"...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."

"...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

"I can do all things through Christ which stengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13)

This morning started out rough. My foot hasn't been so kind when I wake up lately (info about my foot can be read here). I started to feel sorry for myself. (not a great idea- I don't recommend it). So, I had to change my thinking. I put on some music that had lifted my spirits in the past (Scripture Lullabies). It did the same for me this time. The scriptures and the words of Christ filled me and comforted me. It is really powerful what pondering and thinking about the words of Christ does. It changes my heart. It cheers me up. It lifts me and comforts me. Here are just a few words that have really made a difference for me.

"Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God" (D&C 101:16 see also Psalms 46:10). The words: "be still and know that I am God" are powerful. To be still is to be calm, subdued, free from commotion, peaceful. I love taking time each day to "be still". Sometimes, it is just a moment, but that stillness fills me with His peace. And as it does, I am able to keep trying, keep loving, and I trust God- that everything will work out.

Which leads me to the next words: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5). "Trust in the Lord" is setting aside my worry and then knowing that everything works out for the good (see D&C 90:24; Romans 8:28). I can't focus on whether or not this is a permanent condition or if I will be able to ever hike or bike again. I must set it aside, let that worry go and trust in the Lord. When I do this, that's when the pain leaves me and I can go about my day (even if it is only walking to the couch on a bad day).

And the next words are: "I can do all things through Christ which stengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). When I focus on the power given to me through Christ, I am strengthened in so many ways. I have courage to endure. I have the strength to serve in small ways, and be grateful that I can. I am able to have the strength to change and grow in ways I hadn't thought possible. It's pretty awesome when I have the strength to do all things because of Christ. For me, "all things" is not always what man thinks is important. "All things" has a very different meaning than what the world would think. How have you been strengthened?

The last words I will share today are: "...Go and do..." (1 Nephi 3:7). I find these to be such important words. Sometimes I am feeling so sorry for myself that I don't go and do those things that will help me get stronger physically and spiritually. But to "go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded" becomes easy when I put my trust in Him and know that in Him, I can do all things. And part of doing all things is the going part. GO. Go and do good. It feels so good. This I testify.

The other day I got to spend time with my son waiting at the doctors office. Love this boy!

I love that he will be goofy with me and is so kind and patient with me.

I got to make a flourless chocolate cake...now that was one delicious cake...chocolate pretty much always helps (haha).

Principles that apply in weaving and in life..."Wisdom and order" (Mosiah 4:27)

So, I set some goals this year for learning some more basketry techniques. (Basketry is more sculptural and "artistic" than basket making...either way, I love to weave.) And I just completed my first basket that I made following the pattern/tutorial from a book that was written by Kari Lonning, an amazing contemporary basketry artist. I decided I needed to refine my technique and really learn/perfect certain forms of weaving. This is all good stuff, except for the fact that I am a perfectionist and have a really hard time seeing the good in what I do or accomplish- and not just in weaving (that's not so good.) As I am improving my ability to weave, I am also learning that many gospel principles apply to everything in life- even weaving.

Here are 4 things that I am trying to work on and apply in my weaving...and in my daily life.

1) Ask! "...Ye are commanded in all things to ask of God" (D&C 46:7)- this includes learning a new skill, understanding new things, learning His ways. Ask God for help. One of my favorite scriptures is D&C 88:118 "And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith". I feel like this scripture not only applies to learning about God, His Church, and His ways, but also about learning all truth. There are ways of getting better at developing our talents, and God knows all of those ways. "Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he may hear" (D&C 136:32). As I ask, He will guide my understanding, knowledge, and how to improve in all things. I have learned this for myself. It works!

2) Keep Trying! Sometimes I expect myself to know things perfectly that perhaps I have heard, read, or learned repeatedly over the years, yet, I still make mistakes. I must remember to keep trying. We get to learn "line upon line" (D&C 98:12), a little at a time and over and over. We get to learn things in wisdom and order, which is essential. "And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order" (Mosiah 4:27). This has so many applications in life, and in weaving. As we keep trying and learning in wisdom and order, we will improve and get better at the things we desire most. It's totally worth the effort, especially when we don't run (or expect to perform) faster than we we are able. It will come. Keep trying. It's totally worth the effort.

3) Patience! The scripture in Matthew "Be ye therefore perfect" (Matt. 5:48) is not about being perfect now. Footnote b gives more insight to the meaning of 'perfect'. It says, "complete, finished, fully developed". I am learning and need to practice patience with myself, just as I would my own children because my weaving skills aren't fully developed, finished, or complete. I'm in the developmental stages, just like I am in many things. It takes time to develop new skills, change bad habits, or even learn to be open to the whisperings of the Spirit. So, while I learn these skills, I also get to practice patience. It's a double blessing.

 4) One last thing: Have fun! "Men are that they might have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25). And on those days that might not go as planned, or didn't meet your expectations, follow this advice: "If thou art sorrowful, call on the Lord thy God with supplication, that you souls may be joyful" (D&C 136:29). Now that is great advice.

Now- "Go and do" (see 1 Nephi 3:7) ...and have fun will doing all of it! It's worth the effort. This I testify.

The beginning of the basket..."wisdom and order" for sure!

The completed basket...not perfect, but I learned a ton of things! 

A view from the top...remember- Have Fun!

"Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do" (2 Nephi 32:3)

My awesome husband had asked me for several weeks to remember to turn the cold water off in our shower so it wouldn't drip. I kept forgetting. I finally asked him to leave me a note. This is what he left me:

My husband loves me and leaves me little notes...

It is a simple way to help me remember to turn off the cold water "a little more" after showering. I have learned that even though the note is right in front of my face on the mirror, unless I take the time to read it, I don't remember to do it.

I need "notes" to help me remember to do small things that make life better, to accomplish tasks, or to help my children (just to name a few items of which I need help remembering). I am always telling my family, "Leave me a note or I won't remember".

As I was looking at the various notes I have stuck everywhere from my children and my husband to help me remember things I need to do, I realized that God leaves me little notes, too. The trick is, I must read them. These little notes from God are throughout the scriptures. I love getting notes from God. Here are just a few of the notes that have come to mean a lot to me:

" For the natural man is an enemy to God...unless he yields to the enticings of the holy Spirit..." (Mosiah 3:19)

"If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15)

"For with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37)

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27)

"Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not" (D&C 6:36) 

"...by small and simple things are great things brought to pass..." (Alma 37:6)

"If ye are prepared ye shall not fear" (D&C 38:30) 

"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great" (D&C 64:33)

We all need help remembering, but to be reminded with a note only helps if we read the note. I think Nephi said it pretty well: "Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do" (2 Nephi 32:3). God is talking to us, we just need to read His words and then "go and do" (1 Nephi 3:7). This I testify.

"...They that are wise and have received the truth, ...have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide..." (D&C 45:57)

I just put some banana bread in the oven, turned around and saw that my microwave was blinking at me with the message, "enjoy your meal". It hit me...I had forgotten to put the butter in the bread. There will be no oil in this bread. This led me to thinking about the importance of oil and how we must put oil in our food to make it not only taste good, but there must be some oil in our foods to keep us healthy. The Lord does exactly the same thing with our spirit.  He wants us to get oil for our spirit. What exactly is this oil?

Oil is used a lot in the scriptures. "Usually olive oil is meant when oil is mentioned in the scriptures. From Old Testament times, olive oil has been used for temple and tabernacle rites, for anointings, for burning in lamps, and for food. Olive oil is sometimes a symbol for purity and for the Holy Spirit and its influence" (Guide to the Scriptures). We need to remember to add the oil of the Spirit to our lives daily, sometimes minute to minute.

Christ teaches us this beautiful principle of taking the Spirit as our guide in a parable of the Ten Virgins found in Matthew 25:1-13. The ten virgins are waiting for the bridegroom with their lamps. "And five of them were wise, and five were foolish" (Matthew 25:2). Why were they foolish and why were they considered wise? Because the "foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps" (Matthew 25:3-4). We have been blessed to learn through modern revelation what the oil means. In the Doctrine and Covenants we are taught that "they that are wise and have received the truth, ...have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived" (D&C 45:57). We must take the Holy Spirit as our guide every day. We must remember on the bad days as well as the good days. The more we practice listening and doing, the more we are filled with this oil and we will have enough light to guide us when the dark comes.

The light by which wise women and men "heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them" (Matthew 7:24) is the Light of the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, or Holy Ghost. We get to choose every day whether or not we will follow the light that is given to us, if we will actually "hear and do". Notice, it is not just hearing the word, but we must also act on the word that makes us wise. The more we follow or act in this Light, the more oil -or Spirit and truth is given to us and our lamp is filled. "For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ. And the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit" (D&C 84:45-46).

We can be wise women and men who remember the oil for our lamps, the very vessels of our souls. We can be filled with light and truth as we "fear not...[and] go and do" (1 Kings 17:13) "...the things 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). As we listen and do, the way will be lightened...by the Holy Ghost. This I testify.