Sunday Scripture: Hope

Moroni 7:40

And again, my beloved brethren, I would speak unto you concerning hope. How is it that ye can attain unto faith, save ye shall have hope?

"Hope is the anchor of our souls. I know of no one who is not in need of hope—young or old, strong or weak, rich or poor. As the prophet Ether exhorted, “Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.”

James E. Faust (November 1999 Ensign)

Today I was fortunate to attend Stake Conference (a twice a year special meeting for about 6-8 wards) with my parents. My Dad was in the choir so just my mom and I sat together (children stayed home today), it was a wonderful meeting, filled with all the things I was needing to hear! All of the Bishop's wives were asked to speak and each of their talks were part of this masterful quilt, none of them assigned, all spoken from the spirit and it was amazing how they all blended together perfectly. My sweet friend Michelle spoke and the things she said touched me, she recalled the pain of losing her son shortly after he was born some years ago, and then the Hope that she was able to live on, knowing she would see him again. The reminder to hold on, even when life deals us a nasty blow, a difficult test or a road block, was very much needed in my life at this time.

I have had several things that have been weighing heavily on my mind recently. A close family member received some scary news related to their health and for me it felt like a stone to the head. It was difficult to be so far away so that is why I jumped in my car and came to Vegas, I wanted to feel some what useful and supportive. There was a minor surgery and things are looking hopeful.

Another heart ache I have is watching my parents, who have done nothing but help everyone around them for years, including but not limited to their children, extended family members, friends, strangers, neighbors, and anyone that stood in need. They are now feeling the EXTREME downturn of the economy, my father works in the Commercial Real Estate industry and has for 25 years, and has never seen it this bad before. I worry for them, I know that the Lord watches over them, yet the thought of them struggling is more painful than when we were out of a job. I truly know and understand that trials don't only come to those that are doing wrong, but it sure stinks when good people, trying to do the right things are handed a whopper and gosh darn I can't prevent it.

My mother tells me that everything will be OK, that "some how things will work out", and I wonder why she is comforting me. Where is that magic wand when I need it? Then today I was encouraged to have hope and to lean on the Lord, He has his eye on them and that there is a reason for this trial. Maybe He wants them to move closer to their amazing daughter that lives in Colorado, maybe!!?? :)

I want to bear my testimony that I know that through Christ there is Hope, there is reason to hold on and keep going. I know there are so many people in the same predicament as my parents but I know that through faith, prayer and doing what is right He will bless us beyond our comprehension. I know He loves me and watches over me and my family. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a true Prophet, that he is guided and directed by our Heavenly Father. I know the Book of Mormon to be a testament of Jesus Christ and by reading it I am able to feel the promptings of the Holy Ghost and that I grow closer to the Lord. I know these things to be true, there is NO DOUBT about it, it has been witnessed to me too many times in my life to think other wise. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Happy Sunday

All my love

Sunday Scripture! Revisit with Visiting Teachers

Today was my last Sunday in Vegas before we head back over the mountains and through the woods on Tues. The lesson in relief society was on Visiting Teaching, something that I have expressed my testimony of more than once in the past.

This talk by Julie B. Beck from the Nov 2009 Ensign gives a great reminder of just how essential women in the church are. We have the ability to serve others that is special just to us, we can nurture and love in ways that is uniquely ours and was determined to be so by our Heavenly Father. Our role on this earth is to make sure it has the fluffy stuff, you know, notes in your kids lunches, kisses on owies, a shoulder to cry on when the other kids have said something mean. Of course Fathers and Men are essential as well, but as women we have a tender way about us that can not be replaced.

One of the many ways we can serve and have been asked to serve within the boundaries of the gospel is through our Visiting Teaching. This is our chance to go into the homes of the women we are assigned to visit and check in on them, befriend them, encourage them and love them. In return we will find that we are blessed in new friendships and the ability to look outside our own stresses and lift others.

Some of my most dear friends came from visiting teaching, either they were mine, I was theirs or we were partners. I am grateful for them and still maintain contact with most of them, they are women I will treasure for my entire life.

Now if I were home on my computer I could put together a collage of all the women that have made such a difference in my life through their service to me and also their willingness to have let me serve them. I am not, so I will have to do that later but perhaps just a mention of their names will help you realize these are women you might know, women with children and busy lives just like you and me, it encourages me knowing if they were able to set aside the time for V.T than I can do as long as I make it a priority. That is something I really have been trying to work on and plan for this new year to not miss a single month!! Don't hate me if I do K


Kasey Eyre (Visiting Teacher & V.T Partner)
Emylee Bierstedt (Visiting Teacher)
Judy Knittle (Visiting Teacher)
Tara Smith (Visiting Teaching Partner)
Kim Yates ( Visiting Teachee)
Karen Stevens (Visiting Teacher)
Lindsay Mann ( Visiting Teachee and V.T partner)
Deborah Parshall (Viting Teacher)
Chelsea Kovach (Visiting Teacher)
Carie Fordham (Visiting Teachee)
Abbi Salas (Visiting Teachee)
Amie Ison (V.T Partner)

These are just some of their names and I am forever grateful for them!

All my love