the word of God and remember to keep his commandments always in all things" (1 Nephi 15:25).

  To me, this sounds very much like the soul expanding experience of a mother trying to teach her children to learn of God, to put their trust in God. It's the soul expanding experience that comes as I teach my children to repent and keep the commandments because they love God more than the fear of not knowing everything.  I know this, because I do believe I use all the faculties I possess, even those of love, of patience, of hearing the still small voice of the Spirit...I use every single faculty so that my "children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins" (2 Nephi 25:26). 
• • 
    
  • I can tell you that every day is worth the effort. Every day, all the small things, they do add up and make "great things come to pass" (Alma 37:6). I'm writing this for myself, because I find it too easy to forget that all those small things do make all the difference. All of my efforts, using all my faculties, and all my might, is soul expanding- not just their souls, but my soul as well. Keep up the "Great Work" (Alma 26:3, D&C 64:33)! It's totally worth all the effort. This I testify.
    

    

    The small things in life add up and truly expand my soul.

"...her borders must be enlarged..." D&C 82:14

Continuing the scripture study of  "expanding the soul".

Here's another scripture to ponder as a visual of "expanding the soul" (see Alma 5:2).

"For Zion must increase in beauty, and in holiness; her borders must be enlarged; her stakes must be strengthened; yea, verily I say unto you, Zion must arise and put on her beautiful garments" (D&C 82:14). 

Let's imagine that we are Zion, even the "pure in heart" (Zion). In order for Zion to increase in beauty we must not focus on what the world thinks is beautiful. Our focus must be on the "beauty of the Lord" (Psalms 27:4), which is the "beauty of holiness" (Psalms 29:2, see also 1 Chronicles 16:29).

As Zion, our borders must be enlarged. Our desire to follow God and keep His commandments increases as we seek to know and love Him more through obedience. He blesses us, in that we "have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually" (Mosiah 5:2). From my own experience I can say that our "stakes", those elements which hold us steady and strong when the winds come, are strengthened when I have turned my heart to God. He helps me "arise" and put on the beautiful garments of Zion. The "beautiful garments" are symbols of  covenants. When we make and keep sacred covenants He expands our abilities to do good, to be diligent, to do all that the Father asks us to do (see 1 Nephi 3:7).

I have to share this thought from Elder Richard G. Scott. I love his honesty about being enlarged. It is not easy, yet it will be worth all the pain and effort that comes from such soul expanding experiences:

"To exercise faith is to trust that the Lord knows what He is doing with you and that He can accomplish it for your eternal good even though you cannot understand how He can possibly do it. We are like infants in our understanding of eternal matters and their impact on us here in mortality. Yet at times we act as if we knew it all. When you pass through trials for His purposes, as you trust Him, exercise faith in Him, He will help you. That support will generally come step by step, a portion at a time. While you are passing through each phase, the pain and difficulty that comes from being enlarged will continue. If all matters were immediately resolved at your petition, you could not grow. Your Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son love you perfectly. They would not require you to experience a moment more of difficulty than is absolutely needed for your personal benefit or for that of those you love" (Trust in the Lord italics added). 

I know that trusting in the Lord is another way that God expands our souls, and enlarges the borders of Zion, even our borders. True beauty comes as we "worship the Lord in the beauty of  holiness" (1 Chronicles 16:29 see also Exodus 28:36). This I testify.

I love going to the temple. For me, it is a soul expanding experience

Trusting in the Lord and growth come when we enter in and keep sacred covenants

Let the beauty of holiness increase and expand your soul

"...their souls did expand..." (Alma 5:9)

Over the past two years, due to the challenge of not being able to exercise much, I have been open to learning a lot more about expanding, or enlarging. Now, this is not something that I have particularly sought after...in fact, it has sometimes been quite obnoxious due to the enormity of the consequences of the craving to eat more and the ability to exercise less. Regardless of the size of things (all puns intended), I have come to learn that there are several blessings which come with enlarging, or expanding, but they don't necessarily affect the waistline. Over the next couple of days I will post some of my thoughts about the topic of expanding and enlarging.

This first insight comes from Alma the younger as he teaches us about examining ourselves in order to be filled with the love and peace of God.

"And again I ask, were the bands of death broken, and the chains of hell which encircled them about, were they loosed? I say unto you, Yea, they were loosed, and their souls did expand, and they did sing redeeming love. And I say unto you that they were saved" (Alma 5:9 italics added).

I love the phrase, "and their souls did expand". Imagine having your soul, your spirit and body expand, enlarge and get bigger, as it is filled with the redeeming love of Jesus Christ. This literally changes your heart (see Alma 5:7,12-14,26).

The expansion of our souls comes after the chains of death are loosed. Christ loosens the chains of death through the power of His resurrection. And He loosens the chains of hell when we turn to Him through the means of repentance and grace (see Alma 5:7,9-10).

Ponder how you are able to expand and get larger spiritually when you turn your heart and thoughts to Christ. He says, "Learn of me, listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and ye shall have peace in me" (D&C 19:23). Nowadays, peace is a commodity that is priceless! It's definitely worth the time to learn of Him and listen to Him.

We expand when we are no longer controlled by fear, but are free to move and live because we are filled with faith (see 2 Tim. 1:7). I have experienced this expansion of faith in Christ in my own life. It is an incredible power that is soul expanding. This kind of enlargement is one that I actually seek for and desire on a daily basis. This is a great description of what I have felt: "...for ye know that the word hath swelled your souls, and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your understanding doth begin to be enlightened, and your mind doth begin to expand" (Alma 32:34). Just ponder that kind of expansion. (It's "weigh" better than a triple chin (pun and understatement intended).)

Go ahead, gain some "weight" (see D&C 63:66), it really is soul expanding.

My expanding triple chins...worth every soul expanding that occurs.

P.S. Please excuse my puniness as I am very tired and exhausted from the events that life has brought to me. I know that in the long run, it is all for my good.

"...fight the good fight..." (1 Timothy 6:12)

As a parent I sometimes wonder if I am doing enough, if I have taught my children well enough, have I protected them and given them the tools they need to "fight the good fight" (1 Tim. 6:12)? How do I help my child when they are in "crisis" (see Alma 34:34)? I needed answers. And this is what I received. I hope it is of some help for you.

"...king Mosiah having gone the way of all the earth, having warred a good warfare, walking uprightly before God, leaving none to reign in his stead; nevertheless he had established laws, and they were acknowledged by the people; therefore they were obliged to abide by the laws which he had made." (Alma 1:1).

I love the phrase, "having warred a good warfare". As a parent, I think we are warring a good warfare. Warfare is the activity of fighting a war or strongly competing, especially with reference to the type of weapons used or to the way the fighting is done" (warfare). Spiritual warfare is real and incredibly difficult to fight. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12). That's the description of the enemy wherein we are warring against. This is no kitten, but rather "the dragon" (see JST, Revelations 12:6-7) in which we are battling.

As parents, I believe we keep fighting for our children, no matter how old they get. I have noticed that I tend to parent out of fear and not love, which is not the best way to war a good warfare, when things get stressful. I must remember, "God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Tim. 1:7). Rather than let fear lead us, we can don the "whole armour of God", which includes: "having our loins girt about with truth", "the breastplate of righteousness", shodding our feet "with the preparation of the gospel of peace", "the shield of faith", "the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:13-17). That is some awesome armor! I would even venture to say it is more powerful and protective than anything Ironman would claim he owned if he actually existed.

King Mosiah also lived what he preached. He "[walked] uprightly before God" (Alma 1:1). To be "upright" is to be "strictly honorable or honest" (upright). Our children need to know where they can turn to understand and learn truth. "We believe in being honest" (Article of Faith 1:13). There is no fear in living an honest life. But I know there is great fear that comes when we lie, cheat, or live beneath any truth we know ourselves.

One more thing I learned from Mosiah about being a good parent is to not be afraid of setting limits or making rules: ..."he had established laws, and they were acknowledged by the people; therefore they were obliged to abide by the laws which he had made" (Alma 1:1). When our children know what our expectations are then they can abide by them. It's when there are no clear rules or "laws" in our homes that can cause friction and contention. Be confident in living that which is right, "for they that be with us are more than they that be with them" (2 Kings 6:16). God is on our side!

Parenting is one of the greatest challenges that we will ever experience, if not the greatest, even beyond epic. I know that the teenagers of this time are truly exceptional. They are "glorious sons and daughters of almighty God" (Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf), just like their parents. You and I can "fight the good fight" because our children are worth every single battle. This I testify.

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).

Without going into any details, let me just say that this week has been more than I have been able to comprehend in a lot of ways. Yes, it has been a trial, a burden if you will. Yet, I have felt that my burden has been made lighter by so many kind, good, humble, diligent, faith-filled people . I know that God has heard my supplication, even my request for help from Him (see supplication).  To me, I know that God has sent angels to lift my burden and make it lighter (see Mosiah 18:8), most of whom have no idea they have even done this lifting.

I love these verses: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

One of the reasons I love this is it reminds me to not worry and "don't be unduly concerned about anything" (Phil. 4:6a). I'm working on not letting my runaway thinking of the "what if's" take over; but rather to "meditate upon these things;  [to] give [myself] wholly to them; that [my] profiting may appear to all" (1 Tim. 4:15). Meditating and pondering on the things of God helps me to calm my heart, clear my mind of fear, and focus on His power to guide and comfort me (see ponder). Meditation is a gift of calm and quieting the heart. I highly recommend it.

Another reason I love this verse is because of the advice to pray and supplicate the Lord with thanksgiving. Offering thanks has been a great blessing to me, especially in times it seems when all I see is "through a glass darkly" (1 Corinthians 13:12). Praying with thanksgiving is very humbling when I am in what seems to be a dark abyss. It helps me see the truth and reality that I am in a world filled with light and peace (see Luke 1:79). Giving thanks is a reminder that indeed, "I have been given much" and therefore, "much is required" (D&C 82:3; see also Luke 12:48).

I can testify of the truth of the words, "The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." When I petition, and supplicate the Lord for His help, I must be open to receive this gift, "even peace in this world" (D&C 59:23). His peace does pass all understanding as I keep my focus on Christ, letting go of fear, and trusting Him that all things shall work together for my good (see D&C 98:3; D&C 100:15; Romans 8:28). It's not easy. But it's the "good way" of going through the tough stuff  "therein, and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Jeremiah 6:16). This I testify. 

Christ makes it possible for me to see through the dark, for light is always brighter. 

"...he trieth their patience and their faith." (Mosiah 23:21)

I need to just share a quick thought about this one verse- (please forgive me for my mistakes and/or misspellings, it is very late but needs to be done). "Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith" (Mosiah 23:21). The fact that the Lord deems it appropriate to try our faith and our patience at the same time says a lot about us and our development. When we exercise faith in Jesus Christ we are not only saying that we believe He knows what we need to learn and develop, but also the when. 

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "...patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because or our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can- working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude (courage in pain or adversity), even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!" (Continue in Patience).

I know we all have challenges that keep us from getting what we want in the timing we want. It's not easy being patient. So, I have had to ask myself what keeps me from being patient? When I take a step back I often find it is simply pride and selfishness. Pride because I think I know exactly what I "need" and that I believe it is good for me. And selfishness because I can't wait calmly and with dignity. Rather, I want to make everyone either aware of how miserable I am or make everyone as miserable as I am. That's pretty dang selfish.

Gratefully, God is aware of this "natural man" part of us (see Mosiah 3:19) and He helps us even when we are weak. He makes our burdens lighter, He makes them bearable. He says, "I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage". Why does He do this? He continues: "and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions" (Mosiah 24:14). When we are patient, He eases our burdens, which in turn increases our faith in Him. And then makes us able to "bear up [our] burdens with ease" (Mosiah 24:15), giving us more patience, and leading us again to increase our faith. In all of this cycle, He visits us and helps us carry our burdens (see Matt. 11:30)

I know that God has His reasons for trying our faith and our patience. I also know He gives us the strength to endure well- submitting "cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord" (Mosiah 24:15; see also Mosiah 3:19). You can do this! This is I testify.

I get to "hangout" with my mom a couple of times a week as she is on hospice.

I am so grateful for her example of faith and patience.