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

Lemons

I recently heard a most delightful sentiment, it went something like;

"When life gives you lemons, you have to squirt people in the eye."

I know in a perfect world we are supposed to make lemonade but don't you ever feel like doing that instead?? No. Well, I guess I am alone then.

Recently it seems as though many a lemon has been added to my basket, or to the baskets of those close to me. The first lemon is just a lemon and you deal, the next one is a bit more daunting and sour, and suddenly it seems I am up to my eye balls in Lemons!

Have I brought this upon myself because I have been cooking more with them or the fact that I am in love with the color yellow? Whatever the reason or the season, I wish that these Lemons would find a juicer!!

(forgive me for being ambiguous about all of this, but at this time I am not at liberty to discuss details)

Oh and the adventures of a 13 hour drive alone with 3 kids is about to be served :)

Sunday Scripture! "Hold On a Little Longer"

In the January 2010 Liahona there President Dieter F. Uchtdorf speaks of why we must endure the trials of this life and that through Christ we will be given strength if we are faithful. He says

"One of the many revelations Joseph received in Kirtland was a revelation he called the “olive leaf … plucked from the Tree of Paradise, and the Lord’s message of peace to us” (introduction to D&C 88). This remarkable revelation includes the sublime invitation, “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me” (D&C 88:63). As the Saints of Kirtland drew near unto the Lord, He truly did draw near unto them, pouring out the blessings of heaven upon the heads of the faithful."

Then when referring to the "spiritual outpouring" that took place during the time the saints were in Kirtland he said.

"Perhaps the culmination of these spiritual manifestations occurred during the dedication of the Kirtland Temple on March 27, 1836. One of those present was 28-year-old William Draper, who described the day as a “day of Pentecost.” He wrote: “There was such a time of the outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord, that my pen is inadequate to write it in full or my tongue to express it. But I will here say that the Spirit was poured out and came like a mighty rushing wind and filled the house, that many that were present spoke in tongues and had visions and saw angels and prophesied, and had a general time of rejoicing such as had not been known in this generation.”


I must say that of all the Sunday Scriptures that I have presented on my blog, today I was stuck on what to write. While I choose them by the impact they have had on my own life, I also pray that they are messages that will help and encourage those that read it. I prayed for some time to know that the things that I leave here today will be what the Lord would have me write. Then as I began studying the scriptures and articles I came across the above paragraph and I feel as though it pin points my exact feeling "that my pen is inadequate to write it in full or my tongue to express it". I am not a "spiritual giant" I don't know very much, I am still a "child" when it comes to understanding all the things of the gospel but with Christ as my interpreter I hope to present His message as best I can. Let me share an experience I had just yesterday.

I spent the afternoon doing some grocery shopping, I went to Costco knowing that I had a limited budget to spend there and then I would head to another grocery store to get the remaining and bulk of our groceries. Well as I walked through Costco I found myself looking into others carts and seeing how full theirs were compared to my very meager contents. I became jealous that they could come and buy all that they wanted or needed without a thought for the money it represented. I left holding in my hand the item I ultimately purchased, embarrassed, feeling like everyone else must know how little money I had. I sat in my car for a moment and the tears fell as I thought of how I would need to plan very carefully our meals for the next two weeks, and angry because of it. Then I thought back to a year ago and where we were, and I wanted to slap myself!

One year ago my husband had no job, we were staying with my parents and the prospects for future income was slim! Now, Here I was with a budget to work with, a car to drive, a beautiful home to take the food to, a neighborhood which we love and I am crying because other people have more food than me!! I plugged my ipod in, wiped my tears and put the car in reverse and the first song that came on was most definitly meant to get through to me, I have heard it many many times yet I knew that this time was my Heavenly Fathers way of letting me know he heard my prayers and pleading.





There are so many out there in much worse conditions and yet He knows my struggles and still cares about them. He cares about each one of us, loves us and wants us to be happy. I know this, and I am grateful for His patience with me and the kindness He shows me daily. May all of you have a wonderful Sunday

All my love (Oh and Don't forget the GIVE AWAY)

Sunday Scripture! Faith, brothers and sisters, Faith

John 16:33

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."


In recent weeks I have faced, what I will call "mini trials" the kind that are mostly dealt with on a personal level or with a spouse. There have been moments of sadness and discouragement and then after much prayer and scripture reading, the overwhelming peace that everything would be ok. Throughout my life there have been "big" faith building experiences, the ones that are undeniably set right in front of your face, but the majority of the time it is through the small "mini trials" where faith is drawn from.


Today in Sacrament meeting for some odd reason my children were sitting still for longer lengths of time and I was able to really take in and listen to those that were speaking. This was truly a blessing for me because as the words came from the pulpit it was as if I was the only one in the room and that they were speaking right to me. The spirit was so strong and then it was as if someone tapped me on the shoulder and said "Marylin, I know. Don't worry everything will be alright." Shortly after, the children began to rustle a bit and I had to take James out into the foyer, but it was like I had heard what I needed to hear.

I am truly grateful for these kinds of moments, that are small and when one is in tune with the spirit, they are Faith building. It is a wonderful feeling to know that my Heavenly Father knows me and really truly knew exactly what I needed to hear today, He worked through others to teach me and to let me know He knows. He sees me and loves me. I was the lamb today that
my Savior sought out to find.

Sunday Scripture ; Needed a Boost, and a Boost I Got!!

Yesterday was a very roller coaster day of emotions! It started off with a fun family photo shoot and then, I came home to an empty house because my sweet husband had taken the kids with him to get the oil changed in my car and a trip to the park. It was wonderful because I was able to get my house all clean, well then they arrived home sooner than I had thought and Jimmy says "Can you come clean up the throw-up in the car?" Turns out that Grace had gone on the tire swing (that she has already had "issues" with) and then got in the car and well you know what happened then. So needless to say I spent a little time cleaning that up and then a trip to Costco and Wal-Mart to get things for my "Girls Night".

I returned home and cleaned some more, prepared food and changed out of my nasty clothes. As I was getting ready, I received a phone call from a very good friend, but she had some slightly depressing/discouraging information and once we got of the phone I had a slight meltdown. Jimmy was kind and tried to encourage me to finish getting ready for the night. I did, and man, by 6:05 I was feeling no pain, my friends were arriving and suddenly laughter was abundant, we talked about EVERYTHING under the moon and then some!

The night had really given me a boost when I was in need, and I am so grateful for a Heavenly Father that knows what to do and when to do it. Today I received another boost when I was officially called as the 2nd Counselor in the Young Women's Presidency! I have served in this calling once before and had been sooo sad when I was released, so it is just very EXCITING to be working with the youth again!

Then tonight I was reading on LDS.org and I replayed a video on the home page entitled "Create", it hit me like a boulder this time and once again I was reminded of how close an eye the Lord has on me. I am grateful for the blessings which I have received, for the strength that is added in my life and the ability to ask for guidance and encouragement on a daily basis. This video is such a great reminder of why we must remember who we are and who loves us.