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!

Orbits to Illuminate

Dear Sisters,

I hope you are all doing well!  I love and pray for each of you, and hope you are finding joy in your journey.  It was so neat to hear Sis. Sheri Dew speak last week at the tabernacle.

She quoted Elder Neil A. Maxwell, who said:

"Brothers and sisters, by divine appointment, “these are [our] days” (Hel. 7:9), since “all things must come to pass in their time” (D&C 64:32). Moreover, though we live in a failing world, we have not been sent here to fail.

Recall the new star that announced the birth at Bethlehem? It was in its precise orbit long before it so shone. 

​We are likewise placed in human orbits to illuminate. Divine correlation functions not only in the cosmos but on this planet, too."

Doesn't that just seem like such a perfect quote to ponder after that amazing eclipse?  

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Sheri Dew talked about "expanding our orbit of influence to illuminate."  I have been pondering on that thought this last week.  I think there are many of you sisters who underestimate your influence and the light that you share.  You are a powerful source for good on this earth.  You make a difference.  You are here for a reason.  Allow yourself to be an instrument in the Lord's hand.

You probably don't even realize how many people you are touching.  This last week, my husband and I were talking about Jr. Shupe, who passed away.  I mentioned him to my husband as "Bro. Shupe" and my daughter piped in and said, "Oh, you mean Jr.?"  I was surprised to find that even she knew him because he had come and helped with girls camp.  Our lives are such a ripple, effecting so many.  Make a positive impact on those around you.

Expand your obit of influence this week.

Sincerely, 

Lydia

An Influence for Good

Dear Sisters,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find someone you can influence for good this week!

Sincerely,

Lydia

A 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.

​

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

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

"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

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

Have you noticed His hand in your life?

Dear Sisters,

I have just been thinking of the little ways the Lord shows us that He loves us and cares about us from day to day.   We had a little experience on Saturday that made me feel like he was truly aware of me.

My oldest is starting at a new school this week that requires a uniform.  We spent almost our entire Saturday searching seven different stores looking for uniform clothing with little or no success.  We were discouraged, and before we went into the last store, I suggested we say a little prayer.  We almost felt embarrassed to pray over something to temporal, but we're told to "pray over our flocks and fields," so I figured it was ok.  Unfortunately, again we were disappointed to come out empty-handed.  We returned home in a bit of frustration, and then minutes after our return, a sweet sister in our ward showed up with a huge bag full of uniform clothing her girls had grown out of that was just what we were looking for.  I know it maybe seems like a small coincidence, but I felt like the Lord really heard our prayers and blessed us with what we needed.  I was grateful for this sweet sister allowing herself to be an instrument in His hands.

Have you noticed his hand in your life today?  If you look, you will see how often he tries to show his love and concern for you.  I know he loves and cares about you.  I hope you feel it this week.

Sincerely,

Lydia

"Always Remember Him: Pray in Faith"

Dear Sisters!

Happy New Year!  I have a good feeling about 2017.  I think it's going to be a good one.  

As a Presidency, we have decided our Lorin Farr 4th Relief Society Theme for this year will be: "Always Remember Him: Pray in Faith"

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I hope in your goal setting this New Year, you consider putting Christ at the center. 

According to Elder Christofferson, we should begin by "...stripping everything out of our lives and then putting it back together in priority order with the Savior at the Center.  We should first put in place things that make it possible to always remember him. ... Once we make adequate time and means for these matters in centering our lives in Christ, we can begin to add other responsibility and things of value, such as education and family responsibilities.  In this way the essential will not be crowded out of our lives by the merely good, and things of lesser value will take a lower priory or fall away altogether."

This is my personal goal this year.  I think I have given far too much weight to "things of lesser value" on my priority list.  I'm looking forward to setting things straight and seeing the blessings that come into my life as I put Christ at the center.

"When we always remember the Savior, we can 'cheerfully do all things that lie in our power,' confident that His power and love for us will see us through."

I love that word "cheerfully" in there.  We need to be faithful and happy about doing the Lord's work.  The gospel really is the "good news."  It's something to celebrate!

 I'm so grateful for each of you beautiful sisters and the blessing you are in my life.  You are special and unique and I know that Lord loves you!  I hope you have a wonderful week!

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

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 

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

"Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings"

Dear Sisters,

I just had a quick thought for you today. It is almost more for your husband or the priesthood men of our ward, but maybe you can pass it a long. :)

I just want to share my testimony of the importance of family councils. One form a council can take is a personal interview. My sweet hubby recently started interviewing our children once a week. He pulls the kids into his office one at a time and talks with them. Sometimes afterwords, he has approached me with things like, "Brigham is worried he doesn't have enough clothes." Or "Amberlee is having a hard time in her math class." At first, I was almost irritated that they confided in him so much. I talk to my kids regularly and I like to think I am pretty involved in their lives, but I was amazed to see how much they open up to him. The brethren have a special ability to connect with and be powerful examples to their children. I feel grateful for Doug's example and willingness to be a great father. I think it is making a difference in our home.

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You may find yourself in a different circumstances, but this council from Elder Ballard can still apply to your family:

"A family council, when conducted with love and with Christlike attributes, will counter the impact of modern technology that often distracts us from spending quality time with each other and also tends to bring evil right into our homes.

Children desperately need parents willing to listen to them, and the family council can provide a time during which family members can learn to understand and love one another.

Alma taught, “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good.” Inviting the Lord to be part of our family council through prayer will improve our relationships with each other. We can, with Heavenly Father and our Savior’s help, become more patient, thoughtful, helpful, forgiving, and understanding as we pray for help. With Their help, we can make our homes a little bit of heaven here on earth."

I encourage you to council in your families or council with the Lord, whatever your circumstances. No matter your age or stage, especially take time to connect with your children. Have a little personal interview with them and increase the communication within your home. I testify you will find opportunities to teach and grow as you do.

I hope you have a fabulous 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