Contemplate the Works of Nature

Dear Sisters,

Check out this view!  

I'm not trying to brag. :)  I just wanted to share the beauty!
As I have been hiking around in the mountains this week, I have been reminded of how much our Heavenly Father loves us.  He has blessed us to be surrounded by such beauty and variety.  Take a moment this week to enjoy His creations. Even the small ones.

This was a cool moth I ran into on my way to somewhere and I just couldn’t get over every little detail.

I think as we pause throughout our day to express gratitude to the Lord for this beautiful earth, it must make his happy knowing that we enjoy His creations.

"I wish to contemplate the works of nature, and to know something of nature's God, and my destiny. I love to view the things around me; to gaze upon the sun, moon, and stars; to study the planetary system, and the world we inhabit; to behold their beauty, order, harmony, and the operations of existence around me. ... everything is beautifully harmonious, and perfectly adapted to the position it occupies in the world. Whether you look at birds, beasts, or the human system, you see something exquisitely beautiful and harmonious, and worthy of the contemplation there was a God, [even] if there was no such thing as religion in the world." (President John Taylor)

“Stop to smell the flowers.”  Hope you have a lovely week and find something in nature to enjoy!

Sincerely,

Lydia

A Sweet and Hallowed Memory

Dear Sisters,

Happy Memorial Day!  I hope you find a moment to reflect of your blessings and the good people in our life who have come and gone, especially those who have fought to preserve our freedoms.

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I'm reminded of this beautiful hymn that seems appropriate today.

1. 1. Each life that touches ours for good
   Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
   Thou sendest blessings from above
   Thru words and deeds of those who love.
2. 2. What greater gift dost thou bestow,
   What greater goodness can we know
   Than Christlike friends, whose gentle ways
   Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.
3. 3. When such a friend from us departs,
   We hold forever in our hearts
   A sweet and hallowed memory,
   Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.
4. 4. For worthy friends whose lives proclaim
   Devotion to the Savior's name,
   Who bless our days with peace and love,
   We praise thy goodness, Lord, above.

Often the Lord shows me how much he cares about me through sweet friends like you sisters.  

I'm so grateful for how aware the Lord is of me and how much he does to show he cares.  I was feeling frustrated about my scripture study recently.  I read most mornings with my girls, but I haven't been doing much personal study, and I have honestly felt a little intimidated about where to begin and how to study.  I finally took my concerns to the Lord the other morning, and immediately, in my mind was a clear idea of where to begin.  I acted on it and have been so spiritually fed.  It seemed like such a small thing, but clearly it was important to the Lord.

This process is one I have experienced many times, so I'm not sure why it surprises me so much every time, but I always feel so grateful that the Lord takes time for me and cares about my struggles and concerns.  I know he hears me and cares about the details of my life.  That is why it is so important to pray.

I worry that sometimes we sisters forget how much we matter to him.  I hope that this week, you take a moment to ponder your worth and who you are as his daughter.  

6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Consider this scripture in Luke 12, which suggests that if a sparrow wouldn't fall without him knowing, certainly you matter to him.  

​Please remember that!

I hope you have a wonderful week.

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

He is the Gift!

Merry Christmas Dear Sisters!

I hope you have had a wonderful, joyful Christmas.  My kids were all in bed a couple hours early tonight.  I think they quite wore themselves out "making merry."  I hope your heart has been filled with the light of Christ this Christmas season.  What a blessed miracle and gift the Savior’s birth and life are for us.

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I love a good Christmas song, and came across this one, and I thought the lyrics and message were profound enough to share.

“He’s Got the Gift” (by Ryan Shupe)

The wise men came from many miles away to see what prophecy foretold

miraculous surprise, tears came to their eyes, and they said...He’s got the gift

Shepherds from afar, followed true the star and the king shook his head in disbelief

hear the angels sing, let salvation ring...He’s got the gift

            Oh come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, oh come ye, oh come ye, to Bethlehem

The people gathered round to hear his voice the sound of truth and prophecy foretold

with loaves and fishes fed, five thousand people said.... He’s got the gift

Merciful and kind, he even healed the blind and caused the lame to walk again

His fame grew far and wide, well it could not be denied...He’s got the gift

On his shoulders bore, the cross and so much more, and on his head a crown of thorns

and his death it had to be for all the world to see... He’s got the gift

Because only he could give and only he could live to rise again to conquer death and sin

so hear the angels sing, let salvation ring...He’s got the gift

Sing Choirs of Angels, sing in exaltation! ...Christ the Lord is born, Christ the Lord born

Remember that the only gift he asks in return is “a broken heart and a contrite spirit”. 

I hope the Spirit of Christmas will be in your heart throughout this coming week!

You are a blessing in my life!  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Lydia

Sent Forth Among ALL the People

Dear Sisters,

I just love each of you.  I hope you know it.  I wish I had more time and ways to show you and to visit with each one of you individually. 

I was reading in Helaman 10 about how Nephi “declared the word” to ALL the people.  It says in verse 17, “And it came to pass that he did go forth in the Spirit, from multitude to multitude, declaring the word of God, even until he had declared it unto all.”  I felt a little overwhelmed and discouraged thinking, ‘How in the world did he do that?!  How did he teach every single one of them?!’  And then I was comforted when I continued reading, “…or sent it forth among all the people.”  He had church leaders and members help him spread his message of repentance.

Sisters, this reminded me of Visiting Teaching.  I couldn't reach "all" the sisters without your help.  It is an inspired tool that can be used to “send forth” the Lord’s message.  I testify that those monthly messages found in the Ensign are prayed about and messages that our church leaders want us to share with all the sisters of the church.  I hope I can count on you to “send forth” my love and concern for each individual sister, as well.  

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We are doing some Visiting Teaching up-dates, so be patient, but for now, please pass that along to the sisters on your list.  What a comfort and blessing Visiting Teaching is to me!  I’m so grateful for your efforts here!  They don’t go unnoticed!

“By becoming the answer to someone’s prayer, we often find the answer our own.”

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Again, I hope you know and feel the love I have for you and that Heaven Father has for you.  I am praying for you.  I hope you have a wonderful week!

Sincerely,

Lydia

Conversations that Strengthen

Dear Sisters,

Who is ready to start another school year?!  I’m feeling pretty excited myself, but you would never guess that by how it has been affecting me physically.  I have been dealing with some painful cold sores and cankers all over the roof of my mouth, and even on my tongue.  Clearly I need to de-stress. ;)  They have made eating and even talking very painful.  I mention this, because these sores caused me to ponder a thought that I wanted to share with you this week.

As I have sought relief from these painful sores, I was able to attend the temple this week to do initiatory.  I won’t go into detail about my experience, because of its sacred nature, but afterwards, I was inspired to look up these scriptures:

Peter 3:10-11

 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

Psalms 34:13-15

 13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

 14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

 15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

As I read these words, so conscious of the pain in my mouth, I imagined the occasional unkind words that sometimes come out of my mouth without thought.  What if those words hurt us as much as they hurt those who they are directed at?

“When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following:

Stop it!

It’s that simple. We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children. God is our Father. We are His children. We are all brothers and sisters.”

-Elder Uchtdorf

I’m happy to say that the sores in my mouth have now healed, and I am recommitted to speaking kind words that will strengthen the people around me.

D&C 108:7

 7 Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings.

 8 And behold, and lo, I am with you to bless you and deliver you forever. Amen.

I testify that as we speak positively with love and kindness to the people around us, the Lord will bless us with understanding and love for them, and we will feel happier.  Try to use kind words that “strengthen” the people around you this week.

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You are loved!

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

Ministering with Charity

Dear Sisters,

Visiting teaching has been a great blessing in my life.  Confession:  I have selfishly assigned some phenomenal visiting teachers to myself—I know that is probably quite naughty of me, but I have just needed their support.  Neither of these women would want me to sing their praises, but I’m going to do it anyway. (Because I can. ;)

Kathy Hughes visit taught me before I was called as a president, and I felt Sis. Peterson was so inspired to give me an opportunity to get to know her.  Her kind, thoughtful acts and consistency in coming only added to the already strong spiritual confirmation that I needed her as a councilor.  One of the things I have loved about her the most as a visiting teacher is how thoughtful she has been to my children.  She has brought them little treats or prizes for different seasons—one included some fun candy flavored chapstick, which I am embarrassed to admit that Brigham promptly ate with no regrets. J (Sorry Kathy.)  Her kindness and example of perseverance and faith through opposition has meant more than she will ever know.  She is such a special, talented woman. 

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And then sweet Joyce Low has just taken me under her wing, even before she was assigned to me.  Despite health issues and difficulties going on in her life, she found time to share thoughtful little cards, pictures, poems, or books for my children every month, just as a sweet friend and neighbor.  She recently brought me a framed picture of a painting I had posed in as a child, but didn’t have a print of.  I thought it was out of print, but she hunted the painting down straight to the printer.  Can you believe how thoughtful?  What an example of charity and kindness.

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I suspect both of these sisters wouldn’t claim that they have done much.  They are so humble that they probably don’t even think they are that great of visiting teachers, but they have truly touched my life and been such a blessing to me when I needed their support.  I appreciate their faithful examples of visiting teaching. 

I could fill volumes with countless other examples of sweet sisters in our ward who go above and beyond in their efforts to show charity and compassion.  I just feel a great need to express my love and gratitude for each of you… for your willingness to lift, serve, and love.  I APPRECIATE YOU SO MUCH!!!  I could not do this without you.  Sometimes I get discouraged and troubled about sisters that I know are struggling or going through a difficult trial.  My heart just aches for them, but I take great comfort knowing that they have visiting teachers—a friend to watch over them.  Thank you for your influence and discipleship.

If this is something you have struggled with in the past, please know that I will be praying for you to have positive visiting teaching experiences, so that your testimony will grow.  I hope this will be your prayer too, as you diligently fulfill this calling.  Ministering as a visiting teacher can be simple.  Here are some examples of how we can minister through visiting teaching:

How do we minister?

·         Pray daily for [the sister you visit] and her family.

·         Seek inspiration to know her and her family.

·         Visit her regularly to learn how she is doing and to comfort and strengthen her.

·         Stay in frequent contact through visits, phone calls, letters, e-mail, text messages, and simple acts of kindness.

·         Greet her at Church meetings.

·         Help her when she has an emergency, illness, or other urgent need.

·         Teach her the gospel from the scriptures and the visiting teaching messages.

·         Inspire her by setting a good example.
(See “How Visiting Teachers Love, Watch Over, and Strengthen a Sister,” in Daughters in My Kingdom, page 123.)

We will know we are successful in our ministry as visiting teachers when the sisters we visit can say:

·         My visiting teacher helps me grow spiritually.

·         I know that my visiting teacher cares deeply about me and my family.

·         If I have problems, I know my visiting teacher will take action without waiting to be invited.

I especially liked that last list, because rather than focusing on what our visiting teacher is or is not doing, we can always reflect on our own efforts.

We can always find ways to be thoughtful and improve as visiting teachers.  I testify that, just as Joyce and Kathy’s humble example of charity has influenced my life for good, we too, can share our Savior’s love through visiting teaching.

I love each of you so VERY MUCH!  Hope you have a wonderful week!

Sincerely,

Lydia

Women of Faith

Dear Sisters,

My older sister just sent me a picture that I hadn’t seen in years.  The shocked, fearful expression on my little baby face made me laugh out loud when I saw it.

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On a more serious note, this got me thinking about fear.  We are facing troubled times in the world.  My heart goes out to the poor people in Belgium, who recently experienced the terrible terrorist attacks.  I have been encouraging my children to pray for them, and I think Brigham must have heard me pray that they would comforted, because last night during his bedtime prayers, I heard him pray “that the people in Belgimum will be comfortable.” J He probably doesn’t understand what is taking place, but I am grateful he wants to follow my example. 

I had a similar experience as I was taking notes during the General Women’s Conference, and my girls kept moving my hand so they could copy what I wrote word for word.  At first I was going to get after them and tell them to take their own notes, and then I felt humbled by how they were watching me so closely and trying to be like me.  It was a powerful reminder for me that we must make sure we are teaching our little ones and giving them a good example of faith to follow, and they will not fear, because “their mother’s knew it,” just as the Son’s of Helaman said of their mothers. 

Be women of faith, not fear.  

“Fear and faith cannot coexist in our hearts at the same time.” 

(Elder Andersen)

These beautiful scriptures found in D&C 50:40-42 seem especially applicable:

 40 Behold, ye are little children and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.

 41 Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me;

 42 And none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost.

We cannot carry our load alone, so let us put our faith and trust in our beloved Savior, who has paid the price and overcome all things, and we will not be lost.  I have faith in His ability to rescue us, and I know HE LIVES!!!

Sincerely,

Lydia

The Still, Small Voice

Dear Sisters,

Just a simple thought this week.  I had the opportunity to join my son for a school field trip to a museum last week.  During their free-time, I was sitting on a bench, reading, when a grandmother sat next to me.  After a while, her grandchildren came to her very upset, saying that they had spent all their playtime looking for their cousin, even enlisting the help of the workers to find her, only to discover that she had purposely been hiding from them.  The accused girl sat next to the grandma pretending to cry and claiming that the other kids wouldn’t play what she wanted to play.  The grandma didn’t seem to know how to handle the situation, and eventually ended up taking the little girl’s side and said the other kids were being mean.  When they tried to apologize, she proceeded to lecture and shout at them.  There was no validation, and everyone went away crying and upset. 

Really, I had no business eavesdropping, (how embarrassing!) but I felt like I was right in the middle of the drama, due to my seating position, so of course I sat pondering over what happened, after they had gone.  Certainly, I’m no parenting expert, but several times I wanted to lean over and whisper to the grandma, “ask clarifying questing,” “just listen,” “validate,” and “forgive.”  I just kept thinking of little things I wish I could have said, and suddenly it occurred to me that that is probably how the Holy Ghost feels working with me sometimes.  There are probably several times that I could easily find solutions to problems or challenges in my life if I would just tune into that still small voice that could give me little pearls of wisdom, especially in my family relationships.

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“Carefully listen to learn from the Lord through the still small voice—the Holy Spirit—which leads to truth. Listen to learn by studying scriptures that record His holy mind and will. Listen to learn in prayer, for He will answer the humble who truly seek Him.

The wise listen to learn from the Lord. I testify of Him and certify that as we “hearken and … hear the voice of the Lord,” we will be blessed.”

-Elder Russell Nelson

As we take time to listen and act on promptings from the Holy Ghost, we are richly blessed.  The Lord hasn’t abandoned us.  He has blessed us with a guide, comforter, and constant companion, if we will “receive” his gift.

I’m grateful we have the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and hope we can listen to those “still small whisperings” this week.

Sincerely,

Lydia

"A Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit"

Dear Sweet Sisters,

Is it just me, or does everything seem to speed up this time of year?  I would very much like to pause, and catch up with everything, but instead, I'll have to keep jogging along and try to take an occasional moment to be still and enjoy the journey. :)

It was so fun gathering with so many of you sisters in a circle for our lesson on Sunday.  It was especially neat to have the Primary and Young Women Leaders with us.  What a beautiful sight you all made!  It did my heart good to see each of you.  Thank you for your strength and support!

We talked about times we have felt the Lord's hand in our lives through service.  There where some very tender sweet experiences shared.  Thank you!  As I mentioned, there have been countless moments when you sisters have lifted and loved me through your thoughtful service.  I have certainly felt God's love through you.

I want to mention a little thought I came across in my scripture study this week.  I am almost finished with the Book of Mormon.  I recently read where there have been fires, floods, and earthquakes, and Christ is speaking to the people in the darkness just before he appears.  He tells them the sacrifices and burnt offerings should be done away because he has fulfilled the law, and he says, "And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost." (3 Ne. 9:20)

The word "contrite" stuck out to me, mostly because I didn't know exactly what it meant, so I looked it up. It means feeling or expressing remorse; basically to be sorry.  But what fascinated me more was the Latin root-word translation of "conterere" with means "grind down/wear away".  What an image that created in my mind of my heart and spirit starting out rough and imperfect, but over time, through trial and opposition, the roughness and the imperfections are worn off, creating a smooth, polished, humble and more perfect offering for the Lord.  In return, we are blessed with the companionship of the Holy Ghost, who helps us endure that opposition.

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"We must also have the bitter in order to know the sweet. Sometimes some of us think we have the bitter and not enough of the sweet. This is normal. We all have our trials of life to strengthen us. Each thinks he has the hardest or most severe trials. It may be that they are the most difficult only because they are the hardest or most difficult for you. The diamond is enhanced and made more valuable with polishing. Steel is made harder and more valuable through tempering. So also opposition builds the character of man." (Eldred G. Smith)

We would do well to remember that opposition is an "heritage of the saints of God."

President Wilford Woodruff said: 

"If we had no trials we should hardly feel at home in the other world in the company of the Prophets and Apostles who were sawn asunder, crucified, etc., for the word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ.

It is impossible … for the Saints of God to inherit a celestial kingdom without their being tried as to whether they will abide in the covenants of the Lord or not."

I'm going to try to remember that even the hard times are a blessing.  Hope you have a wonderful week and find some happy holiday joy!!!  See you at the Relief Society Breakfast this Saturday at 9am!!!

Sincerely,

Lydia