That He may know how to succor His people

Dear Sisters,

I hope you know how loved you are!  I am praying for you and hope you have a wonderful week!

This last weekend, we got to spend a little time with my in-laws.  They were excited to show us their brand new apple press.  It was pretty amazing... and the cider was heavenly.  

While my kids were watching their Grandpa turn the crank to press the apples down, he turned to them as said, "This analogy probably won't mean much to you now, but someday, when you make a mistake, and you are repenting and applying the Savior's atonement, I want to you picture the pressure of this apple press, pushing on these apples until liquid comes out.  Then think of the Savior, who felt the weight of the world, until he bled from every pour."  

I was grateful for the visual analogy.  I'm overwhelmed when I think of what our Savior endured.  I'm so grateful for the hope we are offered through his terrible sacrifice.

Alma 7:11-13

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and ^aafflictions and ^btemptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will ^ctake upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

  12 And he will take upon him ^adeath, that he may ^bloose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to ^csuccor his people according to their infirmities.

  13 Now the Spirit ^aknoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the ^bflesh that he might ^ctake upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

Sisters, I know that the atonement is real.  I know the Savior knows how to succor you, because of what he endured and overcame.  I know that as we keep our covenants and turn to the Savior through repentance, we can be healed, forgiven, and made clean.  I'm so grateful for a wise Father in Heaven, who provided a way for us to return to him.

So, this week, when you see apples, think of our Savior's sacrifice for you, and make it count.

I hope your week is wonderful!  I love you and pray for your happiness and success!

Sincerely,

Lydia 

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

Establishing a Christ-Centered Home

Dear Sisters,

Happy July!  Hope you had a wonderful 4^th of July!  We are so lucky to live in this good land!

This last week, I came across a little sketch that Seth drew, and it is really made me smile.  I feel like he truly captured what motherhood occasionally feels like in this picture:

I love the symbolism here, like that this sweet mother, with her arms full to overflowing, is still trying to smile, and maybe just hoping that her husband might lend a hand.  His large, firm hand may be just what is needed. 

Mostly, it just seemed timely, because this last week, I have talked to a couple different mothers who have expressed that they feel tired, overwhelmed, and frustrated as a mother.  Those feelings are normal some of the time.  Motherhood can feel exhausting and lonely at times, but I think Satan would like us to feel that way much of the time.  Already, I can see it passes so quickly.  Hang in there!  Do your best to enjoy the little moments.  Relax a little—let that schedule slide a little and don’t forget to be your amazing self.  Both you and your kids need that.  As you find joy, you allow the companionship of the Holy Ghost to help you in your role.

Also, work with your good husband as much as you can.  Remember the basics.  We are promised great blessings as we do.  Elder Maynes, of the Seventy, talked about how he and his wife really tried to established habits of family home evening, scripture study, and family prayer when they were counselled to do so by the prophet.  Here is what he said.

“We learned that our children might not remember everything about the family home evening lesson later in the week, but they would remember that we held it. We learned that later in the day at school they would probably not remember the exact words of the scriptures or the prayer, but they would remember that we did read scriptures and we did have prayer. Brothers and sisters, there is great power and protection for us and our youth in establishing celestial traditions in the home.

Learning, teaching, and practicing the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ in our homes helps create a culture where the Spirit can dwell. Through establishing these celestial traditions in our homes, we will be able to overcome the false traditions of the world and learn to put the needs and concerns of others first.

The responsibility for establishing a Christ-centered home lies with both parents and children. Parents are responsible to teach their children in love and righteousness. Parents will be held accountable before the Lord in how they perform their sacred responsibilities. Parents teach their children with words and through example.”

​I think it is great council to work in a loving way with our spouse to create a Christ-centered home.  Don’t forget to reach out to friends and families, too, when you need help.  This last week, I helped tend a friend’s kids while she rested with her new baby.  She was so grateful, and it wasn’t hard for me. You are not alone!  Also, try to remember what a blessing your precious children are.  There are several sisters in our ward who are unable to have children.  I think they would urge you to enjoy them and see them for the blessing that they are.

I just felt inspired to encourage your young mothers this week.  You are doing a great work.  Enjoy it!  Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured.

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.

​

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

The Light of Life

Dear Sisters,

What a beautiful Easter Sunday!  I have loved watching the earth come to life after a long winter!  Spring is such a wonderful season, full of reminders of our Savior's resurrection.

My husband teaches a youth Sunday School class, and today they went on a little walk around the church looking for signs of spring, and he made some really beautiful analogies from his plant knowledge, that I thought I would share.

The kids pointed out the green leaf tips forming on the bushes and trees.  

​Doug explained that a plant turns green because the chlorophyll is taking advantage of the sunlight.  The sun isn’t turning the plant green.  It is actually, the plant responding to the sun, and using that light to turn green.

We can “come to life” in the same way, as we respond and store up the light of Christ.  Our hearts should be filled with that light and we will transform into something beautiful, becoming like our Savior.

They also talked about bulbs that are coming to the surface and opening into beautiful flowers.  

​Doug talked about how bulbs store up the sunlight and keep it through the long winter, and after they have survived, they are able to break the surface and a beautiful blossom appears.

We each have “winters” and trial periods in our lives, where we need to draw on the light we have stored up, so that when the time is right, we are able to rise above.  Those "winter times" can sometimes be difficult, but we are able to become something more beautiful through our trials.

I thought these were some beautiful analogies for Springtime.  I hope they come to mind as you go throughout your week and "stop to smell the flowers".  Turn your thoughts and hearts to are Savior, the Light and Life of the World.

"I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)

Sincerely,

Lydia

Fellowship One with Another

Dear Sisters,

Sometimes I'm amazed at the opposition we experience in the world.  In one moment, I can feel so happy as I walk out my front door and see and smell beautiful spring blossoms.  Then in the next moment, I can turn on the news and feel despair for all the sadness and corruption in the world.

This week, during our family scripture reading, I came across a couple scriptures that gave me comfort:

Helaman 6:2-3

2 For behold, there were many of the Nephites who had become hardened and impenitent and grossly wicked, insomuch that they did reject the word of God and all the preaching and prophesying which did come among them.

3 Nevertheless, the people of the church did have great joy because of the conversion of the Lamanites, yea, because of the church of God, which had been established among them. And they did fellowship one with another, and did rejoice one with another, and did have great joy.

I noticed in these verses, that many of the people had become very wicked, however, those who were in the church "fellowshipped" and strengthened each other and even amid the wickedness of the world, they were able to experience joy and rejoice.

The scriptures reminded me that we can also experience joy as we keep the commandments, and I loved the reminder to fellowship.  I think that is much of why we visit teach.  We share our friendship with sisters because we want to strengthen each other, lift one another's burdens, and spread joy.

I know there are terrible things going on in the world today, but don't be overcome with fear and despair.  Remember that we can be a joyful people because we have the fullness of the gospel.

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

From Trials to Joy

Hello Sisters!

It’s been a while!  I was blessed to be able to go on a little family vacation, and sometimes it seems to take time to get back into the swing of things.  (Just the laundry alone sets me back a week. )  I hope you are doing well and feeling joy at the “Promise of Spring.”

I noticed something small, but worth noting, in our scripture reading this morning.  We were reading in 2 Nephi 1, when Lehi is reminding his family how blessed they have been because they were spared from destruction and led to a promise land.  

​He tells them that he knows through a vision that Jerusalem has been destroyed, and he reminds them that that would have had the same fate.  He points out that things have been hard, and refers to, “our afflictions.”  Certainly, they had their fair share of trials, wandering in the wilderness for several years, hungry much of the time, and their women giving birth in the wilderness, not to mention Nephi’s struggles with his older brothers binding him and even wanting to kill him. 

You could safely say that it had been a tough journey for their family. But, Lehi quickly followed his ‘even though we have had to go through a lot of hard things,’ with a reminder of the blessings that followed.  “We have obtained a land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands; a land which the Lord God hath covenanted with me should be a land for the inheritance of my seed.”

Lehi and his family were able to reach their land of promise, by enduring their “wilderness” and "wading through much affliction."  I belief it is the same for each of us.  The Lord has great things in store for us.  In a sense, we have a “Land of Promise” waiting for us, if we can strive to cheerfully endure those bumps in the road.

“The trials of this life will ultimately lead to joy if we patiently trust in God’s plan and discover how to use adversity to grow stronger.

If we turn to Christ with faith and patience, we can have the strength we need to face adversity. The doctrines of the restored gospel give us an eternal perspective that provides hope and courage to bear all of life’s trials. Each of us has the strength to bear our challenges in life because of who we are, who God is, and who we are together.”

(Larry Richman, Learning Through Life’s Trials)

I testify that as you turn to Christ and try to faithfully and cheerfully “hang in there,” the Lord has great things in store for you!  Try to keep an eternal perspective this week.

Sincerely,

Lydia

Allegory of the Icy Driveway

Dear Sisters,

So… how about all this snow? J  It is actually all this white stuff that inspired my thoughts this week.

I recently had the “opportunity” to chip away at a driveway full of frozen packed ice and snow.  We have often had sweet neighbors take care of us, so I don’t want to dismiss their kindness, but they had plenty snow of their own to worry about.  Doug gets to plow snow at the temple whenever it comes down and I’m at work, so between the two of us, we don’t usually get to it very early.  We had both come home tired and quickly forgot about our driveway.  We left it for a day thinking the sun might melt it, but the frozen mess remained. 

Finally, after I nearly got stuck trying to pull into the driveway, I decided I had better address it.  As I chiseled away at the ice with a metal shovel so that my van could get through, I kept thinking, “I wish I would have just shoveled this when the snow was fresh.  It would have been so much easier!  Why didn’t we do that?!”  I found myself repeating this question several times throughout this tedious, labor intensive process.  I usually do my pondering during the menial tasks, when my mind wanders.  It was at this point that I recognized that there was a lesson to be learned here. 

While I chipped at the ice, I considered how it could represent our unrepentant sins, mistakes, or even grudges.  The longer we wait to address them, the more difficult the process of repentance can become.  It is hard work either way, but if we “frankly forgive” or “speedily repent” in the beginning when “the snow is soft,” then the heart might not have quite as much time to “freeze and harden.”  If you have something you need to repent of, don’t wait another day—get the shovel out and chip away at the ice.  Schedule an appointment with the bishop if it is something you need help addressing.

“When we sin, we turn away from God.  When we repent, we turn back toward God.  The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to “re-turn” toward God.  It is the beckoning of a loving Father and His Only Begotten Son to be more than we are, to reach up to a higher way of life, to change, and to feel the happiness of keeping the commandments.  Being disciples of Christ, we rejoice in the blessing of repenting and the joy of being forgiven.  They become part of us, shaping the way we think and feel.”  -Elder Neil L. Anderson

Although my hours of hard work on the ice were unpleasant, it was satisfying once it was complete.  I still had some rough patches here and there, but was happy to find that when the sun came out the next day, it was just warm enough to melt the remaining slush away, resulting in a clear driveway.  I felt that the sun could represent the Son of God’s atonement.  He heals without a scar.  He promises that if we forsake our sins, he will remember them no more.

 “Any pain entailed in repentance will always be far less than the suffering required to satisfy justice for unresolved transgression.  The Savior spoke little about what He endured to satisfy the demands of justice and atone for our sins, but He did make this revealing statement:

“For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup.” -Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Sisters, I testify that the Savior can heal you.  If there is something in your life that you know you need to change or fix, don’t put off clearing that driveway any longer—catch it while the snow is fresh.  And if it’s already frozen, it’s not too late… pull out your shovel and get to work. J You will not regret your efforts.

Whatever the cost of repentance, it is swallowed up in the joy of forgiveness.

I hope you have a wonderful week.  Stay warm.  Travel save.  And truly, good luck with your driveways. ;)

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 

​

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

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.  

​

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

"Friendship that will be Delightful and Enduring"

Dear Sisters,

Last night, my five year old came up to me with a notebook full of drawings done by his older brother.  He turned to me, pointing to a picture, and said, “Can you believe that kid?!  Isn’t he just so cute?”  I couldn’t smile big enough. J  Obviously he had heard me say something similar to my husband.  It cracked me up that he was so serious and acting like an adult.  It reminded me how very quickly this time when they are little flies by.  I just want to love every minute, and sometimes I forget to do that.

I’m working on enjoying the small moments with my children, but I especially need to work on remembering the sweet guy that supports me behind the scenes, in everything I do.  One of the best things I can do for my kids is to show them that I love and think the world of their Dad.

​

My message today can apply to any sister or circumstance, but is particularly for young mothers.  I love this quote by Sis. Marjorie Pay Hinckley,

“I know it is hard for you young mothers to believe that almost before you can turn around the children will be gone and you will be alone with your husband.  You had better be sure you are developing the kind of love and friendship that will be delightful and enduring.  Let the children learn from your attitude that he is important.  Encourage him.  Be kind.  It is a rough world, and he, like everyone else, is fighting to survive.  Be cheerful.  Don’t be a whiner.”

Isn’t that a beautiful perspective?  I especially love that ending there—“Be cheerful.  Don’t be a whiner.”  Sometimes we complain—you know what I’m talking about: “It’s not fair, I was up all night with the baby and you slept through the whole thing,” or “I am sick and tired of cleaning up everyone else’s messes!”   Just think back on your interactions.  Are you cheerful and encouraging?  Or is there a little too much whining going on?  That is something I know I’m going to work on.

“Marriage is still very much a living institution, worth all the time and patience invested in it.  Marriage is the stable structure that encircles and supports two clumsy individuals, learning to love and live with each other.”

-Ronna Romney and Beppie Harrison, “Giving Time a Chance”

I love this candid "in-between" snap shot of my family during our recent reunion photo-shoot, because it captures a sweet moment between my mom and dad, who are good examples to me of having an eternal perspective and nurturing that love even with all the chaos that comes with raising six kids.

​  

I hope this week you find some time to nurture your marriage or a family relationship.  “Develop that kind of love and friendship that will be delightful and enduring.”  I promise you rarely, if ever, regret being kind.

Have a wonderful week!

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