Joy in the Fruit of My Labors

Dear Sisters,

I hope you are having a lovely week and enjoying the last fruits of summer before school starts.

Speaking of fruits, we’ve been enjoying blackberries at our house.  My mom was recently in town and she picked with the kids.  When she came in, she showed me a picture of a beautiful bunch of berries and she said, “I’m calling this picture ‘Just out of reach’.” 

It made me laugh, but then I asked if she had used the ladder in the garage.  She hadn’t.  And then of course, a metaphor came to me. :) I think very often our growth in the gospel is like this.  Sometimes, the very best fruits take a bit more effort.  If we really need to grow our testimony, we might need “a ladder” or we might need to exercise faith and work.

I could even take this analogy a bit further, when I was picking with the ladder, and as I was reaching for a beautiful bunch, I came crashing down into the bushes. My girls snapped a picture while I was desperately hanging there.

Even still, it didn’t stop me.  Once I recovered myself, and my pride, I adjusted my ladder, and I was able to reach the best berries at the top.  My smashing of the bushes even made it easier for me to position that ladder.  So it is with our struggles as we work to grow our testimony.  Sometimes we go through rough patches or have questions, but with faith, eventually they can help lead us to more light and knowledge.

Alma 36:24-25

“I have labored without ceasing … that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste. …Yea … the Lord doth give me exceedingly great joy in the fruit of my labors.” 

I just testify that if we really want to understand a principle of the gospel, we will receive the “fruit” when we put in the labor.

Hope you have a great day!

Sincerely,

Lydia

An Influence for Good

Dear Sisters,

I sat in sacrament meeting today, and couldn't help but notice a cute little girl in front of me watching her mother closely.  As her mother crossed her legs, so did she.  As her mother ran her fingers through her hair, so did she.  As her mother took the sacrament, so did she.  It made me smile.  Then I noticed a little later a young boy watching his Grandma.  His eyes were full of love and admiration, and he gently rested his head on her shoulder.  These two images touched me.  This quote from Elder Uchtdorf came to mind:

"I hope that my dear sisters throughout the world—grandmothers, mothers, aunts, and friends—never underestimate the power of their influence for good, especially in the lives of our precious children and youth!"

President Heber J. Grant (1856–1945) said, “Without the devotion and absolute testimony of the living God in the hearts of our mothers, this Church would die.”  And the writer of Proverbs said, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

President Gordon B. Hinckley counseled the women of the Church:

“It is so tremendously important that the women of the Church stand strong and immovable for that which is correct and proper under the plan of the Lord. …

“We call upon the women of the Church to stand together for righteousness. They must begin in their own homes. They can teach it in their classes. They can voice it in their communities.” ²

Never under estimate the power of your influence!  Your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends are watching you.  Be an influence for good.  Be an example of the believers.  Be a source of light and truth for them.  Don't be afraid to share your testimony with them.  They are watching you, and need your example of faith.

Find someone you can influence for good this week!

Sincerely,

Lydia

A Tremendous Force for Good

Dear Sisters,

Happy Spring!  What a lovely week full of sunshine and springtime smells!  I hope you found a minute to get outside and soak it in!

I read a quote by President Hinckley that keeps running through my head from Marlene’s lesson today.  I felt some of you sisters need to hear it, in case you missed it.

“No one can calculate the tremendous force for good that you can become. … I charge you to stand tall and be strong in defense of those great virtues which have been the backbone of our social progress. When you are united, your power is limitless. You can accomplish anything you wish to accomplish. And oh, how very, very great is the need for you in a world of crumbling values where the adversary seems so very much to be in control.

I feel to invite women everywhere to rise to the great potential within you. I do not ask that you reach beyond your capacity. I hope you will not nag yourselves with thoughts of failure. I hope you will not try to set goals far beyond your capacity to achieve. I hope you will simply do what you can do in the best way you know. If you do so, you will witness miracles come to pass.

You really are remarkable.  Remember that yours is “the errand of angels.”

“If you live up to your privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates.” (Joseph Smith)

The Lord loves you, you are of great worth to him. You make a difference!

I hope you have a wonderful week and remember your divine worth.

-Lydia

Prayer is Essential

Dear Sisters,

I just love you!  I enjoyed hearing many of your testimonies today, and feeling your faith.  You are a powerful influence for good in the world.

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Lately, I have struggling to find time to pray.  My life has felt chaotic and a bit overwhelming, but I am discovering that as I take little moments to slow down and talk to my Heavenly Father, I am able to receive the direction and focus I need to get through my day.  It helps me know the Lord knows me and understands what I'm going through.  

I testify that this is the case for each of you, as well.  The Lord knows you.  He understands how you feel and what you are dealing with, and he is anxious for your to turn to him, express your feelings of frustration, love, or gratitude, and he will give you comfort and direction.

"Prayer is essential to developing faith. When the Lord comes again, will He find a people who know how to pray in faith and who are prepared to receive salvation? “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” We are children of a loving Heavenly Father, and we may enjoy personal communion with Him when we pray “with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ” and then act in accordance with the answers we receive by the promptings of the Holy Ghost. In faith we pray, we listen, and we obey, that we might learn to become one with the Father and the Son. A prayer of faith opens the way to receive glorious heaven-sent blessings." 

-Carol F. McConkie

Make time in your day to pray and talk to the Lord so that you can receive those glorious blessings he has in store for you.  I hope you have a wonderful week.  I am praying for you!

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

"Nourish it with care, that it may get root"

Hello Sisters and Happy Pioneer Day!!!

We are so grateful for the examples of the good men and women who went before us and made possible the blessings we enjoy today!  We are blessed daily by their vision and courage!

“We must be sure that the legacy of faith received from the pioneers who came before us is never lost.”

                                               -M. Russell Ballard

Speaking of faith, I happen to be studying Alma 32 where he teaches about planting the seed of faith in our hearts.  Perhaps it stuck with me because trees and seeds have kind of been on my mind this week—mostly likely because I painted a big wall mural of a tree in my classroom this week…

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And then I climbed a tree to pick and bottle a million apricots…

 

…So I’ve got some real life application going on here. J

These experiences, combined with reading Alma, have caused me to reflect on my faith, and what I am doing to nourish the seed or word of God.  In other words, what am I doing to strengthen my testimony of the gospel?

(I wanted to paste some scriptures out of Alma 32, and I ended up highlighting the entire chapter.  I think this parable of the seed is one of my absolute favorites, because it is so simple and clear.  Please take a moment this week to at least read Alma 32:28-43.  This parable has powerful application for all of us.)

I will highlight the gist of the Parable of the Seed:

Alma compares the word of God to a seed.  He encourages us to plant it in our heart and see how it makes us feel, so that we can know if the word is good or bad.  He says if we continue to nourish it, it will grow, as will our faith and understanding.  He also points out that the knowledge gained isn’t perfect because we still need to exercise faith.  So far, we’ve only planted the seed.  We have to “nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit.” 

I think this next verse is interesting, because he warns that if we neglect the tree and don’t allow it to take root, it doesn’t mean it wasn’t a good seed or that the fruit wouldn’t be good.  It means the ground was bad, and the seed wasn’t nourished, so we don’t get the fruit, or “knowledge” that comes from having faith.

Question: How is quality of our soil (or heart)?  Have we nourished it?  Are you fanning or dousing the flames of our faith?  I’ve notice that sometimes, when someone becomes inactive, they forget their faith, and start to think that maybe the seed wasn’t good, when in reality, the seed wasn’t nourished and it was planted in barren ground.

On the other hand, when we nourish the seed, wonderful things happen…

 41 But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.

 42 And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst.

 43 Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you.

What a promise!!!  The knowledge and rewards we receive from being faithful will be “sweet above all that is sweet.”  Don’t forget that it requires faith, diligence, and patience.

I hope and pray that you sisters will plant the gospel deep in your heart and nourish it through faith and study, and I testify that with patience, your testimony and understand of the gospel will flourish.

The Lord wants us to have that “precious fruit.”  He wants us experience the fullness of the gospel in action.  This week, in honor of our faithful Pioneer ancestors, I hope we will all find ways to “fan the flames of our faith.”

Sweet sisters, I love you.  I pray for you.  I pray that the Lord will give your opportunities to strengthen your testimony and faith… so I’m sorry if you get some extra faith-building bumps in the road.  The Lord usually hears my prayer. ;)

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

"And He Has SENT Me Here"

Dear Sisters,

The primary songs have always been a favorite in our home.  I have often used them to help teach my children gospel principles.  Once, when my Autumn was a toddler, she was singing the familiar, “I am a child of God,” only I was surprised when I heard her continue with, 

“…and he has left me here.”  J 

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Sometimes it might feel a little bit like we’ve been abandoned and left to our own devices, but I testify that is not the case.  We have a loving Father that has blessed us with a road map (The Plan of Salvation), an instruction manual (The Scriptures/The Book of Mormon/Living Prophet and Apostles), and even a tour guide (The Spirit or Holy Ghost).  We are not alone on this journey through life, and we have been set up for success if we chose to use these tools.

I especially appreciated Sis. Pare’s lesson on Sunday about the Scriptures.  I have found so many answers to my prayers while studying my scriptures.  I have found that it is the Lord’s language—how he speaks to me.  Thoughts and impressions come when I am reading, or verses jump out to me that are just what I need to hear.  The Lord wants to communicate with his children, and I think you will find that as you open your scriptures, your relationship with your Father in Heaven will flourish.

Make time for the scriptures!  I say that to myself too, because I have struggled a little bit with this lately.  I couldn’t figure out why I was feeling a bit uninspired, and when I read this in the lesson, it hit me that my study has not been a very high priority lately.

“To understand the scriptures requires concentrated, consistent, prayerful study. We urge each of you to carefully consider how much time you are currently giving to prayerful pondering of the scriptures.”

Yep, I could improve.

I recently read a sign that said, “I’m so busy that I don’t know whether I’ve found a rope, or lost my horse.”  J  Made me smile, but I do hope we are not to that point.  Make sure you make studying and pondering the scriptures a priory.  I have been richly blessed already as I have tried to set my priorities straight.

“Time for scripture study requires a schedule that will be honored. Otherwise, blessings that matter most will be at the mercy of things that matter least.”

(Elder Russell M. Nelson)

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I testify that as you make time for scriptures study and use the tools that the Lord has blessed you with in this life, you will use your agency more wisely, and you will find answers and great guidance along your path.

I hope you find joy in your journey this week.  I am praying for you!

Sincerely,

Lydia

Confession and a Testimony

Dear Sisters,

I have a confession to make.  It’s been weighing on me…  So I issued a challenge last year to read the Book of Mormon, and it got so busy for me with the holidays and sick bugs etc., that I JUST now finished the Book of Mormon.  Shame on me for not practicing what I preach! :)  I know I’m a little late here, but I guess this is just real life. Be patient with me. ;) 

I just wanted to share my testimony of the Book of Mormon.  I LOVE that book!  I know it’s true!  I have prayed about its truthfulness when I have finished it before, but this time, I just knelt and wept with gratitude for that beautiful book.  I just told Heavenly Father that I know it’s true.  I feel it every time I open it. 

That last chapter is particularly beautiful- read it in you have a moment. (Moroni 10)  It covers everything from spiritual gifts to coming unto Christ.  Moroni really packed in the doctrine there, and he seems so real to me.  I can just picture this lonely man, compiling records, while observing the devastating destruction of his people who dwindled in wickedness and unbelief.  On the other hand, a spiritual giant, walking and talking with the Lord, and weighing every word he wrote, hoping it would mean something to us and change our hearts today. 

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I have received such an outpouring of knowledge and guidance as I have read the Book of Mormon this last year.  I have found great comfort in “likening” the scriptures to my life.  I am so grateful for the prophets who took so much time to chisel and painstakingly record their prophesies, revelations, and histories that are amazingly applicable today.  They knew our time, and Heavenly Father knew that we would need that record and the second witness of the Savior in order to overcome the obstacles of these last days.  I am SO thankful for the peace, guidance, and direction the Book of Mormon has given to my life.  I have no doubt that it is true and good.  I continue to urge each of you to keep reading and studying the Book of Mormon.  It will bring light and truth to your life that you can't find in any other place!

Sincerely,

Lydia 

Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee

Dear Sisters,

I hope you are having a good week!  It’s so cold and a bit dreary, but have you noticed the spectacular sunrises and sunsets?!  Those mountains are so easy to fall in love with!

I have always loved the song, “Jesus the Very Thought of Thee.”  It’s one I memorized as a teenager, and have sung to my kids at bedtime, so I was excited to hear it mentioned in Melody's great Relief Society lesson.

Jesus, the very thought of thee

With sweetness fills my breast;

But sweeter far thy face to see

And in thy presence rest. …

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President Hunter asked, “How often do we think of the Savior? How deeply and how gratefully and how adoringly do we reflect on his life? How central to our lives do we know him to be?

For example, how much of a normal day, a working week, or a fleeting month is devoted to “Jesus, the very thought of thee”? Perhaps for some of us, not enough.

Surely life would be more peaceful, surely marriages and families would be stronger, certainly neighborhoods and nations would be safer and kinder and more constructive if more of the gospel of Jesus Christ “with sweetness” could fill our breasts.”

As I thought about the words to that hymn, I was reminded of the Brother of Jared, who actually did see Jesus’ face because “he knew, nothing doubting”.

Jesus told him,

“Because thought knowest these things, ye are redeemed from the fall; ye are brought back into my presence; therefore I show myself unto you.”

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Faith is so powerful!  The Brother of Jared was a great example of knowing how to use that faith to direct his life and bless his family.  Can you imagine how grateful they must have been for the bright stones that lit the barges, so that they wouldn’t have to cross the ocean in darkness?

“There is no end to His power to bless and direct the lives of those who seek truth and righteousness.”

 –Boyd K. Packer

I testify that your faith is a powerful tool, and I pray we can all find the courage to exercise it more often to bless our families.  May thoughts of the Savior fill your week, and may we have the courage to let our faith show!

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.