FAITH gives understanding and strength...

God has given us the capacity to exercise faith, that we may find peace, joy, and purpose in life. However, to employ its power, faith must be founded on something. There is no more solid foundation than faith in the love Heavenly Father has for you, faith in His plan of happiness, and faith in the capacity and willingness of Jesus Christ to fulfill all of His promises.

Even if you exercise your strongest faith, God will not always reward you immediately according to your desires. Rather, God will respond with what in His eternal plan is best for you. He loves you to a depth and completeness you cannot conceive of in your mortal state. 

Sincere faith gives understanding and strength to accept the will of our Heavenly Father when it differs from our own. We can accept His will with peace and assurance, confident that His infinite wisdom surpasses our own ability to comprehend fully His plan as it unfolds a piece at a time.

full message by Richard G. Scott here

Hope

A second tender mercy in the same day.  This came as I was reading PMG in preparation to writing to my missionary son.  It was the first thing I read and then the last, because my heart received the message it needed.

"Hope is an abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promises to you.  It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance.  It is believing and expecting that something will occur.  When you have hope, you work through trials and difficulties with the confidence and assurance that all things will work together for your good.  Hope helps you conquer discouragement." (Preach My Gospel p117)


I love Hope! I believe that paragraph ... I know it is true!  I am grateful for a loving Father in Heaven and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I feel blessed!

There are many things in life that can discourage us and indeed there have been in my life lately, and they have hit me hard lately, but I must remember to HOPE for better days ahead and remember that it will most likely "turn out better than I think".  (see also here)

Miracle




"The miracle of the Atonement can make up for imperfections in our performance."

from here



Truth is Truth

"Some things are true whether you believe in them or not."

 

This is apparently a quote from the City of Angels movie with Meg Ryan and Nicolas Cage.  I don't know about the movie, but that is a great quote for Hollywood to use. I hope the movie was a good one.

 

 

image from pinterest

 



End Results

 

Every conquering temptation represents a new fund of moral energy.  Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before.

 

- William Butler Yeats (1865-1939)

 

 

 

With God All Things Are Possible

Still Pondering this from Chapter 14 of Teachings of Presidents of the Church, Lorenzo Snow:

"God will add His strength to our efforts"

"Where the Lord plants us, there we are to stand; when he requires us to exert ourselves for the support of these holy principles, that we are to do; that is all we need to trouble ourselves about; the rest our Heavenly Father will take care of."

President Snow "knew in whom he trusted and therefore was able to endure every hardship, every opposition and overcome every obstacle."

After becoming President of the Church President Snow said that "There was no use in his making excuses as to inability etc., to assume the vast responsibilities involved in the position .... He felt that it was for him to do the very best he could and depend upon the Lord"

And a little something from the conversation during the lesson:
Though I don't remember the exact quote or story the thing I felt impressive was that individuals and families should have their FHE, attend seminary, have prayer and scripture study, etc. to help strengthen individuals and families so that each can be a good example to those around them. 
And, do not remove yourself from places (like a public school for instance), but strive to be the example the world needs.  Of course this does not mean that you remain in an undesirable and improper place or surrounding. 

RS Lesson - April 28, 2013

The RS lesson for Sunday was taken from two messages from the 2012 October General Conference; Trial of Your Faith by Elder Neil L. Andersen (p39), and By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled by Elder Marcus B. Nash (p99). 
I agreed to give the RS lesson (substitute) and was excited about these messages. I remember loving them as they were given. Then I started reading and preparing and realized that the last RS lesson I gave was on Faith and I was worried about how I would approach and present this lesson so that it would not be the same ole thing I had previously done.

As I was re-reading the messages there seemed to be one thing that stood out to me - something that I really didn't want to do, but it seemed that I should do.  I would begin with the question "What is Faith?" - really?  It seemed so childish, but as I continued going through those messages I was convinced that that was the direction my lesson would take, and it would continue throughout the whole lesson ... "What is Faith? - Really!"
Of course - when the Lord gives you a direction, you'd better take it!  So I did!

The lesson began with that question and we spent the rest of the time sharing quotes and scriptures and filling the chalkboard with words that answer the question "What is Faith?".  The lesson plan I prepared follows, but did not go exactly as written (I knew it wouldn't), because I handed out several quotes and scriptures for others to read and asked that they share them, and any other comments and experiences they might like to share, at any time through the lesson - whenever they felt prompted.  I am grateful that the spirit touched their hearts to share when they did - we have a wonderful group of women in our Relief Society.

 

Start with this sentence from Elder Nash –  “All things are fulfilled by faith.” (p99)

This faith we talk of today is the faith in Jesus Christ.  “Our faith must be centered in Jesus Christ in   order to produce salvation.” (Bible dict)

So what is faith?   (FAITH =)

Elder Andersen said; “The gift of faith is a priceless spiritual endowment”. (p39)

Elder Nash said that "faith is both a principle of action and of power."   (p99)  (action = something we do and power = something we gain or receive)  

 

At this point the chalk board looked something like this:

FAITH =           ACTION / DO =            POWER / GAIN =

gift
endowment

 

(The lesson continued, and all of the words that are underlined were added in the correct place on the board.)



Faith is a hope…, an assurance…, a confidence in something or someone.  (p99+)

“Faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel and is more than belief, since true faith always moves its possessor to some kind of physical and mental action; it carries an assurance of the fulfillment of the things hoped for.” (Bible dict.)     

 

How do we get faith? (this is the “action/something we do” part) (OBTAIN FAITH= was added under ACTION/DO)

Bible dictionary says; “Although faith is a gift, it must be cultured and sought after…”

Pray / pray always / pray for increased faith / find answers to your prayers  (seek it) (receive answers) (p39, 99)
Patiently wait  (p99)                                          
Press forward with hope (p99)
Believe and Trust God (according to His timing) (p39-42, 99-101)
Fear not!  (p42, 100)
Study Scriptures  (ponder) (40+) “You are to teach the scriptures… (which also means then, that we are to learn them) … therein we find principles of truth that will resolve every confusion and every problem and every dilemma that will face the human family or any individual in it.”  (Elder Packer)
Obey / Learn and Live the gospel – “All true faith must be based upon correct knowledge or it cannot produce the desired results.” (Bible dict.)
Attend church meetings / Meet together with others who believe.  (p40+)
Partake of the sacrament. (p40)
Worship thru music (in our meetings, homes, vehicles, etc.) (p40)
Share testimony of the Savior. (p40)
Serve one another. (p40)
Feel the spirit of the Lord / Invite it (p40, 100)
Receive blessings of the priesthood. (p40)
Attend the temple. (p40)  “In the ordinances, the power of godliness is manifest, when you are faced with a test of faith, stay within the safety and security of the household of God.  There is always a place for you here.  No trial is so large we can’t overcome it together.”

The April 2013 Vting message encourages us to make and keep sacred temple covenants, and           quotes President Monson, saying; “As we remember the covenants we make within the temple, we will be more able to bear every trial and to overcome each temptation.” 

There was also a story about the early saints who received strength, power, and blessings through temple covenants, and they testified that it was those temple covenants that sustained them. 
We too can be sustained by our temple covenants!

How do we keep or strengthen our faith / How do we remain steadfast and immovable during a trial of faith? 

Same answers as above. (add / KEEP FAITH= beside OBTAIN FAITH)

It is within the sanctuary of the Church that we protect our faith.  (p39, 40) (attend church)

“The church is not a place where perfect people gather to say perfect things or have perfect thoughts, or have perfect feelings. The church is a place where imperfect people gather to provide encouragement, support and service to each other as we press on in our journey to return to our Heavenly Father.”  (Joseph B. Wirthlin)

“You immerse yourself in the very things that helped build your core of faith; you exercise faith in Christ, you pray, you ponder the scriptures, you repent, you keep the commandments, and you serve others.” (p40, 99, 100)

 (I love the word immerse in that sentence – “immerse yourself in the very things that helped build your core of faith”.  Immerse is to “plunge into something that surrounds or covers” – plunge into the very things that helped build your core of faith so that it may surround and cover you.)

 (Another word in that sentence stood out to me – exercise – We often hear that word when we hear about faith – exercise faith.  I think it gives extra meaning to faith – Webster says that “exercise is an act of employing or putting into play; something performed or practiced in order to develop, improve, or display a specific capability or skill.”  Perfect isn’t it! )

“We treasure our faith …, and do all within our power to protect and defend our faith” (p39)

(Most anything we get or gain can be lost – usually through neglect or forgetfulness, but sometimes as with losing weight, we even put much effort into it.  Consider that as we discuss the next question.)

 

How can we lose our faith?  (HOW LOSE FAITH=)

We must be aware of all of the obstacles in our way to lead us off the path of faith.

“Satan will use such things as doubt, fear, or sin to tempt us to let go of faith and lose the protection it offers” (p100)

  

Doubt - Stop believing & trusting in the Lord – “Unbelief in the Lord or His gospel will cause us to resist the Spirit of God.”   (p100)  

READ Mosiah 4:9

“Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth;   believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man        doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.”

 

Elder Nash said that “If, because of unbelief or doubt, you find your faith wavering … keep in mind that “faith and reason are necessary companions”, and then he asked that we consider the following analogy –   “faith and reason are like the two wings of an aircraft. Both are essential to maintain flight. If from your perspective, reason seems to contradict faith, pause and remember that our perspective is extremely limited compared with the Lords. Do not discard faith any more than you would detach a wing from an aircraft in flight. Instead, nurture a particle of faith and permit the hope it produces to be an anchor to your soul – and to your reason.”  (p100)

Fear – Fear distracts from and undermines faith in the Savior. (p100+)  
Remember “the Apostle Peter looked to the Lord one stormy night as he walked on water, until he averted his gaze and saw the wind, boisterous, and he became afraid, and then sank into the stormy sea.  He could have continued walking had he not feared.”
“Rather than focusing upon and fearing the boisterous wind and waves in our lives, the Lord invites us to ‘look unto Him in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” (p42, 100)

 

Sin / Heeding the temptations of Satan causes us to lose faith.  “Sin diminishes the presence of the spirit in our lives, and without the Holy Ghost, we will lack the spiritual stamina to hold on to  and exercise faith.”    (100, 40)                        (be worthy of Holy Ghost)

Bible dictionary says that “A lack of faith leads one to despair, which comes because of iniquity.”

Pride / Love praise of men more than praise of God (John 12:43)
Blinded eyes / Hardened heart  (John 12:40)
Stop praying, studying the scriptures, following Christ’s teachings  (42, 99 +)

 

“Be diligent in keeping all the commandments, lest your faith fail you.  If sin has stained your life, I invite you to exercise faith unto repentance, and the Savior, thru the Atonement, will purify and heal  your life.” (p100, 101)

“Remember that faith precedes and produces miracles.” (p100)

 “Faith brings us the power of the Lord, which - among other things – is manifested by a hope of good things to come, miracles that confirm our faith, and divine protection in spiritual and temporal matters.” (p99)

 

READ D&C 27:15&17
“Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand.”
“Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked”                                                    
(and then in vs 18 He encourages us to  “be faithful until I come”)

If we have the shield of faith about us we will find that divine protection promised the faithful. (p100)

 Elder Andersen said; “Whatever you do, [DO NOT] step away from the church! Distancing yourself from the kingdom of God during a trial of faith is like leaving the safety of a secure storm cellar just as the tornado comes into view.”  (p40)

                                                                                                                       

Elder Andersen said that “fiery trials are designed to make you stronger, but they have the potential to diminish or even destroy your trust in the Son of God and to weaken your resolve to keep your promises to Him.
These trials are often camouflaged, making them difficult to identify.  They take root in our weaknesses, our vulnerabilities, our sensitivities, or in those things that matter most to us. 
A real manageable test for one can be a fiery trial for another.” (p40)

 

In our RS broadcast a few weeks ago, Sister Burton shared something with us that fits so perfectly here.  She said; “When our faith is shaken, when we begin to doubt and wonder we may question,  Why does the Lord allow suffering and adversity to come to us in this life?”   (we question)

In answer to this question she said; “Simply put, it is part of the plan for our growth and progress!  Our needed conversions are often achieved more readily by suffering and adversity than by comfort and tranquility.”

“All that is unfair about life can and will be made right thru the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”
Stay close to Him.

“The Lord will, according to our faith, fulfill His promises and work with us to overcome every challenge.”  (p100) (He will work with us)

“He will bless each of us with hope, protection, and power according to our faith in Him.” (p100)

 “Steadfast faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will anchor us and our loved ones, to ‘the rock of our Redeemer and His matchless power to save.” (we’ll be saved / eternal life)  - “By faith one obtains a remission of sins and eventually can stand in the presence of God.” (Bible dict.)

 “If we are strongly and securely attached to the Rock of our Redeemer, faith will help us to safely climb the gospel path, overcome every challenge of mortality, and return to the majestic presence of our Heavenly Father.”  (p99)

 

(a note on my book mark)  “The right path will always be uphill.”   And one thing to remember here is that uphill leads to God – it will always be worth it, every step will be worth it; every stumble, every large or tiny upward progression will be worth it.

 

“By definition, trials will be trying.  There may be anguish confusion, sleepless nights, and pillows wet with tears.  But trials need not be spiritually fatal.  They need not take us from our covenants or from the household of God.” (p41)

READ Helaman 5:12

“And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.” (build your foundation on Christ)

Sister Hinckley has said;  “There are some years in our lives that we would not want to live again.  But even these years will pass away, and the lessons learned will be a future blessing.” 

(She continued with this scripture)

D&C 24:8 –Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days.  

She also said;  “Keep the Faith.  It pays such great dividends!”  (Small and Simple Things p100-103)

“Like the intense fire that transforms iron into steal, as we remain faithful during the fiery trial of our faith, we are spiritually refined and strengthened.” (p42)

“With faith comes trials of faith, bringing increased faith.” (p42)

“Where there is true faith there are miracles, visions, dreams, healings, and all the gifts of God that he gives to his saints.

By it one can command the elements and/or heal the sick, or influence any number of circumstances when occasion warrants.”   (Bible dict)

Hold on.  Fear Not.  For God shall be with you forever and ever. (p42)

I will close as did Elder Nash, with a quote from our prophet (a favorite of mine) –

“Your future is as bright as your faith” (p100) (Bright Future)

-----

When the lesson was over, the chalkboard was filled with words.  I created a visual to help show what the chalkboard might have looked like, though this visual is much neater than the chalkboard writing was.  I tried to remember everything that the sisters added, but I'm sure I am forgetting some.  This list is not meant to be a complete list, so feel free to add your own as you read thru it.

The filled chalkboard was a visual that our eyes beheld and it touched our hearts to see it before us.

I was very grateful for the divine guidance and direction given me as I prepared, and for the help presenting it. 

Fact:

I had a cold (runny nose and sneezing often) before I started the lesson and I worried that I would waste too much time taking care of my nose during the lesson.  I was armed with Kleenex within reach and when the meeting was over I realized I hadn't needed a single tissue.  How's that for help from above!  Pretty perfect I'd say.  

It is Tuesday as I write this, and the cold and runny nose are still with me, but I'm grateful for the 45 minutes of healing I received Sunday.  :)   I've gone through more than one box of Kleenex already.

“Keep the Faith.  It pays such great dividends!”

A Bitter Heart

For a while now I have given thought to a certain time in my life when my heart was bitter about my circumstances and conditions.   Each time I have thought about it I have also felt inspired to share my story here.  I have attempted to write it several times, but have also hesitated each time knowing that it would incriminate me. I really am embarrassed by it.  Listening to General Conference prodded me, so once again I attempted to complete this story but didn't succeed.  Attending Skyler's college graduation was the final prod I needed, and I am sitting to complete it for the final attempt.  This experience isn't something that I am proud of or pleased with, aside from the fact that I am grateful to have been able to recognize and overcome the evil within. 

I want to start out by saying that I love my children - each and every one of them.  This story in no way should, nor is intended to make any statement contrary to that fact.

My story is about hearts.  They are our very life.  But this story isn't about the beating of a heart in a physical sense, but about the spiritual part of the heart, which in many ways is just as important.  Our hearts are what help us feel ..., really feel.  Therefore we need to keep them happy and never harbor hatred or bitterness.  For hatred and bitterness are destroyers of happiness and joy and peace.

Okay, enough preface, on with my story -

After having a few boys added to our family I really wanted a girl. At one point I was feeling rather bitter about things and wondering why Heavenly Father wasn't answering what I thought was a righteous desire and request. 
Don't get me wrong - I loved (and still love) my boys, each one of them, and wouldn't trade any of them for anyone or any thing else. But that love didn't stop me from wanting a girl too. I know that there are others out there who at the same time would have given anything for a child - girl or boy, so why should I complain?  (I might add, that I have felt that feeling for a short time in my life too.)  I also saw at the same time that there were young girls out there who shouldn't even be having children, getting pregnant and having a girl.  What was up with that?  Are you sensing the bitterness I was feeling?  I'm just trying to paint this picture as it really was - telling it like it is type of thing.

I'm not sure how many boys I had before I began feeling so bitter about it, and I'm sure it was a gradual thing, but I can especially remember one experience (and can vividly envision it in my mind as I think back on it today) when I wept bitterly and felt almost angry against the Lord for not granting me this blessing.  I was telling my visiting teachers about my desire and while doing so I was able to feel my body tremble and a coldness overcome me.  I remember recognizing that I was "out of control" ..., this was not what I wanted to feel.  I was not who I wanted to be.  I didn't like that bitter feeling inside of me.  The Lord's Spirit had left me.  These sweet sisters listened lovingly, and surely wondered what to say or do that could console me.  I'm sure the Lord was inspiring them because they said and did exactly what I needed at the time.  Even though I don't remember their exact words, I do remember the love they expressed to me and the hope they gave me as they shared their love for me and their love for the Lord.   I wish I could remember their words, but do recognize that what I felt may have come from more than spoken words.   I knew then that I needed to pray for forgiveness and come to terms with the fact that I did not have a daughter.  I had to remember to trust in the Lord, to love Him.  Possibly most importantly,  I knew that my prayers needed to change from "please give me a daughter" to "please give me peace".   I had to stop dwelling on my discouragement and start dwelling on something that would take my heart to a happy place.  Christ would be that happy place.

I can tell you that my prayers did change and my heart changed also.  In time, I recognized that I had come a long way.  After my seventh son I was feeling a great peace and even felt comfortable with being done with our family of seven boys. There was no bitterness left in me.  I felt good inside.  I felt peace and love from above.  I was content.  I was happy.  It was a great feeling and I was grateful for it.

My story doesn't end there, but it could have and life would have been great because I had found a happy place.  I find it interesting that it was only after this peace came to me that I was given a daughter. Child number eight, that I wasn't sure I was even going to have, was a surprise package ready to be dressed in pink (at least for a few years).   And to prove His love for me, the Lord then sent us one more son, child number nine, to complete our family. 

There is much more to this story that I left unsaid, but I am grateful for the change of heart that took place, and for those two sisters who truly were inspired to encourage and love and inspire me to be a better person.  Their hearts were where they needed to be when I needed them.  I am so grateful for that.   One of those sisters has since past away, but I will remember her always because of the love shared from her heart to mine that day.  The other sister remains my friend and without even knowing, continues to touch my heart in numerous ways.  They each hold a special place in my heart.

I have learned that true joy comes from what Christ sends us, whatever that is.  It does not always come from our desires, though sometimes we are lucky enough that those two things are the same.  It's how we handle what He sends us that makes us who we are and guides us to a happy place.

I love this quote - it fits perfectly for my story - I must remember this for all areas of my life!

“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”
― Maya Angelou


Because the quotes I heard at Skyler's graduation are still recent enough for me to remember, I am adding them here. You'll probably see why they prompted me to continue writing my story.   As usual, I will enjoy reading the conference messages to remind myself of those great words, and maybe I'll share some of those thoughts as I come to them.

Quotes from April 2013 BYU-I  graduation: (FYI - these were each from different speakers)

- "In all thy getting get understanding" and "lean not unto thine own understanding but trust in the Lord" (two scriptures that fit so well together)

 

- "This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it" (quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson)

 

- "How we react to our failures can be more important than how we react to our successes"

I thought I was going to close here, but another thought keeps coming to my mind - it's a phrase in a children's book, and maybe even the title of it - Better Move On Frog! 
(I don't remember the story of that book, but the title is what fits here.)
When we find our hearts becoming hardened or bitter we'd better move on to a happier place, and we'd better recognize that the happier place is closer to Christ and His teachings.  That's all there is to it.  Forget and forgive and move on.


and lastly - a Japanese Proverb



image from here




Helaman 5 (esp. vs 40-47) = Liken unto Depression

I love this promise!   Consider the "cloud of darkness" as ones inner feelings during times of depression.   I know this works - I have put it to the test more than once.

 

 

"What shall we do, that this cloud of darkness may be removed from over-shadowing us?" (v40)

 

"You must repent, and cry unto the [Lord], even until ye shall have faith in Christ, who was taught unto you..., and when ye shall do this, the cloud of darkness shall be removed from overshadowing you." (v41)

 

"... they did ..." (v42)

 

"the cloud of darkness was dispersed from overshadowing them ..." (v43)

 

"... and they were filled with that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory." (v44)

 

"And the Holy Spirit of God did come down from heaven, and did enter into their hearts, and they were filled ...." (v45)

 

"Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in [Him]."  (v47)

... we will prevail ... and ... due reward of our deeds ...

It is not the conditions people are in that produce happiness, but how they respond to those conditions.

Even though we may be required to experience great hardship, we will prevail over any difficulty by exercising faith and trust in the Lord.

From the Book of Mormon Student Manual Religion 121and 122. Chapter 5 Introduction

and ...


President Spencer W. Kimball made it clear that people cannot escape the consequences of unworthy acts: “Every soul must stand trial and pay the uttermost farthing in one way or another. Escape from the consequences of acts of free agency is an impossibility. No one, however clever, bypasses the ‘due reward of our deeds.’ There are dark, deep corners, locked rooms, isolated spots, but no act, good or bad; no thought, ugly or beautiful, ever escapes being seen or heard. Every one will make the imprint on the individual and be recorded, to be met and paid for. Hence, one only deceives himself to think he is ‘getting by’ with anything improper” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 155).

Found in the same manual as above, Chapter 5;  1 Nephi 15:32–35, “Judged of Their Works”

A quote I found during my scripture study this morning

With the power of the priesthood, faith, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Saints of the last days will be armed sufficiently to withstand all opposition.

(This was in reference to 1 Nephi 14:14)

Thank You For Waiting!

(Message by Elaine, given February 21, 2009 at Stake Conference, Saturday Night Adult Meeting.)

When Pres Christensen told me the theme of the meeting I thought, "That's a great theme!" My part was the "Be Still" part; "waiting patiently on the Lord". I love this theme. It touches my heart, Even amidst all my fear while Pres. Christensen was asking me to speak I was having some reassuring thoughts like: I have experience with this that I can share. I can testify of this. As each of you surely can too.

The next day at Terry's chemo treatment I was thinking about those experiences that I just knew I could share, but I wasn't coming up with much. I turned to Terry and told him of my stupor of thought. His reply was, "BE PATIENT, THEY'LL COME!"
I love his advice. They did come. I remembered many experiences that I've had. I wish I could share them all, but I only have a few min.

Terry has been my best friend for over 29 years now and he has often helped me learn how to accept things that I cannot change.

I have had a tendency to worry a lot. One day, years ago, when I was talking with Terry about a concern or worry I had he just looked at me and said; "Why do you worry about things like that?" Does worrying change or solve anything? Honestly - it just makes me feel worse. That was an eye opener to me. Worrying is not very productive. I have tried to not worry about as many things since then.

When we cannot change the challenge we are faced with we must Let it go. Our Savior has already gone through this for us. He understands. No matter what the issue is - turn it over to Him.

A few years ago we were asked to give Sac Mtg talks. The topic I was speaking on was faith and obedience. (here is a very short version of the story)
I forgot my notes and there was no time to return to get them. This was a major problem for me - I write things out word for word. I knew I had to practice what I was preaching - have faith that the Lord would help me thru my talk and be obedient in keeping my assignment.
I prayed hard, asked the kids to pray for me, and asked Terry to give me a blessing. I jotted down a few notes, and felt the Spirit prompt me as I spoke, then, about 15 minutes into my talk I felt my mind go blank (more common for me :) I should have been comfortable there, but I wasn't) Fear and panic began to set in, I thought "What now?", then just as quickly as the fear set in a sweet peace came and I heard "Just close now, This is enough!" So I did. I sat down with a sigh of relief and a feeling of peace. I had accomplished a tremendous task - but not on my own. I had turned it over to the Lord & He helped me thru this difficulty.

I do testify that praying to your Heavenly Father and then continuing in faith brings great results. Tell Him your concerns - tell Him everything, poor out your heart, Then trust in Him, HE SENDS US GUIDANCE AND PEACE!

Richard G. Scott said; “Humble, trusting prayer brings consolation, solace, comfort, direction, and peace the unworthy can never know.”
(we might take note of a few things in that quote)
- the need to be humble,
- the importance of trusting prayer,
- and the fact that we must be worthy.
Remember "the Lord cannot dwell in unholy places".

The latest encouragement I hear often from my husband when I have a concern is simply - “It’ll turn out better than you think!” and it usually does. These loving little reminders help put my mind at ease. They help me remember to be still and wait patiently on the Lord. They remind me to focus on the things that I can change, let go of the other. They are encouragement to proceed with trust. Trust in the Lord.

One scripture given to me for this message is Psalms 27:14 “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart.”
Elder Wirthlin’s inspiring council in his last conference message was simply- “Come what may and love it!”
Instead of worrying, accept it, love it. Be of good courage, and He will strengthen us.

Just before Thanksgiving 2004, Terry was diagnosed with small lymphocytic lymphoma / chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We were concerned - his health was deteriorating fast. He would be starting chemotherapy treatments the first of Dec. Our hearts were heavy. What was going to happen to our family? We tried to understand what lie ahead for us, but we weren’t sure.
What we did know was that worrying wouldn't help, and we knew where to turn.
My personal slogan has often been - “The Lord is my strength!” Where else can we go for peace?
We prayed, and asked each of our fathers to give Terry a blessing. We have found peace and comfort and strength.
We still don’t have all the answers. Terry is not cured. He is in the middle of his 3rd set of treatments within 4 1/2 years. But - we just keep on keepin on. We are waiting, striving to remain true to the Lord, accepting what comes our way, and looking forward to a bright future. We feel safety. We feel peace. We feel love. And we know that “it’ll turn out better than we think!”
I testify that we can find peace amidst the storms that threaten us. Our Heavenly Father knows of our heartache and suffering. He loves us and wants the best for us. We must never doubt this.
He does not always intervene in the course of events, but He has promised the faithful peace even in their trials and tribulations. (Elder Joseph B Wirthlin, May 2000 Ensign)

There were other scriptures given to me for this evening, all with a similar message of waiting on the Lord. I followed some of the foot notes and was led to 2 Nephi 6:13 where I had previously written a note in the margin that said: “to wait = to remain true to Him, to remain strongly attached while staying put or still until something expected happens.” I love that little bit of info.

Waiting on the Lord is not just waiting - it requires something -
- It requires remaining true, and strongly attached to Him.
- Remaining true requires faith. "It is after the trial of our faith" that the blessings come.
- It requires living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
- It requires staying put, with our feet firmly planted in gospel soil.
- It requires charity - charity suffereth long, is not easily provoked, beareth all things, and endureth all things.
- Staying put requires being steadfast and immovable.
“Ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men” (2 Ne 31:20)
To be steadfast in Christ implies keeping covenants. Each week we renew our baptismal covenants to “take His name upon us”, to “always remember Him,” and to “keep His commandments”. (D&C 20:77) Doing these things gives us hope to carry on. It changes our hearts, allowing us to feel the love of God in our lives.

Christ said, “I am the Way!” and He meant it. He is the way to find peace.

I love this quote from Elder Dallin H Oaks, he said; “The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the brightest light and the only hope for this darkened world”

I testify that “when we live the gospel, the Lord helps us meet our challenges.” “It will not eliminate all of our problems, but the gospel will give us direction to help us solve our problems and the comfort and peace we receive from living close to the Lord can help us face those problems without panic or fear. (#3 Living the Gospel Daily)

Living close to the Lord is so important. “If we develop a relationship with Christ, ... we will have a quite confidence that will see us through any trial. Whatever the anxiety, or fear, or frustration, we have only to remember the Lord’s comforting words to the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Liberty Jail, ‘My son, peace be unto thy soul.’ To each of us, Christ will always be there to say ‘My son or my daughter, ... peace be unto thy soul.” (Church news Oct 8, 1994, Elder Ladd)
Terry had such an experience during a Spanish Branch Sacrament Mtg one day as he was telling the members about his health condition. He felt Heavenly Father's love for him personally and he heard the comforting reassurance that everything would be alright.

In the midst of chaos, we must pause and must listen for the Spirit that tells us, “All is well”. There is great cause to be concerned, but there is greater reason to be at peace. (May 2003 Ensign, Blessed by Living Water)

One day in the temple, while I was expecting our 7th child, I was saying a quite prayer, asking that this child be a girl. I had confidence that the Lord could make it so. While I was petitioning the Lord I heard, “This one isn’t, but the next one will be!” My thoughts and attitude changed drastically. It was as if I stood up and threw my hands in the air and spoke out loud the words, “What do you mean the next one, there isn’t going to be a next one!”
My goodness! What was I thinking? Who did I think I was talking to? Where did I think that message came from? I had been given a message that should have been a “tender mercy” - meant surely to calm my soul and prepare me for what was to come. But, I shrugged it off, ignored it, even denied it. I put it out of my mind and never thought of it again.
Then, after we had our 8th child, and it was our first girl, I was lovingly reminded of that experience in the temple a few years earlier. I felt the much deserved chastisement and was quite humbled. Did He not “tell me in my mind” the things that I should know, that would help bring peace to my heart and my soul?

I testify that we must listen, we must accept these messages from the Lord, sent thru the Comforter, for just that purpose, to comfort us. This comfort sent to us will surely make the waiting easier.

I testify that we must exercise faith in the Lord, in His teachings, His promptings, and in His limitless power. We can grow in faith only if we are willing to wait patiently for God’s purposes and patterns to unfold in our lives, on His timetable. Remember that “faith is things which are hoped for and not seen.”

Before I close, I testify that these things which I have spoken of are true. Being still and waiting patiently on the Lord may not be easy, but it will be worth it.

Isaiah 30:18-21 reminds us “...blessed are they that wait for him... this is the way, walk ye in it.”

While sitting in the waiting room at the clinic last week I heard a receptionist lift up the phone and say “Thank you for waiting!” It was said so sincerely that it touched my heart. Of course I knew of my assignment at the time so it meant a little more than it might have otherwise.
After hearing it I thought of how I’ve always hoped that the Lord would be able to say to me “Well done thou good and faithful servant”, and this day, because I now understand more fully what it can mean, I add another phrase I might like to hear Him sincerely say, - “Thank you for waiting”