"Forgive One Another"

Dear Sisters,

I was just thinking today about what a blessing forgiveness is.  Letting go of a grudge is truly empowering.  I am going to get just a bit personal here, so bare with me…

During my early teen years, I had a bit of a firey temper, not unlike “Anne of Green Gable’s.”  There was one school boy in particular that could really set me off, and I him.  Our personalities and opinions strongly clashed.  He sort of became my nemesis.  We could barely stand to be in the same room.  One day, when the teacher left the classroom for a moment, this boy was walking down the aisle and tripped over my foot.  Thinking I had intentionally tripped him, he picked himself up, turned around, and decked me.  Somewhat shocked, but highly defensive, I decked him back… and quite possibly this pattern would have continued had friends not intervened.  (I’m kind of embarrassed about this… but moving on.)

Feelings of passionate anger and even hatred began to stir inside me.  When I finally opened up to my mom about what had happened, I’m sure she felt some disappointment in me, and probably some of her own anger at this boy for punching her daughter, but I will be forever grateful for the lesson she taught me, as she set her own feelings aside.

She listened, and busied herself making cookies.  When the cookies were done, she informed me that we were taking them to this boy’s house.  I was completely mortified!  It probably took some serious coaxing, but I relented.  I can remember ringing the doorbell while awkwardly balancing the plate of cookies.  The boy answered the door, and I simply said, “I think we should bury the hatchet.” (Probably my mom’s words.)  He agreed.  We both made quick apologies and parted ways.  I wish I could have heard his explanation to his mother as to why a girl was bringing him cookies. J 

The main thing I remember about all of this, was how I felt afterwards.  I remember skipping—almost floating back to the car, because that sick, fiery feeling was gone.  I’m so grateful that my mother recognized my need to forgive and heal, and that she was willing to take the time to teach me the contrast between those two feelings.

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I didn’t know then how much I would later need this lesson of forgiveness. Just a couple short years later, I experienced some minor sexual abuse.  Again, I am grateful for my sweet mother, who listened and didn’t “sweep it under the rug” when I confided in her.  When the person approached me in humble apology, I was able to frankly forgive them, and apply that early lesson of “letting go of bad feelings”.  I know the power of the atonement healed my hurt and removed my guilt, and blessed me with the ability to forgive.  It was empowering to let go of that heavy burden, and also allow that person to progress as well.

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I testify that there isn’t a trial the Savior hasn’t suffered.  He has descended below all things.  If you have been mistreated or are carrying a grudge, I urge you to set it at the Saviors feet.  Approach the person in forgiveness and allow Christ’s atonement to heal all that is unfair in your life.  Life really is too short to hold grudges.

Sincerely,

Lydia 

"With us is the Lord our God to help us"

Dear Sisters,

It was so special to see sweet Sis. Daniels sealed to her husband this last week.  The sealer mentioned something that has stuck with me for the last couple days.  He encouraged them to "lean of the Lord and not the arm of flesh," suggesting that sometimes we think we can "do it all by ourselves," but we need the Lord's help in everything we do.

I have been struck a couple times in my recent readings as I have come across scriptures with a similar message.  I think the Lord is trying to tell me something. ;)  I wanted to share a couple of these scriptures with you.

2 Ne 12:22:

Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils; for wherein is he to be accounted of?

(Meaning, to me, "Quit relying on man, for what is he compared to the Lord.")  Kind of reminds me of when Nephi gets after his brothers when they fear Laban and his armies (the arm of flesh) and Nephi urges them to head back to Jerusalem and "be faithful in keeping the commandments" because the Lord is "mightier than Laban and his fifty". 

2 Chronicles 32:8

With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles.

I know we all have struggles and battles we are going through.  How amazing is it that the Lord has offered to help us and fight our battles?  Who wouldn't want him on their side?

And lastly, I love this section of scripture in D&C 1:19-

 19 The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh—

 20 But that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world;

 21 That faith also might increase in the earth;

 22 That mine everlasting covenant might be established;

 23 That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers.

 24 Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding.

 25 And inasmuch as they erred it might be made known;

 26 And inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed;

 27 And inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened,that they might repent;

 28 And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time.

Those scriptures remind me that Heavenly Father wants us to grow and gain knowledge, and if we ask and rely on the Lord, though we are weak, we will be instructed and receive knowledge from time to time. (Which is also a good reminder, too, because sometimes we are anxious for a steady stream, but it comes "line upon line.")

I want to testify of the blessings that come into our lives as we lean on the Lord.  He won't fail us.  With him, we can do all things.

We need that faith to "increase on the earth" now more than ever, and if we trust in the Lord, faith WILL grow.  So trust in the Lord this week-- no more of that "leaning on the arm of flesh." ;)

Sincerely,

Lydia

IT IS BETTER TO LOOK UP!

Dear Sisters,

Do you have any idea how much I love you?  Truly my capacity to “mourn with those that mourn” has been expanded with this calling because I care so much about you.  Certainly, I am given ample practice.  There are times when I feel weighed down by your burdens, and then I remember that that isn’t really my job.  The Savior has already done that through the atonement.  I’m learning to leave my cares at his feet and pray that he will also lighten your loads.  What a loving, kind, merciful Savior he is.  Our loads would be too heavy without him.

I was feeling particularly heavy during my scripture study this last week, and a scripture and thought struck me that I want to share.

In 2 Ne 9:3 it says:

"Behold, my beloved brethren, I speak unto you these things that ye may rejoice, and lift up your heads forever, because of the blessings which the Lord God shall bestow upon your children."

At first, I read that and was really cheered, right up until the last two words, selfishly thinking, “Now wait a minute!  Why not bestowed on me?  I could really use those blessings.”

Then I thought of my pioneer ancestors.  This promise must have been what kept them going.  Their vision was for the future, for their children.  Many of their blessings weren’t realized in their life-time. 

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I recently read of a pioneer family that buried an infant son in a violin case along their journey across the plains.  They settled in Brigham City in a make-shift cellar dug-out covered with poles and willow branches.  They nearly starved, and after a year, the father walked the whole way to Salt Lake City to buy a pound of nails so that he could build a home for his family.  They were so grateful for their new “palace”.  The trials and sacrifices of our Pioneer forefathers were great, but they pressed on and “lifted up their heads” because they knew that the Lord would bless their posterity—they had hope that better times were coming, even if it wasn’t during their life-time.  Certainly the Lord has fulfilled his promises—we don’t have to look very hard to realize how abundantly we’ve been blessed.  I thought of that brother walking the SLC for a pound of nails when I made a quick ten minute run to Home Depot for my husband.  We have it so good, don’t we?

A great talk was given a few years back by Elder Carl B. Cook.  He shared the experience he had after his first week of serving as a General Authority.  He felt weighed down and troubled about how he could possibly accomplish the task at hand.  He looked down at the floor of the elevator, thinking about his troubles.  President Monson boarded, but he didn’t look up to notice.  He was soon asked, “What are you looking at down there?”  Then the Prophet told him, pointing heavenward, “It is better to look up!”  He said:

"Experience has taught me that if we, like President Monson, exercise our faith and look to God for help, we will not be overwhelmed with the burdens of life. We will not feel incapable of doing what we are called to do or need to do. We will be strengthened, and our lives will be filled with peace and joy.³ We will come to realize that most of what we worry about is not of eternal significance—and if it is, the Lord will help us. But we must have the faith to look up and the courage to follow His direction."

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I know the Lord loves you.  He is mindful of each of us, and if we rejoice, look up, and seek him, he will help us through any difficulty.

Sincerely,

Lydia

Deepen Your Roots

Dear Sisters,

Here I am again. J  I’m trying to get back on schedule.

I was inspired by the excellent talks and lessons today!  I learned a lot about what it means to “fear God”—how it is more of a reverence than being scared.  I learned that being valiant means not only believing in Christ, but actuallyBelieving Christ and how he has told us he is might to save—that his atonement actually applies to us.

Sis. Whetton taught a great lesson about adversity.  Our discussion on the need for adversity reminded me of a recent conference talk called “Spiritual Whirlwinds”.  Elder Anderson encouraged us to deepen our roots so that we stand firm through the “whirlwinds,” emphasizing that the world may change its stance on important things, but the church stands firm.  I loved his analogy about how the young trees need the wind, so that they will know how to deepen their roots and be prepared for stronger winds to come.  We need trials and adversity so that we can grow and be stronger.

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On another note…

As always, the Church’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is neutral in matters of party politics.  Additionally, we are encouraged to be responsible citizens and stay informed about political matters.  

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I have felt a prompting to encourage you to stay politically informed, especially with up-coming elections.  I believe we are in the last days, and I feel strongly that we need to get on our knees and pray for this great nation.  We need to pray for the leaders, and that God will bless and guide us.  We especially need to pray that people will choose righteous leaders to guide our country.  I am sometimes haunted by the scriptures in Mosiah 29:26-27 that read:

 26 Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law—to do your business by the voice of the people.

 27 And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land.

Research candidates and make sure their values and plans for our country align with your own.  Deepen your roots and stand firm while you face whirlwinds of adversity.

 5 Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work.

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I am praying for you!  Happy Valentines Day!  (I promise you are loved!) Have a wonderful week!!!

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

Counsel With Your Councils

Dear Sisters,

I have been thinking a lot about the amazing 5^th Sunday lesson given by our good bishopric.  They taught us about ward and family councils. At first, that seemed like a bit of an odd topic.  When it was mentioned in ward council, I even asked if that was in the church handbook.  I have since been quite humbled as I have come across several talks on the subject.  One of my favorites was a conference talk given by Elder Ballard.  He urged leaders to “make wise used of committees and councils,” because when they do, “they move the work of the Lord forward much faster and farther.”  

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I am certain the same is true within our own homes.  When we gather, and prayerfully discuss challenges and solutions as a family, there is more unity and the Lord can inspire and direct us, touching the hearts of our family.

As I have read the Book of Mormon this past week, I have been fascinated how often Lehi gathered his family and counseled with them, prophesying, warning, and directing them as they faced challenges.

  

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Almost all of 2^nd Ne. Chapter 1 is filled with his teachings to his family council.  He taught and prophesied “according to the workings of the Spirit” which was in him, pleading with his children to “remember to observe the statutes and the judgments of the Lord; behold, this hath been the anxiety of my soul from the beginning."

Elder Ballard told us that:

“This is the miracle of Church councils: listening to each other and listening to the Spirit! When we support one another in Church councils, we begin to understand how God can take ordinary men and women and make of them extraordinary leaders. The best leaders are not those who work themselves to death trying to do everything single-handedly; the best leaders are those who follow God’s plan and counsel with their councils." 

This was a quote I needed to hear.  I am working on being a better leader and using my council more effectively… so as not to work myself to death. ;)  We are also trying to follow this direction in our own home.  I’m trying to listen more—I tend to like to do the talking. (Shocking, I know.) J  It’s a work in progress, but I can already feel blessings come into our home as we try to follow the prophet and the counsel of our bishopric.

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Hope you have a wonderful week and take a moment to prayerfully counsel with your families.

Sincerely,

Lydia