Always Remember Him

Dear Sisters,

Today, the sacrament meant a lot to me.  

I was so grateful for the opportunity I had to partake of the bread and water and think about the words that were said.  There are some goals I have set for myself, and some natural man tendencies I am working to overcome, and so it was meaningful to be reminded that I am making a covenant to be more like the Savior. How wonderful if felt to be reminded that if I try to be like him, I'll "always have his spirit to be with me."  Those words are so comforting to me.  Ironically that companionship of the spirit is precisely what I need with me in order to make those changes.  I almost slipped again this last week, and then I was reminded to look at the situation through a spiritual lens.  It helped me take a step back and make course corrections before things escalated.  I am excited that I can change myself. These bad habits that have taken years to develop.  The atonement is powerful!

“The miracle of the Atonement is not just that we can go home but that—miraculously—we can feel at home there. If Christ did not require faith and repentance, then there would be no desire to change. Think of your friends and family members who have chosen to live without faith and without repentance. They don’t want to change. They are not trying to abandon sin and become comfortable with God. Rather, they are trying to abandon God and become comfortable with sin. If Jesus did not require covenants and bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost, then there would be no way to change. We would be left forever with only willpower, with no access to His power. If Jesus did not require endurance to the end, then there would be no internalization of those changes over time. They would forever be surface and cosmetic rather than sinking inside us and becoming part of us—part of who we are.” 
― Brad Wilcox

This week, I would encourage you to take a close look at yourself.  Find some small thing you can work on.  Pray for the companionship of the Holy Ghost to help you over come, and notice the meaning words of the sacrament prayer this coming week. ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM.

These are simple steps, but they will help you draw closer to a God who loves you very much.

I hope you have a wonderful week and know that I love and pray for you!

Sincerely,

Lydia 

PS. Happy Autumn Time!  Go find some leaves to jump in!

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 

Heavenly Father, the Perfect Parent

Dear Sisters,

This week, during my scripture study, I noticed such a great pattern for excellent parenting.  In Alma 12:27-34, Alma does a beautiful job of laying out the doctrine behind the Fall of Adam, and Heavenly Father's plan.   God is such a perfect parent.  To begin with, he had an excellent plan, then he allowed his children to fall and make a mistake.  He used that as an opportunity to teach.  "He sent angels to converse with them" and "he conversed with them", taught them his plan according to their faith, and checked for understanding.  Once he felt they understood, he gave them commandments, and allowed them "to act according to their will and pleasure" -- in other words, he let them exercise their agency.  But knowing they would make poor choices from time to time, in his mercy, he provided them with a Savior, who would make it possible for them to repent and return to him.

These steps are fairly simple and familiar to us, but it occurred to me as I was reading them, how great it would be if I tried to follow his example a little closer in my own parenting.  Sometimes I get short with my kids or I focus on their short comings, and I'm quick to correct their mistakes.  

This week, I'm going to try to be more understanding when my children make mistakes.  I'm going to take time to teach and check for understanding, so that my expectations are clear.  And if they still make mistakes, I'm going to teach and remind them about repentance.  

I'm so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father, who, in his great wisdom, created such a beautiful plan for us to return to Him.  I like to think that I was one of the ones who "shouted for joy" when I learned of this plan.  He is so merciful and good to us.  I'm grateful he has given us a living prophet and apostles.  Wasn't General Conference wonderful?!  I was inspired to do and be better, and I look forward to studying the talks closely.

I hope you take advantage of the tools God has made available to you to be successful in keeping his commandments.  Study the scriptures and conference talks.  Follow his excellent example this week!

Hope you have a lovely week!

Sincerely,

Lydia

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

Draw All Men Unto Him

Dear Sisters,

Hope you are doing well!

In an effort to “Always Remember Christ” this year, I started reading the Book of Mormon with my daughters every morning before school.  Honestly, I’ve surprised myself with being able to get up consistently—mornings can sometimes be a struggle, and that extra half-hour of sleep seemed so tempting at first. :)  For me, starting a new routine or habit can seems a little daunting.  Although it’s still challenging sometimes, it’s made me realize how quickly we can make a positive change in our lives when we put our mind to it.  I tend to make a lot of excuses, but it really just takes a little extra will power. 

Yesterday, we read these beautiful verses that I would really like to memorize:

2 Nephi 26:23-24

For behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you that the Lord God worketh not in darkness.

He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him.  Wherefore, he commanded none that they shall not partake of his salvation.

Isn’t that great?!  My girls and I talked about the visual image of a campfire or a bright light, and how you are drawn to it when you are walking in darkness.  

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The Savior’s light is tremendous because of his infinite sacrifice, and our spirits are drawn to the light of Christ.  I also love the emphasis that the Lord doesn’t work in darkness—he wants things to be plain and clear to us.  Everything he does is FOR us.  That scripture can help make it easier to know whether or not something is good or bad.

So… this week’s challenges: Always Remember Him!  Pick a small positive goal and make it a habit.  Read your scriptures.  And of course, remember that “the Lord works in the light.”  May you seek and find some of that light 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

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

"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 

He Hears Your Prayers

Dear Sisters,

I hope you had a wonderful time of Thanksgiving!  I hope you ate well and enjoyed good company, and I especially hope you will take a moment to count your blessings.  The Lord loves you and if you will take the time to notice, you will recognize his hand in your life.

I have felt the Lords hand in my life this last week.   We have had such a busy few months that have been pretty hard for me adjusting to work and such a full schedule.  Doug and I felt a little down this last week as we noticed some habits and behaviors slipping in our home and causing contention.  Finally, we got smart, and we knelt as a couple and poured our hearts out to the Lord.  We told him what our desires were for our family and humbly asked for his help to find our way through.  Gradually, my husband and I have felt more hopeful.  It is comforting to know that the Lord is part of our union.  We have had parenting ideas pop into our head, and we have felt gentle assurances that things will work out.

I share this personal experience to add to my testimony that the Lord loves and knows each of us.  I testify that he is mindful of our struggles and celebrating our successes.  He does not leave us comfortless.  I encourage each of you to seek the Lord.  Get on your knees and talk to Him.  I loved what Erin Hanamaikai said in her talk today.  She mentioned that the Bible Dictionary stated  that prayer to our Father in Heaven should be natural and innate.  Our spirits long to commune with our Father in Heaven.  If you are out of practice, remember that your heart know what you need to say.

Sisters, I feel a small portion of the love he has for each of you, and it is overpowering for me.  I wish I had a way to convey it, but I know as you turn to Him in prayer, the Holy Ghost can bless you to feel that love.  Please find some time this week, each day to ask Heavenly Father to show you that love.

I hope your week is wonderful.  Enjoy the beautiful snow and the shifting seasons.  I hope the pure white blanket reminds you of the purity and virtue of our Savior.

Be safe and warm,

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

"We Need Never Feel Lost or Alone"

Dear Sisters,

Wasn't General Conference beautiful?!  I always feel like maybe they had a special meeting before, and said something like, "There is this Lydia Stewart lady who lives in Ogden and could use some help on these topics.  Lets each address her needs.  Ok, ready, break..." :)  I needed all the great talks and there were several that I felt were specifically for me, so thanks for patiently sitting through them. ;)  If you missed Conference, you can still tune in on lds.org and rewatch or listen, and we will look forward to getting the next Ensign!

I noticed several of the talks mention prayer.  This is something I am personally going to focus on improving.  My Heavenly Father has been so patient with me and my half-hearted efforts lately, with a busy schedule.  He still does his best to inspire and direct me, but I know I have potential to be so much more in-tune if I would put more time and effort into speaking with my Father in Heaven.

"Prayer is a gift from God.  We need never feel lost or alone.  I testify that every moment of prayer can be holy time spent with the Father, in the name of the Son, by the Holy Ghost."

-Carol McConkie

I would encourage each of you to select a talk that resonated with you, and set a simple goal to improve on that principle.  We are so fortunate to be able to hear inspired leaders.  I think our Father in Heaven loves us very much.  I certainly sense His love for each of you!  I hope you feel it throughout this coming week!

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

"A Charity Case"

Dear Sisters,

The summer is passing by too quickly!  Hope you are enjoying the sunshine and fun family activities.

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I recently heard a sister say she didn’t want meals or visits because she didn’t want to be known as “a charity case.”  I understood what she was trying to say and I admired her desire to be self-reliant, however as I have since pondered on what it means to have charity, I believe there are lessons for all of us, both on the giving and receiving end of charity.  I’m sure these scriptures in Moroni 7 is familiar to you:

 45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

 46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—

 47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

Take a moment to ponder the attributes of charity and see how you are doing.  Consider, with those beautiful verses of scripture in mind, that perhaps it isn’t such a bad thing to be “a charity case.”  Shouldn’t we all desire to either give or relieve the pure love of Christ?  If you are in need of charity or service of some kind, please don’t deny someone the opportunity to share or show Christ’s pure love by serving you.  They may need it just as much as you.  We are stronger when we are loving and serving each other.

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This was illustrated in my own life just this last week.  I had to meet for a full day curriculum planning.  I had made arrangements for my kids, but they fell through.  Feeling troubled about what to do regarding childcare, I said a simple prayer that things would work out, and then I started cleaning up the kitchen… because that was something I can always do. ;)  When I took the trash out, I heard a voice say “Hey Sis!  How are you doing?”  I looked up to see sweet Peggy Blaylock peaking out of her bedroom window.  We exchanged hellos and then she said, “I was wondering if you would let me take your kids tomorrow.  I would love to take them to the family history center jubilee.”  I hadn’t even said a word about needing help.  Tears filled my eyes as the knowledge of the Saviors love washed over me.  He was aware of me and my needs, and I was so touched that Peggy was in-tune enough to know just what I needed at that moment.  Her sweet act of charity truly allowed me to feel that pure love of Christ.

Sisters, our inspired Relief Society moto of ‘Charity never faileth’ is truly one to live by, and “it will be well with us” if we do.  We all need to give and receive the pure love of Christ.  In my book, it’s ok to be known as “a charity case.” J

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