"...I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up" (D&C 84:88)

Riding around Bear Lake has become somewhat of a tradition for my dad, my brother David, my brother-in-law Kevin, and the past two years has increased with my nephew Garrett, and this year two of my sons- Stockton and Ethan. Often we ride fast, and there is a bit of a competitive edge about doing it to see how fast one can finish the ride. But this year was a little different in that my son Ethan has absolutely no desire to go fast. He goes at his own pace. I stayed behind him, and for the first 15 miles thought he may turn around because everyone had gone ahead of us. We caught up with them, they started again and passed us, with the exception of my brother David (therefore Ethan's Uncle). He stayed with us. He told Ethan, "Riding is suppose to be fun. You go at your own pace. Especially with this being your first ride, don't worry about how fast you're going. I will even ride back to the cabin with you if needed". With these words of encouragement, Ethan settled in and kept pumping away, slow and steady.

This was a ride in the true sense of the word. It was not a contest, but a ride. All too often in life the competitive side of our natural man comes charging in and wants to take control, or be the best, fastest, better than, or greater than all other participants when in reality, it's a ride...not a competition and there is no need to contend for one's place or position while on a ride. When David told Ethan to "enjoy the ride" I couldn't help think of this scripture: "Adam fell that men might be; men are, that they might have joy" (2 Nephi  2:25). The joy comes in the journey!

I had started out on this ride expecting to ride fast, keep up with everyone, and be back in time for lunch. Well, it turned out to be different and in the long run (or ride in this case), one that will stand out in my mind forever. It was an incredible experience to watch my son continue pedaling hour after hour, enduring the heat, and receiving encouragement from his Uncle David. Pres. Monson says it so beautifully about enjoying the journey now: "This is our one and only chance at mortal life- here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey- now" (Finding Joy in the Journey).

On that ride I learned so many subtle, but powerful lessons and the ride ended up being one of incredible joy. While seeing my son Ethan with his Uncle David encouraging him and patiently riding beside him, I understood more clearly that the Savior will always be there for us. He says, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you" (John 14:18). There are so many times when we think we are on our own, and yet he will always be there to comfort and guide us on our life's journey.  We are told, "...I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up" (D&C 84:88). Most often, the angels beside us are our family members, friends, and people we associate with on a regular basis. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland teaches us this about angels:

"But when we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with-here, now, every day. Some of them reside in our neighborhoods. Some of them gave birth to us, and in my case, one of them consented to marry me. Indeed heaven never seems close than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind" (The ministry of Angels).

This ride called life is meant to be enjoyed, and yes, endured well. As a mother who witnessed a miracle of her son finishing the longest ride he had attempted (the longest he had ridden was 4 miles prior to attempting this 50 mile ride), I testify that we are never alone, we will never be left comfortless (see John 14:18), and there will be angels in our lives to "bear [us] up".

Riding behind Ethan and David

We did it! Ethan, David, and me. It was a journey of great joy :)

P.S. Know you are loved!

"Wilt thou not place a stumbling block in my way- but that thou wouldst clear my way before me" (2 Nephi 4:33)

On my trike ride I had the most random, small thing happen that stopped me dead in my tracks. While pedaling through a sprinkler I heard a "Bing" sound and then my pedals stuck. I couldn't pedal forward or even roll them backwards. We stopped, my brother David and I, to check it out and see what the problem was. We saw that a part on my trike that keeps the chain tracking was catching and making it impossible to pedal. After fiddling around a bit and realizing that we couldn't fix it, I called my husband to come and pick me up. I told David to keep going and enjoy his ride. When Jeff (my awesome knight in shining armour) showed up he asked if I wanted him to check it out so I could keep riding. Well, I was done. I had only gone 12 miles in 2 hours...very frustrating. When we arrived home he looked at my trike. We tried a couple of things, and then on closer inspection, Jeff saw a pebble lodged in the part that tracks the chain. It was the pebble that was stopping my progress!

As I have thought about this I realize how often I let little pebbles impede my progress. Sometimes they end up being "stumbling blocks" and I just keep tripping over and over, probably because I don't want to admit they are a problem, they are only "pebbles" after all. There are times that I cry as Nephi, "O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robes of thy righteousness! O Lord, wilt thou make a way for mine escape before mine enemies! Wilt thou make my path straight before me! Wilt thou not place a stumbling block in my way- but that thou wouldst clear my way before me, and hedge not up my way, but the ways of mine enemy" (2 Nephi 4:33).

Sometimes, we just need a different perspective to see the small pebble that is stopping our forward progression and growth. Elder Neal A. Maxwell said, "...let us inquire about our individual stumbling blocks, 'Lord, is it this?' We may have known the answer for a long time and may need resolve more than His response" (Consecrate Thy Performance). We may need the resolve to keep trying, keep seeking, keep pedaling, for He knows all (see Mosiah 4:9-10). I love how Elder Holland states this: "Our fundamental requirement is to have faith in Him and follow Him- always. When He bids us to walk in His way and by His light, it is because He has walked this way before us, and He has made it safe for our own travel here. He knows where the sharp stones and stumbling blocks lie hidden and where thorns and thistles are the most severe. He know where the path is perilous, and He knows which way to go when the road forks and nightfall comes" (He Hath Filled the Hungry with Good Things).

Once the small pebble was spotted and removed I can now pedal and ride again. It is such a great feeling to have this freedom. We are taught that if we "...shall hearken unto the Lamb of God ...then He shall manifest Himself unto [us] in word, and also in power, in very deed, unto the taking away of [our] stumbling blocks-" (1 Nephi 14:1). When the stumbling blocks, or in some cases small pebbles, are removed we will make progress, we are free to move forward, we can keep riding and enjoy the Good Life. This I testify.

"Forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34)

I was riding my trike inside some work cones up a hill and approaching a green light. I knew there was traffic to my left. I was cruising along pretty well and entered the intersection when a small, blue, beater car turned right in front of me, just missing me. I sat up straight in my seat and raised my right arm and shook my fist at the driver as he sped away. My arm hurt so badly-I had just reacted and forgetting that I can't raise my arm that high yet without pain. (I was reminded pretty quickly...) I was pretty ticked-off as I headed down the other side of the hill. Then, I thought, "Hey, Jennifer, you didn't flip them off! And you didn't cuss at them!" I felt so much better. And then another thought entered my mind, "Forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). That thought has changed my perspective about a lot of things.

This one little thought has made a difference in my reaction lately, and hopefully it will be a long term effect. Now, when someone cuts me off while riding or even driving, I think, "Forgive them, for they know not what they do". When someone says something that is rude, or offensive, I think, "Forgive them, for they know not what they do". When my children don't do what I expect or are disrespectful, I think, "Forgive them, for they know not what they do". As I have done this I have noticed that I am able to respond in a more calm and kind manner rather than reacting with anger, frustration, or even rudeness back.

Pondering the words from President James E. Faust (1920-2007) has made me wonder if keeping this statement in my heart will have long term effects. He says: "We need to recognize and acknowledge angry feelings (which I definitely had when the little, blue, beater car nearly hit me). It will take humility to do this, but if we will get on our knees and ask Heavenly Father for a feeling of forgiveness, He will help us. The Lord requires us "to forgive all men" for our own good because "hatred retards spiritual growth" (The Healing Power of the Atonement). To forgive others "is a divine attribute" (Forgiveness).

Keep moving forward, keep forgiving. I can tell you my ride was so much better after I had that thought, "Forgive them, for they know not what they do". And my days have been better since I have continued to ponder it. Life is good. And forgiving makes it even better. This I testify.

"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst" (John 4:14)

While riding my trike last week up a steep hill it was later in the day, close to 7pm, with the temperature still in the 90's. I got to the top and took a swig of water from one of my two water bottles. I steadily pedaled as I spotted a runner sitting on the curb not far from me. His head was down, but not looking at his phone or anything really. As I passed him I yelled out, "Everything okay"? There was no response. I decide to turn around, thinking that I am being overly concerned for nothing. As I approached him I ask again, "Is everything alright"? He says, "No. I am really dehydrated and have run too far and I have no water. I feel really sick". I said, "Would you like some water? I have a second water bottle that I haven't used yet." He gladly took it from me. I ended up hanging out with him for about 25 minutes, sharing some sports beans with him, and chatting until his friend arrived to give him a ride home. His name was Bryce. As Bryce stood to get into his friends car he reached out to hand my bottle back. "No," I said, "you keep it. Use it. I'm glad I could help". He was incredibly appreciative.

I rode away full of energy and a heart full of happiness. As I did so, I thought of how often I have gone too far without drinking or even sharing the water I have... meaning, the real water that will quench all thirst. Christ said to the Samaritan woman at the well, "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life" (John 4:14 (6-15)). Christ isn't just handing out a bottle of water to be handed back after we take a swig or two. No, He is giving us, as we keep His commandments, "a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life" (D&C 63:23).

H. David Burton, the Presiding Bishop at the time, said this of living water: "It is this living water, freely offered by Jesus Christ, that we all seek to quench our own spiritual thirst and that is critically needed to end the gospel drought that continues to plague mankind. As His disciples, we are the primary distribution system for delivering the living water from its everlasting source to His cherished children in need. We largely determine who will receive the water as we, by our service, control the irrigation system headgates. We preserve the purity of the water as we reflect to the world the value of the living water in our own lives. If we irrigate when the living water is required, rather than when it is convenient for us, we determine its vitality. It is only the living water of Jesus Christ that can and will bring a happy, successful, and everlasting life to the children of men" (The Living Water of Jesus Christ).

Water is beautifully symbolic. It is "a symbol of the Lord Jesus Christ and His teachings. As water is essential to sustain physical life, the Savior and His teachings (living water) are essential for eternal life" (The Guide to the Scriptures/ Living water). The interesting thing about drinking is that we can be offered water, but it is up to us to drink, both physically and spiritually. "Yea, if they will come, they may, and partake of the waters of life freely" (D&C 10:66). We get to choose whether or not we want to partake, or to offer water to others around us through small acts of kindness, service, and sometimes great sacrifice. When we receive this water, the Living Water of Jesus Christ, "with joy shall [we] draw water out of the wells of salvation" (Isaiah 12:3). It feels so good to drink! It feels even better when I have enough and to share. For with Christ, I testify, we "shall never thirst" (John 4:14) and we will have plenty to offer to others.

Christ with the Samaritan Woman at the Well by Simon Dewey

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

I mentioned that I have been going to physical therapy (read here). I now go twice a week. It is so painful at times and yet I know I need to the help to be stretched and strengthened. My physical therapist, George Shirley, the owner of Fast Track Physical Therapy, knows exactly what he is doing. He has a masters degree in athletic training and a doctorate in physical therapy. He is smart, kind, funny, honest and encouraging. It is so nice to be able to trust in his ability to help me get my full range of motion back. I really have to trust him. He will hold my arm and I must completely relax it in order for him to stretch it and move it so that I can get improved range of motion. Trust in George's knowledge and ability is paramount especially when he stretches my arm and it hurts- not sharp pain, but the kind of pain I know will give me improved movement and stability. I have to trust that he knows how much weight I should add or what exercises I should be doing on my own so that progression will take place...even when there is pain. I must "trust and then go and do" (see Trust in the Lord, Then Go and Do).

Of course doing physical therapy twice a week has led me to pondering about trust, trusting in the Lord to guide us and lead us along, even when it's painful. He knows exactly how far to stretch and push us so that we will get stronger. He knows how much weight we can bare. "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). Just as I must trust George to stretch my arm just the right amount and not too much, we must also trust the Lord that He will stretch us and give us the right load to bare so that we may become stronger. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). We become stronger with the help of Christ! Even when there is pain, we increase in strength, ability to reach, and range of motion- both literally and symbolically.

Me with my PT- George Shirley

Elder Henry B. Eyring said this about trusting in the Lord: "You show your trust in Him when you listen with the intent to learn and repent and then you go and do whatever He asks. If you trust God enough to listen for His message in every sermon, song, and prayer...you will find it. And if you then go and do what He would have you do, your power to trust Him will grow, and in time you will be overwhelmed with gratitude to find that He has come to trust you". (Trust in the Lord, Then Go and Do). 

As we "trust in the Lord" with all our hearts, he will strengthen us and shall receive "full range of motion". "For with God nothing shall is impossible" (Luke 1:37).

I can lift my arm! Each time I go, trust George, endure, and do the exercises on my own I can raise them higher each time!

Here a just a couple of scriptures that come to mind on this topic that may aide you in your own study of trusting in the Lord:

"Blessed are they that put their trust in Him" (Ps. 2:12)

"The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high power" (Ps. 18:2).

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation" (2 Nephi 22:2; Isaiah 12:2). 

"God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect" (2 Samuel 22:33)

"But behold, he did deliver them because they did humble themselves before him; and because they cried mightily unto him he did deliver them out of bondage; and thus doth the Lord work with his power in all cases among the children of men, extending the arm of mercy towards them that put their trust in him" (Mosiah 29:20).

Know you are loved!!!