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!

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

Purified Until They Are Cleansed

Dear Sisters,

I hope your summer has been wonderful!  Hope you are enjoyed the sunshine and some of those summer projects.  I was working on a project last week that involved some spray paint.  I foolishly left the can of spray paint out while I stepped away for a minute.  (I should have known better!)  Of course, my son Brigham got curious, and began experimenting with the spray can.  I came back to a couple of blue spots sprayed onto our concrete.  I was not happy with him.  I didn’t yell, but I very firmly told him he needed to get the scrub brush and start working it out of the concrete.  He sat there pathetically crying and scrubbing, while I declared in frustration that “every time you see this spot, it will remind you of the naughty thing you did, so you won’t ever do that again!”  

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It was fitting that in my scripture study the next morning, I came across the scripture in Isaiah 1:18,

Come now, and let us reason together saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Through the companionship of the Holy Ghost, I could see the opportunity for a teaching moment.  I later talked to Brigham about that scripture and told him that as a parent, I’m commanded to teach my children about repentance and how to stay clean.  We looked at the spot together, and although he and I scrubbed as hard as we could, even though the paint was fresh, we couldn’t quite get all of it out.  It would have been even harder if the paint had had time to dry.  I told him that when we make a mistake, it is good to recognize it quickly, and try to do everything we can to make it right, but it is only through the atonement that the “spot” can be completely removed.

What a blessing that promise it.  We all make mistakes.  Isn’t it wonderful to know that through our loving Savior, our garments can become spotless through his atoning sacrifice?  We can become clean completely, as we apply the atonement. 

There can no man be saved except his garments are washed white; yea, his garments must be purified until they are cleansed from all stain, through the blood of him of whom it has been spoken by our fathers, who should come to redeem his people from their sins. (Alma 5:21)

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I’m so thankful for my Savior and his sacrifice.  I hope we all take advantage of that precious gift.  If you have a “spot” you haven’t quite taken care of, remember that he can help you.

Have a lovely week!

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

"Virtuous, Lovely, or of Good Report"

Dear Sisters,

I hope you are well and happy this lovely Sunday.  It's been nice to find the sun again.

Last Sunday, we had a great 5th Sunday lesson about technology.  We were tutored on how to use some of the Church produced apps like LDS Tools and the Gospel Library.  

We live in a miraculous time when a wealth of information and incredible resources are at our fingertips.  It is so important to use our electronic devices for good.  I'm grateful the church has come up with some amazing apps like these and family search, so that we can use to further our understanding of the Gospel.  

"We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."

This is a neat video clip the church created about technology:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CstRqAlAZf0

I hope you will find some good ways use technology this week.  Study your scriptures, listen to some hymns, or watch some bible videos.  Fill your lives with good, up-lifting things.

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 

"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

"And He Has SENT Me Here"

Dear Sisters,

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

“…and he has left me here.”  J 

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

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

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

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

Yep, I could improve.

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

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

(Elder Russell M. Nelson)

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

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

Sincerely,

Lydia

"Take Counsel From His Hand"

Dear Sisters,

Hope you are having a good week with all these “April Showers” and the beautiful green that follows.

I have been thinking about how sometimes the answers to our prayers may come through a different process than we expect.  My husband, Douglas and I were talking about this, and he shared a profound example of this found in the Book of Mormon when poor Nephi was bound with strong cords by his older brothers: (1 Ne 7:16-18)

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 16 And it came to pass that when I, Nephi, had spoken these words unto my brethren, they were angry with me. And it came to pass that they did lay their hands upon me, for behold, they were exceedingly wroth, and they did bind me with cords, for they sought to take away my life, that they might leave me in the wilderness to be devoured by wild beasts.

 17 But it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren; yea, even give me strength that I may burst these bands with which I am bound.

 18 And it came to pass that when I had said these words, behold, the bands were loosed from off my hands and feet, and I stood before my brethren, and I spake unto them again.

Nephi’s righteous desire, expressed through faith-filled prayer was a plea that the Lord would deliver him from the hands of his brothers.  His idea was that the Lord would strengthen him, and he would be able to physically break the bands.  Honestly, I have always pictured that that is exactly what happened, but as you read closely in verse 18, as he turned to the Lord in faith, the bands were not broken, but “loosed”, not necessarily because Nephi broke them with his strength, but because the Lord loosened them as a result of Nephi’s faith.

Sometimes, we have a vision, and a plan that makes sense in our mind of how we will achieve it, and I really feel that the Lord blesses us with the righteous desires of our hearts; however, the time-table and the process of achieving our desires may be quite different than what we planned.  We are blessed as we listen to the promptings of the spirit, and allow the Lord to direct our lives.

 10 Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works.

From time to time, I catch myself giving the Lord “my agenda” in my prayers, and I forget he is and should be at the helm, directing my life for good.  He’s the master creator and he knows what is best for me.  I’m going to work on taking counsel from Him, because He truly is wise, merciful, and just.

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Hope you have a lovely day!

Sincerely,

Lydia

"Christ will tell you all things"

Dear Sisters,

I really appreciate today's Sunday School lesson, where Bro. Nelson encouraged us to “feast on the words of Christ” as we seek for answers to our questions.  He reminded us that “the Holy Ghost will tell us the truth of all things” if we “follow Christ with FULL PURPOSE of heart.”

These are some scriptures I am going to “ponderize” this week as I try to feast on the words of Christ and receive answers to my questions and concerns.

2 Ne 31:13 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.

2 Ne 32:3 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

I know we will be blessed to know “all things that we should do” as we study and apply what we learn from the scriptures.

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

This Life is the Time...

Dear Sisters-

I had such a neat opportunity to attend a Leadership Training Meeting yesterday, where I was taught by Elder Nelson's wife, and some other amazing women.  I had each of you on my mind, as I pondered how I could better serve you.  I thought it was interesting that much of what was said revolved around the temple and that we are in the last days.

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Sis. Nelson encouraged us to think about what she referred to as our "pre-mortal commitments," and consider what we are busy doing.  She urged us to filter out the time-wasters.  We don't want to look back on this earth life thinking, "Oh, I was suppose to be doing that?"  If we are prayerful, I feel certain the Holy Ghost can direct us to the meaningful things we should be doing.

Alma 34 comes to mind:

 32 For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.

 33 And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.

 34 Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world.

We talked a lot about missionary work in our meetings today, I feel sure that there truly is a "hastening of the work" taking place right now.

I hope that we can all do our part to assist the Lord in building His Kingdom and preparing for His second coming.

Wishing you a wonderful week!

Sincerely,

Lydia