Keep the Commandments

Dear Sisters,

I think I might be more ready than my kids are to begin Summer Vacation.  Aren’t we all ready for a break and some sunshine?!  Hope you had a good Memorial Day weekend.  It is nice to have a day that reminds us to take a moment to think of those loved ones who have passed, and those good men and women who have fought bravely to defend our freedoms.

I am looking forward to teaching the Relief Society lesson this coming Sunday.  I would be grateful if you would take a moment to ponder what blessings have come into your life from keeping the commandments and following the Prophet.

Yesterday, for Memorial Day, as a family, we read some passages from my Grandpa Juan’s Navy Journal.  He was a pilot during World War 2 for the Navy Air Corp.  

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​Wasn't he handsome! :)
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He wrote of an experience he had during his pilot training, while he was at a base in California.  He and a friend were practicing what they called “hedge hopping” or low flying. His friend was in the plane above him and flew over a canyon.  In a moment of foolishness, my Grandpa thought, “I can do that, too.”  So, flying low to the ground, he headed into the canyon as well, but quickly panicked as he discovered how narrow the canyon was becoming, which meant he would not be able to gain enough altitude to get out.  In his moment of desperation, he offered a humble prayer for help because he knew he would not be able to fly out of that canyon without the Lord’s help.  He said it was as if his life flashed before his eyes and in his words,

“The thoughts of my striving to live His commandments flashed quickly before me.  I had always paid tithing, obeyed the word of wisdom, and honored the Priesthood, and I knew that he knew I loved Him and I had faith that He would help me.”

As he climbed a little higher, he noticed that the canyon widen a little.  He thought maybe he would be able to fly close enough to one side of the canyon to make a sharp turn and head right back down the canyon.  As he attempted, his wing nearly clipped the edge of the cliff and he knew it wouldn’t be possible, but he did discover that as he continued to make that “S” motion leaning from one side, then to the other, he was able to gain just enough altitude to clear the canyon, which he miraculously he did, and just in time.  A few minutes later, he was joined by his friend, who had circled back to see where his buddy’s plane had crashed in the canyon because he was certain he wouldn’t make it.

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My Grandpa said, “Surely the Lord did answer my prayers that day. … I have thanked my Heavenly Father countless times for his saving influence that afternoon long ago in the hills of California. The miracle was real. The Lord helped me with an idea which didn’t turn out as I planned, but which made possible His saving me from destruction.”

 He then shared the scripture found in D&C 82:10

“I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say, when ye do not what I say, ye have not promise.”

This beautiful scripture applies to each of us.  If we keep the commandments, we will be able to call on the Lord in our hour of need, and feel confident in that promise.  Keep the commandments—in this there is safety and peace!

Sincerely,

Lydia

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

"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

Ministering with Charity

Dear Sisters,

Visiting teaching has been a great blessing in my life.  Confession:  I have selfishly assigned some phenomenal visiting teachers to myself—I know that is probably quite naughty of me, but I have just needed their support.  Neither of these women would want me to sing their praises, but I’m going to do it anyway. (Because I can. ;)

Kathy Hughes visit taught me before I was called as a president, and I felt Sis. Peterson was so inspired to give me an opportunity to get to know her.  Her kind, thoughtful acts and consistency in coming only added to the already strong spiritual confirmation that I needed her as a councilor.  One of the things I have loved about her the most as a visiting teacher is how thoughtful she has been to my children.  She has brought them little treats or prizes for different seasons—one included some fun candy flavored chapstick, which I am embarrassed to admit that Brigham promptly ate with no regrets. J (Sorry Kathy.)  Her kindness and example of perseverance and faith through opposition has meant more than she will ever know.  She is such a special, talented woman. 

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And then sweet Joyce Low has just taken me under her wing, even before she was assigned to me.  Despite health issues and difficulties going on in her life, she found time to share thoughtful little cards, pictures, poems, or books for my children every month, just as a sweet friend and neighbor.  She recently brought me a framed picture of a painting I had posed in as a child, but didn’t have a print of.  I thought it was out of print, but she hunted the painting down straight to the printer.  Can you believe how thoughtful?  What an example of charity and kindness.

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I suspect both of these sisters wouldn’t claim that they have done much.  They are so humble that they probably don’t even think they are that great of visiting teachers, but they have truly touched my life and been such a blessing to me when I needed their support.  I appreciate their faithful examples of visiting teaching. 

I could fill volumes with countless other examples of sweet sisters in our ward who go above and beyond in their efforts to show charity and compassion.  I just feel a great need to express my love and gratitude for each of you… for your willingness to lift, serve, and love.  I APPRECIATE YOU SO MUCH!!!  I could not do this without you.  Sometimes I get discouraged and troubled about sisters that I know are struggling or going through a difficult trial.  My heart just aches for them, but I take great comfort knowing that they have visiting teachers—a friend to watch over them.  Thank you for your influence and discipleship.

If this is something you have struggled with in the past, please know that I will be praying for you to have positive visiting teaching experiences, so that your testimony will grow.  I hope this will be your prayer too, as you diligently fulfill this calling.  Ministering as a visiting teacher can be simple.  Here are some examples of how we can minister through visiting teaching:

How do we minister?

·         Pray daily for [the sister you visit] and her family.

·         Seek inspiration to know her and her family.

·         Visit her regularly to learn how she is doing and to comfort and strengthen her.

·         Stay in frequent contact through visits, phone calls, letters, e-mail, text messages, and simple acts of kindness.

·         Greet her at Church meetings.

·         Help her when she has an emergency, illness, or other urgent need.

·         Teach her the gospel from the scriptures and the visiting teaching messages.

·         Inspire her by setting a good example.
(See “How Visiting Teachers Love, Watch Over, and Strengthen a Sister,” in Daughters in My Kingdom, page 123.)

We will know we are successful in our ministry as visiting teachers when the sisters we visit can say:

·         My visiting teacher helps me grow spiritually.

·         I know that my visiting teacher cares deeply about me and my family.

·         If I have problems, I know my visiting teacher will take action without waiting to be invited.

I especially liked that last list, because rather than focusing on what our visiting teacher is or is not doing, we can always reflect on our own efforts.

We can always find ways to be thoughtful and improve as visiting teachers.  I testify that, just as Joyce and Kathy’s humble example of charity has influenced my life for good, we too, can share our Savior’s love through visiting teaching.

I love each of you so VERY MUCH!  Hope you have a wonderful week!

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

Service with a Smile

Dear Sisters,

Service has been on my mind lately.  My mother is a great example of tirelessly serving anyone in need… and even anyone not. J 

She is pretty special.  She just had a birthday, and this year, my siblings and I decided to serve with a smile the way she would that day and tell her about it.  I have discovered that finding opportunities to serve with this calling take little or no effort; however, from time to time, my heart is not in the right place. J That day, as predicted, the service opportunities came to me, but I was amazed at how much more enjoyable the experiences were when I adjusted my attitude.  I even felt the special gift of love that comes with charity.

Let’s not forget King Benjamin’s famous worlds:

“And behold I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God.”

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I was also on the receiving end of special service this week, as well, as a sister shared her talents with me.  She was an answer to my prayers, and I was humbled to watch her be an instrument in the Lord’s hands to touch my life.  I felt the Lord’s love for me through her kind act.  (Pretty much, this happens daily—you sisters are so very loving and giving and special.  Your support humbles me and keeps me going.)

I urge each of you to reach out to your neighbor, friend, or Relief Society sister and offer service with a smile, so you can feel the Saviors love for them and for you.  Be a missionary.  Strengthen our Ward.  Contribute.  There is a place for you in our Relief Society.  We need you.  Don’t wait any longer to be active and happy in the gospel.  It will bring you peace and joy that you will find in no other place, because it is true and we are blessed with the fullness of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  I know he loves each of you and is mindful of your path.  He calls with open arms to “come unto him.”  May we have ears to hear.

Sincerely,

Lydia

Too Blessed to be Stressed

Dear Sisters,

Between three family birthdays in a week, and an impromptu spring break road trip, I missed a week, but you have been in my thoughts and prayers.  Hope you are enjoying the beautiful spring blossoms popping up everywhere.

While I was traveling home yesterday, I got stuck, for quite a while, behind a rusty old potato truck with the words painted on the back “Too Blessed to be Stressed.”  I felt pretty sure that the universe was sending me a message.  

As I crawled along the freeway behind that rusty truck, I began reflecting on how good my life is and how truly blessed I am.  It is sad that sometimes I allow myself to get so stressed, that I forget my blessings.  Our Heavenly Father is so generous with us.  We would do well to remember it.

“We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude.”                         -Pres. Monson

I know there are many people in our ward going through some difficult challenges in life right now, and sometimes it’s easy to feel picked-on, but if we try to cultivate an attitude of gratitude for our blessings, I know the Lord with guide us along, and it will all be for our good.

“When we encounter challenges and problems in our lives, it is often difficult for us to focus on our blessings. However, if we reach deep enough and look hard enough, we will be able to feel and recognize just how much we have been given.”                 -Pres. Monson

 

I would urge each of us to “count our many blessings” and keep the commandments, because obedience opens the door to more of the blessings we are seeking.

“The knowledge which we seek, the answers for which we yearn, and the strength which we desire today to meet the challenges of a complex and changing world can be ours when we willingly obey the Lord’s commandments.”          -Pres. Monson

Hope you have a lovely, happy, "gratitude-filled" week and know you are one of my greatest blessings!

Sincerely,

Lydia