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 

Seek ye first to build up the Kingdom of God

Dear Sisters,

A couple weeks ago, I was gifted an old sturdy dresser. Doug wasn't too excited, but I convinced him I would spruce it up, and that it was a good idea.  Last week, I was sanding down the dresser to paint it; however, my project was interrupted with other duties and I decided I would have to finish it the following day.  While I was at work the next day, we got an abundance of rain, and I came home to a completely ruined dresser.  It was totally warped, and the water damage was beyond repair.  I was discourage and frustrated with myself for not finishing the project, then to add insult to injury, as Doug and I were lifting this extremely heavy dresser to put it in the back of the truck and take it away, Doug's hand got stuck in between the trail-gait and the dresser while I lifting and pushing hard.  Due to our lack of communicating, I just kept right on pushing, and in pain, he dropped the dresser, which landed directly on my big toe.  Even with shoes on, it smashed the nail and took the skin off of top.  It was very painful for both of us.

I know... this is kind of a sad series of events, and I'm sure you are wondering why I would depress you with my silly first-world problems, but I learned two lessons from this experience that I was wanted to share.

1) Simplify.  We didn't really need the dresser in the first place.  Sometimes, it's ok to pass up a good deal or let something go. (Just not on your toe ;)  In the end, it's just stuff, and we can't take it with us.

"The prophet Alma taught, “Seek not after riches nor the vain things of this world; for behold, you cannot carry them with you” (Alma 39:14). You’ve probably heard the saying “You can’t take it with you.” Well, it’s scriptural.

So where should our focus be? The Savior has told us to look beyond the way station of this world toward our final destination. He said, “Seek not the things of this world but seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness” (Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 6:38). He also taught, “Thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better” (D&C 25:10)."

2) It is so important to communicate.  If Doug and I would have talked through our "lifting the dresser" job, we both would have been spared a lot of pain.

One LDS marriage counselor has written: “Effective communication is more than just ‘talking,’ it is the type of interaction that gets the job done: solves problems, builds self-esteem, enhances the relationships, relays important messages, reinforces mutual respect, and helps bond the couple together as an effective unit.” 1

Maybe, these lessons seem obvious, but I had to learn them the hard way, so hopefully this week, you remember to keep life simple by seeking first the Kingdom of God, and communicate.  

I care so much about you and hope you have a wonderful week!

Sincerely,

Lydia

Joy in the Fruit of My Labors

Dear Sisters,

I hope you are having a lovely week and enjoying the last fruits of summer before school starts.

Speaking of fruits, we’ve been enjoying blackberries at our house.  My mom was recently in town and she picked with the kids.  When she came in, she showed me a picture of a beautiful bunch of berries and she said, “I’m calling this picture ‘Just out of reach’.” 

It made me laugh, but then I asked if she had used the ladder in the garage.  She hadn’t.  And then of course, a metaphor came to me. :) I think very often our growth in the gospel is like this.  Sometimes, the very best fruits take a bit more effort.  If we really need to grow our testimony, we might need “a ladder” or we might need to exercise faith and work.

I could even take this analogy a bit further, when I was picking with the ladder, and as I was reaching for a beautiful bunch, I came crashing down into the bushes. My girls snapped a picture while I was desperately hanging there.

Even still, it didn’t stop me.  Once I recovered myself, and my pride, I adjusted my ladder, and I was able to reach the best berries at the top.  My smashing of the bushes even made it easier for me to position that ladder.  So it is with our struggles as we work to grow our testimony.  Sometimes we go through rough patches or have questions, but with faith, eventually they can help lead us to more light and knowledge.

Alma 36:24-25

“I have labored without ceasing … that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste. …Yea … the Lord doth give me exceedingly great joy in the fruit of my labors.” 

I just testify that if we really want to understand a principle of the gospel, we will receive the “fruit” when we put in the labor.

Hope you have a great day!

Sincerely,

Lydia

Establishing a Christ-Centered Home

Dear Sisters,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Lydia

Stay on the Path

Hello Dear Sisters!

Isn’t summer wonderful!  I hope you are enjoying the sunshine and making happy family memories.

Speaking of memories, I can remember a summer as a young teenage girl when I got to spend a week with my grandparents in Salt Lake City.  It was really fun for me to have that one on one time.  I had just gotten my license and my Grandpa let me drive while he took me home to Idaho.  I think I was reminded of this drive, because Doug and I just made it as we dropped our kids off for a few days with Grandparents.  One part of that drive with Grandpa really stuck with me.  I can remember we had just made it over the Malad pass and could see the valley below, but in the far distance, we could see a billowing cloud and a wall of gray.  
​We continued on our course, singing silly songs and talking together, but we noticed the wall getting closer and closer.  It was confusing because it was such a lovely, sunny day, and everything seemed fine.  As we got a little closer we could see it was a very thick wall of rain.  As a new driver, I was a little nervous.  My wise Grandpa suggested that I pull off to the side of the highway.  I did so just in time.  The wall hit with intense force.  Hail, wind, and rain pounded the car and impaired the view.  The intense storm blew over pretty quickly, and it was almost surreal the way it returned to a lovely sunny day again.  I’m not sure what would have happened if I hadn’t heeded my Grandpa’s wise council to pull over.  I think it would have been very easy to lose control of the car and drive off the road.

We have a wise prophet that has a very clear view of what lies ahead.  He is experienced and in-tune, and he and his apostles issue warnings and give wise council regularly.  If we are not careful to heed this council, our view may become impaired and we could very easily drive of the path.

​

I would encourage all of us to listen to and obey our prophet’s council.  He recently asked us to read the scriptures every day.  Here are his words:

This morning I speak about the power of the Book of Mormon and the critical need we have as members of this Church to study, ponder, and apply its teachings in our lives. The importance of having a firm and sure testimony of the Book of Mormon cannot be overstated.

We live in a time of great trouble and wickedness. What will protect us from the sin and evil so prevalent in the world today? I maintain that a strong testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of His gospel will help see us through to safety. If you are not reading the Book of Mormon each day, please do so. If you will read it prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you. If it is true—and I solemnly testify that it is—then Joseph Smith was a prophet who saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Isn’t that perfect council?  It’s simple, but so important.  Read your scriptures every day and follow the prophet!

I hope you have a lovely week!  Stay on the path.

Sincerely,

Lydia

The Light of Life

Dear Sisters,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Lydia

Fellowship One with Another

Dear Sisters,

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

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

Helaman 6:2-3

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Lydia

From Trials to Joy

Hello Sisters!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Larry Richman, Learning Through Life’s Trials)

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

Sincerely,

Lydia

Allegory of the Icy Driveway

Dear Sisters,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Lydia

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

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

Prayer is Essential

Dear Sisters,

I just love you!  I enjoyed hearing many of your testimonies today, and feeling your faith.  You are a powerful influence for good in the world.

​

Lately, I have struggling to find time to pray.  My life has felt chaotic and a bit overwhelming, but I am discovering that as I take little moments to slow down and talk to my Heavenly Father, I am able to receive the direction and focus I need to get through my day.  It helps me know the Lord knows me and understands what I'm going through.  

I testify that this is the case for each of you, as well.  The Lord knows you.  He understands how you feel and what you are dealing with, and he is anxious for your to turn to him, express your feelings of frustration, love, or gratitude, and he will give you comfort and direction.

"Prayer is essential to developing faith. When the Lord comes again, will He find a people who know how to pray in faith and who are prepared to receive salvation? “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” We are children of a loving Heavenly Father, and we may enjoy personal communion with Him when we pray “with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ” and then act in accordance with the answers we receive by the promptings of the Holy Ghost. In faith we pray, we listen, and we obey, that we might learn to become one with the Father and the Son. A prayer of faith opens the way to receive glorious heaven-sent blessings." 

-Carol F. McConkie

Make time in your day to pray and talk to the Lord so that you can receive those glorious blessings he has in store for you.  I hope you have a wonderful week.  I am praying for you!

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! :)
​

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

Patience is a Virtue

Dear Sisters,

HONK HONK!!! 

You’ve all witnessed an impatient driver.  I spend quite a bit of my day on Washington carting kids to and from school.  Just this last week, I pulled up next to a lady who laid on her horn the second the light turned green and the car ahead of her didn’t immediately move. 

Patience really is a virtue, and one that I want to be good at RIGHT NOW! J  It takes a lot of practice, and though I get lots of opportunities to exercise it, it is an area where I usually need quite a bit of work. 

This morning, I told my kids the story of Job, who was a model example of patience.  

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To recap, Job was a righteous man, blessed will posterity, property, riches, and success.  Satan told the Lord that he felt the only reason Job was obedient was because he had everything he could want.  The Lord knew Job would be faithful no matter what, and he allowed Satan to tempt Job.  As a result, poor Job quickly lost EVERYTHING.  His servants left, his animals died, his crops failed, his entire family either died or disowned him, but Job still expressed his faith in the Lord.  Then he even lost his health, as his skin became covered with painful sores.  His friends turned against him saying he must have done something wicked for God to curse him.  Here are the words of this humble, patient man…

 Job 16

 15 I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, and defiled my horn in the dust.

 16 My face is foul with weeping, and on my eyelids is the shadow of death;

 17 Not for any injustice in mine hands: also my prayer is pure.

 18 O earth, cover not thou my blood, and let my cry have no place.

 19 Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.

 20 My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God.

Job 19

 25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

 26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.

And thankfully, there is a happy ending...  Job does see God, and is taught and blessed, and becomes prosperous again.  I think the Lord quite loves patient people. J

Often times, the Lord has a plan for us that we may not be able to fully comprehend yet.  Or there may be reasons blessings are withheld that are not clear to us.  All we see is the “green light,” but we may have missed the old lady crossing the street, causing the car in front of us to pause.

The world would be a better place if we all developed more patience, and our lives would be much better if we took a moment to pause with patience, and trust in the Lord’s wisdom and plan for our lives.

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I hope you find great blessings and happiness this week, and I hope that you will be patient if the blessings come a little slower than you were hoping. ;) Trust that they WILL come!

Love you all!  Praying for you!

Sincerely,

Lydia