Be Not Entangled

Hello Sisters!

This last week, I took my kids to the river to play.  I joined them for a little bit, and then watched them along the river bank.  While I sat there, I noticed some huge spider webs spun between the tree trunks next to me.  

I must confess, I'm not very keen on spiders, but I was mesmerized as I watched a small ant that had fallen into the web.  He dangled from a strand for about one second.  The huge spider sat watching a waiting in it's lair, but he immediately rushed to it, snatched it, and took it right back into it's lair.

I'm not sure what the little ant was doing up in the tree near the web in the first place, but I was reminded of this experience as Sis. Herbert read Galatians 5:1 during the lesson on Obedience on Sunday.

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

"True freedom lies in obedience to the councils of God." (Proverbs 6:23)

I really believe that.  I think that Satan truly wants to drag us down.  We have to keep the commandments and watch ourselves.

3 Nehpi 18:18-20

Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in my name; And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.

Don't forget that nasty spider waiting in the wings.  Find freedom in obedience. Smile, and keep the Holy Ghost near you!

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Hope you have a wonderful week!

Sincerely,

Lydia

Stay on the Path

Hello Dear Sisters!

Isn’t summer wonderful!  I hope you are enjoying the sunshine and making happy family memories.

Speaking of memories, I can remember a summer as a young teenage girl when I got to spend a week with my grandparents in Salt Lake City.  It was really fun for me to have that one on one time.  I had just gotten my license and my Grandpa let me drive while he took me home to Idaho.  I think I was reminded of this drive, because Doug and I just made it as we dropped our kids off for a few days with Grandparents.  One part of that drive with Grandpa really stuck with me.  I can remember we had just made it over the Malad pass and could see the valley below, but in the far distance, we could see a billowing cloud and a wall of gray.  
​We continued on our course, singing silly songs and talking together, but we noticed the wall getting closer and closer.  It was confusing because it was such a lovely, sunny day, and everything seemed fine.  As we got a little closer we could see it was a very thick wall of rain.  As a new driver, I was a little nervous.  My wise Grandpa suggested that I pull off to the side of the highway.  I did so just in time.  The wall hit with intense force.  Hail, wind, and rain pounded the car and impaired the view.  The intense storm blew over pretty quickly, and it was almost surreal the way it returned to a lovely sunny day again.  I’m not sure what would have happened if I hadn’t heeded my Grandpa’s wise council to pull over.  I think it would have been very easy to lose control of the car and drive off the road.

We have a wise prophet that has a very clear view of what lies ahead.  He is experienced and in-tune, and he and his apostles issue warnings and give wise council regularly.  If we are not careful to heed this council, our view may become impaired and we could very easily drive of the path.

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I would encourage all of us to listen to and obey our prophet’s council.  He recently asked us to read the scriptures every day.  Here are his words:

This morning I speak about the power of the Book of Mormon and the critical need we have as members of this Church to study, ponder, and apply its teachings in our lives. The importance of having a firm and sure testimony of the Book of Mormon cannot be overstated.

We live in a time of great trouble and wickedness. What will protect us from the sin and evil so prevalent in the world today? I maintain that a strong testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of His gospel will help see us through to safety. If you are not reading the Book of Mormon each day, please do so. If you will read it prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you. If it is true—and I solemnly testify that it is—then Joseph Smith was a prophet who saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Isn’t that perfect council?  It’s simple, but so important.  Read your scriptures every day and follow the prophet!

I hope you have a lovely week!  Stay on the path.

Sincerely,

Lydia

"By the Voice of My Servant"

Dear Sisters,

Hope this letter finds you warm and happy during this wonderful time of year.

I was grateful to be able to attend Stake Conference today.  I thought it might be helpful to recap a few of the topics mentioned.  I can’t remember all the names exactly, but here were a couple things that stuck out to me:

Youth Speakers – Message of light regarding the “Light the World” campaign.  I loved how the brother mentioned how every definition of “light” could apply. (Gives sight or makes things visible, gives understanding, easy to lift, and delicate or gentle—the Savior does all of these things for us.)

Mission President and Wife – Shared conversion experiences and how accepting and patient people had been.  She encouraged us to continue to “Be good examples” but to go a step further and invite people to church or tell people about our religion.  He had the Elders share a first discussion focused on Christ and the plan of happiness.

President Tuck – Shared an experience from his youth when he was waiting in the car for his mom to get off work, and he decided to take the car for a spin in the snow and got it stuck.  He tried everything he could, but couldn’t get out.  It was dark and he needed to get back.  He prayed and the moment he said “amen” a car showed up and helped him out.  He was able to make it back just in time.  He testified of how he felt God’s love and awareness of him, and testified he cares and is aware of all of us, even when we make mistakes.

Elder Randal – Beautiful talk on how simple missionary work is.  We make it too hard, and we as members really need to be working better with the missionaries.  It comes down to 1. Praying for missionary opportunities. 2. Using “Mormon language” in our everyday conversations with people.  3. Inviting people to church and activities.  He also testified of the blessings that come from paying tithing.  Those things that work against us will be thwarted.  He used the example of a decrease in doctor bills or car problems, things that use up our resources.  We will find great blessings as we pay our tithing.  He also encouraged us to set a goal to work on a Christ-like attribute each year.

I know I didn’t capture everything.  There were also some sweet testimonies shared, but I was just thinking how important it is for us to listen to and ponder on these messages.  I know the tabernacle is large, but I’m amazed at how many empty seats there are at stake conferences.  The whole building should be full to overflowing.  I think of how far people travel in other countries to hear from their church leaders.  My brother and his family in Michigan have to travel over two hours to go to stake conference.  

I don’t want to send anyone on a guilt trip, but I do hope that when an opportunity presents itself to hear a servant of the Lord speak, that you will prepare and prioritize to hear the message the Lord has for you.  If we want more light, we have to make room for it in our heart.  I testify that blessings will come as you make a sacrifice to attend and listen.  (This “opportunity” could be sacrament meeting this coming Sunday… just sayin’.) ;)

D&C 1:38

What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

I'm praying for you sisters.  I love you dearly, and desire for your faith in Christ to be growing ever firmer.

Merry Christmas!

Lydia

Light the World

Dear Sisters,

Merry Christmas!  It feels good to say that.  This is such a wonderful time of year!  I have to share a cute story that made me smile.  

On Monday, the first day of snow this year, I thought it would be funny to pretend that I didn’t know what snow was with my 1^st and 2^nd graders.  First thing in the morning, I gathered them and told them something really weird had happened in the night that I needed to talk to them about.  I described it, and before I could even finish, they were all telling me it was SNOW! They were appalled that I wouldn’t know what that was.  I said, “Well, I can’t figure it out.  It’s cold and wet and making everything so white.  Why is it there?!”  One little boy raised his hand and blurted out, “It’s there because of Baby Jesus, Mrs. Stewart!”  From the mouth of babes.  Even these little ones understand the reason for the season. J

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Speaking of little ones, I just want to share a simple experience about the importance of our examples.  Last Sunday, we were fortunate to hear some great talks from some of the young men in our ward.  Gavin Irwin talked about gratitude and made a cute little list of things he was grateful for using the alphabet.  A couple nights later, I went in to tuck my boys in, and clearly interrupted them, as they said, “Oh man, Mom!  Not yet!  We never make it all the way through!”  I asked, “All the way through what?”  “All the way through the alphabet with things we are grateful for, like that Irwin boy.”  I never would have guess my boys were listening at all during sacrament, but I was so happy to find that they found a good role model to follow.  I listened as they finished taking turns with each letter.  I am grateful for those young men for setting a good example.

Sisters, the Savior set a perfect example for us.  I love the “Light the World” video clip, that shows people following the Saviors example through simple acts of service.  

"Love is the motivating principle by which the Lord leads us along the way towards becoming like Him, our perfect example. Our way of life, hour by hour, must be filled with the love of God and love for others."

-Elder Henry B. Eyring

I want to challenge you sisters to find an opportunity to love, serve, and “light the world” this Christmas Season.  It doesn’t have to be big—just something simple. Follow this link to find some great ideas: 

https://www.lds.org/blog/25-ways-to-lighttheworld-this-christmas?cid=HP_TH_1-12-2016_dOCS_fBLOG_xLIDyL2-2_

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Count your blessings and find joy in the Savior this season!  I hope you have a wonderful week! PS --- Don't forget to come to our fun "Appetizer" Activity this Wednesday at 6pm! (Invite your friends and neighbors!  See you there!

Sincerely,

Lydia 

Spiritual Traction

Dear Sisters,

I got to have a good talk with my mom today.  Because moms are so nice and caring, I was doing a little bit of venting about everything that is on my plate right now, and how hard it has been.  My sweet, wise mother was encouraging and positive, and suggested that I watch this Mormon Message. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoe1-YXuuKU 

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I've seen it before, but I was grateful for the reminder from Elder Bednar, that the load is necessary and that we can carry our load with ease through the Savior.

"Sometimes we mistakenly may believe that happiness is the absence of a load. But bearing a load is a necessary and essential part of the plan of happiness. Because our individual load needs to generate spiritual traction, we should be careful to not haul around in our lives so many nice but unnecessary things that we are distracted and diverted from the things that truly matter most.

Each of us also carries a load. Our individual load is comprised of demands and opportunities, obligations and privileges, afflictions and blessings, and options and constraints. Two guiding questions can be helpful as we periodically and prayerfully assess our load: “Is the load I am carrying producing the spiritual traction that will enable me to press forward with faith in Christ on the strait and narrow path and avoid getting stuck? Is the load I am carrying creating sufficient spiritual traction so I ultimately can return home to Heavenly Father?”

As we are yoked with Him through sacred covenants and receive the enabling power of His Atonement in our lives (...) We will be blessed with spiritual traction."

(Full Talk: Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease)

I know each of us has a load to carry, and sometimes it can be difficult, but I testify that it can also be what keeps us going.  My great-grandma always used to say, "Be grateful for work.  Be so grateful you have a reason to get up in the morning."  I testify that through the atonement, our loads will be made light and we will be able to bear them with ease.

Sincerely,

Lydia

"Preserving Testimonies and Storing Faith"

Dear Sisters,

I recently visited with a sister in our ward.  She had some left-over roast from dinner, and was cutting it up and putting it in freezer packs for future meals.  Another sister showed me her garden and some of the canning she had done with her produce.  And one sister, facing some potential health difficulties in her family, assured me that she had planned and prepared some meals ahead so that she would be ready.

I was impressed by the example these sisters set of being self-reliant.  They may not have thought too much of their actions, but they were following the council of our church leaders to be “self-reliant”.

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The purpose of becoming spiritually and temporally self-reliant is to become better able to serve the Lord and care for others (see John 15:8). The Savior invites us all to act, to stand independent, and to become as He is. He will help us. He has promised: “It is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine. But it must needs be done in mine own way” (D&C 104:15–16). His way includes learning and living the principles of self-reliance—“the ability, commitment, and effort to provide the necessities of life for self and family” (Providing in the Lord’s Way: Summary of a Leader’s Guide to Welfare [2009]).

With fall and “harvest” fast approaching, as you fill your cupboards and jars, make sure you are also “preserving” your testimony and “storing-up” lots of faith. That is the very best kind of "food-storage"! :) 

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"Remember, no one can reach upward on your behalf. Only your faith and prayers will cause you to lift yourself and have the mighty change of heart. Only your resolve to be obedient can change your life. Because of the Savior’s atoning sacrifice for you, the power is in you.17 You have your agency, you have strong testimonies if you are obedient, and you can follow the Spirit that guides you."

(Elder Robert D. Hales)

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I’m proud of your efforts to be spiritually and temporally self-reliant.  Keep up the good work!

Sincerely,

Lydia

With the Help of the Lord

Dear Sisters,

I want to share a precious letter written by my Great-Great Grandpa, Edward Hunter Snow, that I found in the LDS Family Search records. (Which is such an incredible resource by the way!)  The document is a handwritten letter accepting his mission call in 1886.  

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In case you can’t read his lovely penmanship, I’ll quote the part that really touched me,

“…though my health is poor, and my finances low, I will to the best of my ability, with the help of the Lord, fill the mission allotted to me honorably.”

I am strengthened by the powerful example of faith my ancestors possessed.  I love this humble response, and have read it over several times in the last week as I have approached new challenges and opportunities in my life.  I hope someday my children and grand-children will be inspired by my example of faith and willingness to serve.  I’m not there yet, but I’m grateful I can lean on the faith of my fathers while I strengthen my own.

As we approach challenges, change, or new opportunities to serve, I hope we can ponder Edward’s humble response, even admitting to our weaknesses, but trusting that “with the help of the Lord” we will be able to do all that is required.

Sincerely,

Lydia

The Lord Cares, Act Now

Dear Sisters,

I just wanted to testify of how mindful the Lord is of each of us and how important it is to listen to and act on spiritual promptings.

I wanted to share an experience I had this last week.  I shared it in my testimony yesterday, so I’m sorry if you are hearing it twice. :)

Last week, I planned a fun day trip with the kids.  We were all ready to go, but the entire time I prepared, I felt a nagging feeling that something was wrong and we shouldn’t go, but I wasn’t sure why.  I knew the importance of being sensitive to those feelings, so I decided not to go, much to the disappointment of my kiddos.  We ended up running some errands around town, and while I was out and about, I noticed that the front tire seemed rather low.  After taking it into the shop, I discovered that it did indeed have a nail in it.  I was able to fix the problem with very little trouble.

I don’t know what might have happened if we had taken our trip, but I DO know that my Heavenly Father cares very much about me and the details of my life.  I know we are richly blessed as we heed spiritual promptings, and our ability to hear them in the future is increased, as we act of them.  We are so fortunate to have a spiritual guide through life, and we need to take advantage of this great gift and blessing.

“The gift of the Holy Ghost, if you consent, will guide and protect you and even correct your actions. It is a spiritual voice that comes into the mind as a thought or a feeling put into your heart. … It is not expected that you go through life without making mistakes, but you will not make a major mistake without first being warned by the promptings of the Spirit. This promise applies to all members of the Church.”

President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Counsel to Youth,” Ensign, Nov. 2011, 17–18.

This week, try to be sensitive to the promptings of the spirit.  Be sure to act of them, and I promise you will be blessed.

Sincerely,

Lydia

Turn Around and Face God

Dear Sisters,

Happy Sabbath!  I haven’t forgotten about you!  Life just got a little busy and eventful on this end.   I’ve been taking a couple classes to keep my teaching certificate current.

Maybe it’s because things have been so busy around here, that I have been simplifying things in my mind.  It hit me recently how simple the gospel really is.  Here are some simple truths I pulled out of my reading in Alma chapter 9.  (This is when Alma left the judgment seat to do missionary work and returned the second time to cry repentance to the wicked people of Ammonihah who threw him out last time.)

• Don’t harden your heart or have a “stiff neck”.
• Keep the commandments and you will prosper.
• Disobey the commandments and the Lord can’t be with you.  You loose the light of the gospel and potential blessings.
• We are “highly favored” and have the fullness of the gospel.  The Lord will hold us accountable for it.
• We need to “remember” our ancestors and our past and how we got here. (Doubt your doubts before your doubt your faith.)
• The Lord is merciful if you call on him.  Repent and he will forgive.

I think the phrase “stiff-necked” is fascinating.  I especially think it is interesting when you know that the original word for repentance in ancient Hebrew is “shuv” which means to turn around and go a different direction.  Eventually, repentance became “teshuvah” which means “to turn around and face God” or “to turn to God.”

A stiff-necked person is unwilling or unable to turn their head to face God.  Their neck is stiff.  They WILL NOT repent and turn to the Lord.  I think in our day it takes an interesting form.  We rely on the arm of flesh often.  Our neck is set with our head looking down to earth for all our needs.  We won’t or can’t look up to God because our neck is set in place.

I have so enjoyed visiting with many of you as we have gone around on our Presidency Popsicle visits over the last couple weeks.  We still have a few of you to visit, so don’t think we’ve forgotten you, and if we have, remind us because we want to see you. J  Anyway, occasionally we have visited a sister or two that is upset with the church or offended about something.  It is usually clear that they are not “prospering”.  Their heart has become hard and their neck is stiff, and they are unhappy.  It breaks my own heart.  I wish I could always have the right words to say, that might soften their hearts.  I would just encourage each of you to keep the commandments and make sure you are regularly repenting.  If your heart is hard, allow the Lord to heal it.  Sacrament meeting is a wonderful setting for this process to take place!

We would do well to take a moment to ponder on the state of our “neck”. (As funny as that sounds. J)  If we find that it is stiff, we can always repent or “turn around and face God”.  I testify that our lives will be richly blessed and we will prosper if we do.

Sincerely,

Lydia 

PS.  Happy Independence Day!  

​I hope you have a happy, safe day celebrating our blessed country and the freedoms we enjoy!

In this there is Safety and Peace

Dear Sisters,

I meant to get an email out all last week, and the time just got away from me, but you have been in my thoughts and prayers.

I thought I would just share a few thoughts from my lesson last Sunday.  I apologize if you are hearing it for the second time, but I miss you primary and young women sisters, too. J

With our ward Relief Society theme of “Faith to Follow the Prophet”, I have felt impressed for some time that I needed to emphasize the importance of keeping the commandments, especially since that was the title of one of our prophets most recent talks.  He reminded us that the commandments are not restrictions that keep us from being happy, but are in fact they way to happiness.

This spring, we were able to enjoy the fruit of our fall planting labor, as we watched the beautiful bulbs pop up. 

At one point, I noticed a plant growing around the tulips.  I didn’t recognize it, so I decided to leave it and see what it might turn out to be.  I described it to my husband and asked what it was, and he warned me not to pull it out, but let him spray it or it would come back more aggressively.

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I soon found out he was right.

This weed craftily bound itself around the nearby tulips and choked them out.  It curled itself around the stems to climb high, but in the end, they all fell.

This experience caused me to ponder how, like the weed, Satan tried to bind us and take away our precious gift of agency.  And also, how sometimes, when the weeds are really bad, we might need "an expert" or “the Savior” to help us remove them.

·         2 Ne 2:27: (Note the way Satan is described in this verse.)

o    27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.

Sisters, just as the song says, I testify that there is great “safety and peace” in keeping the commandments.

“When we keep the commandments, our lives will be happier, more fulfilling, and less complicated. Our challenges and problems will be easier to bear, and we will receive His promised blessings.” 

(Pres. Monson)

I hope each of us will "choose liberty and eternal life" by clinging to the Savior.  Please take a moment this week to reflect on how keeping the commandment has made your life happier, more fulfilling, and less complicated, and express gratitude to the Lord for giving you commandments to live by.

I love you and hope you have a wonderful sunshiny week!

Sincerely,

Lydia

Keep the Commandments

Dear Sisters,

I think I might be more ready than my kids are to begin Summer Vacation.  Aren’t we all ready for a break and some sunshine?!  Hope you had a good Memorial Day weekend.  It is nice to have a day that reminds us to take a moment to think of those loved ones who have passed, and those good men and women who have fought bravely to defend our freedoms.

I am looking forward to teaching the Relief Society lesson this coming Sunday.  I would be grateful if you would take a moment to ponder what blessings have come into your life from keeping the commandments and following the Prophet.

Yesterday, for Memorial Day, as a family, we read some passages from my Grandpa Juan’s Navy Journal.  He was a pilot during World War 2 for the Navy Air Corp.  

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​Wasn't he handsome! :)
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He wrote of an experience he had during his pilot training, while he was at a base in California.  He and a friend were practicing what they called “hedge hopping” or low flying. His friend was in the plane above him and flew over a canyon.  In a moment of foolishness, my Grandpa thought, “I can do that, too.”  So, flying low to the ground, he headed into the canyon as well, but quickly panicked as he discovered how narrow the canyon was becoming, which meant he would not be able to gain enough altitude to get out.  In his moment of desperation, he offered a humble prayer for help because he knew he would not be able to fly out of that canyon without the Lord’s help.  He said it was as if his life flashed before his eyes and in his words,

“The thoughts of my striving to live His commandments flashed quickly before me.  I had always paid tithing, obeyed the word of wisdom, and honored the Priesthood, and I knew that he knew I loved Him and I had faith that He would help me.”

As he climbed a little higher, he noticed that the canyon widen a little.  He thought maybe he would be able to fly close enough to one side of the canyon to make a sharp turn and head right back down the canyon.  As he attempted, his wing nearly clipped the edge of the cliff and he knew it wouldn’t be possible, but he did discover that as he continued to make that “S” motion leaning from one side, then to the other, he was able to gain just enough altitude to clear the canyon, which he miraculously he did, and just in time.  A few minutes later, he was joined by his friend, who had circled back to see where his buddy’s plane had crashed in the canyon because he was certain he wouldn’t make it.

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My Grandpa said, “Surely the Lord did answer my prayers that day. … I have thanked my Heavenly Father countless times for his saving influence that afternoon long ago in the hills of California. The miracle was real. The Lord helped me with an idea which didn’t turn out as I planned, but which made possible His saving me from destruction.”

 He then shared the scripture found in D&C 82:10

“I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say, when ye do not what I say, ye have not promise.”

This beautiful scripture applies to each of us.  If we keep the commandments, we will be able to call on the Lord in our hour of need, and feel confident in that promise.  Keep the commandments—in this there is safety and peace!

Sincerely,

Lydia

FAITH TO FOLLOW THE PROPHET and The Word of Wisdom

Dear Sisters,

Happy New Year!  I know I’m a little late, but I was kind of sick during the Holidays, so I’m a little behind and catching up.  Off to a great start, right?

At the risk of being a bit cliché, health has really been on my mind as I’ve been recovering and {of course} setting those New Year resolutions.  My thoughts have prompted a personal study of the Word of Wisdom, and how it came about.  It is actually really inspiring and I wanted to summarize just a bit of it for you.

History of the Word of Wisdom Recap:

As the early church was being established and missionaries were sent out, Joseph Smith was training the Elders in what was called “The School of the Prophets” – kind of like an “MTC”.  As the men would gather to be tutored by the prophet, they would each light up their pipes (as was customary at that time).  The smoke would get so thick that it was almost difficult to see Joseph.  Then when their pipes ran out, they chewed tobacco.  The job of cleaning the spittoon and scrubbing the stained floor fell to Emma Smith, and like any of us probably would have, she eventually went to Joseph and asked if anything could be done.  This inspired the prophet to turn to the Lord.  He was then blessed with an outpouring of Revelation, which is contained in the 89^th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants.

My favorite part of this history is how the revelation was received.  Joseph Smith read the revelation to the Elders of the School of the Prophets, and in response, they immediately took their tobacco pipes and threw them in the fire.  Isn’t that wonderful?!!  I wish we were all so obedient!

Truly, they had “FAITH TO FOLLOW THE PROPHET.”

This is what we, as the Lorin Farr 4^th Ward Relief Society Presidency, prayerfully selected as our ward Relief Society’s Theme for 2016.  We desire each of us to gain that kind of faith and a testimony of a living prophets.  We believe we are approaching turbulent times.  There is no “gray area” or room for “fence-sitters”.  You will need to decide where you stand and whether or not you are willing to follow the living prophet.

“It is said that a fence-sitter eventually has to come down on one side or the other. If we are sitting on the top of life’s fences, now is the time to muster the courage to stand tall on the side of righteousness and shun the shackles of sin.”  -H. David Burton

The Word of Wisdom:

This modern-day scripture is a beautiful revelation containing God’s will for our temporal health followed by promises of blessings for obedience.

I love that it begins “not by command or constraint” but by “greeting” and “revelation”.  It isn’t given to restrict or control us.  It is given in confidence and trust.

In it, we are encouraged to avoid strong drink and tobacco.  We are told to use herbs and fruit with prudence and thanksgiving.  We are told that grains are for the use of man, to be “the staff of life.”  And also to use meat sparingly, with thanksgiving, adding that “It is pleasing to me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.”  

​We are told twice that grains and fruit (above and below ground) are “good for man”. 

We don’t hear that phrase too often in the scriptures, and I’m reminded of the expression we find in Genesis, after God looks over his creations and he “saw that is was good.”  These are things He has created FOR US, and He has told us, multiple times, that they are good.  I won’t get on a soap box here, but I do think it is interesting how often we are searching for the world to tell us what is “good” in the form of new fad “diets”, “miracle pills”, “self-help books”, “health plans”, or even “scientific research”, when we have already been given the answers by the one who truly does know.

Promised Blessings of the Word of Wisdom:

Let’s not forget the promises for obeying the Word of Wisdom.  I think it’s a pretty big deal, especially considering all the common health problems people face today.

They “shall receive health in their naval, and marrow in the bones, and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures, and shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint”.

Oh, and in case you thought that wasn’t enough of a promise, how about “that the destroying angel shall pass by them.”  Hopefully that caught your attention. J

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Testimony:

I will wrap this lengthy Word of Wisdom recap up with my simple testimony.

I know that this is pure revelation that came from a God who loves us and cares about even our temporal well-being.  I know as we follow this council faithfully, like the Elder’s who threw away their pipes, we will be amazed by the great blessings that come into our lives as a result of our faith to follow the prophet.  I know that as women of the church, we can be like Emma Smith, inspiring change and improvement, and encouraging and strengthening our families to seek truth.  I believe that you are that kind of woman.

Sincerely,

Lydia Stewart

Source: https://history.lds.org/article/doctrine-and-covenants-word-of-wisdom?lang=eng

PS – I recently view this well-done documentary called “In Defense of Food.”  (You can actually watch it on PBS online right now if you click on that link.) I found it to be a very eye-opening resource concerning the history and evolution of food production and guidelines.  Let me make clear that I am not promoting it as “doctrine” but I do feel like it had some excellent tips and information that align nicely with the Word of Wisdom.