Little Children Are So Fresh From Heaven

Today Ashton and I were talking about Jesus after saying a blessing on our lunch. He asked me if Jesus was in the sky and I told him that heaven was probably somewhere above the sky. He asked if Jesus liked it when he was nice and I said that when he was nice that Jesus was happy.

Then he said to me "I miss Jesus." I told him that I miss Him too. He bowed his head and he got that look like he was about to cry and he said "I really miss Jesus. I feel like I could cry." And it did look like he might cry.

Sometimes when he acts like a three year old and prays with a cup in his mouth while gurgling milk I wonder if he understands anything that I am trying to teach him. Then there are these glimpses of who Ashton really is, there is no doubt in my mind that Heavenly Father saved His most exceptional children for this time when Satan would be the strongest. At this moment I feel so grateful for the opportunity that I have to spend time with this precious little guy.

Jesus is Better than Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole.

JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh

JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year

JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies

JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited

JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa

JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap

JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"

JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly

JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO

JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry"

JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you".

Santa's little helpers make toys

JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but

JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree

JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.

We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.

We need to put Christ back in Christmas.

Jesus is still the reason for the season.

Learning to Trust in The Lord

Today I read Mormon 9 for my morning scripture study, I know that I was meant to read this chapter today. It reminds me that our God is a God of miracles. I really needed this reminder today.

In verses 11, 15 and 19:
"But behold, I will show unto you a God of miracles, even the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and it is that same God who created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are.

And now, O all ye that have imagined up unto yourselves a god who can do no miracles, I would ask of you, have all these things passed, of which I have spoken? Has the end come yet? Behold I say unto you, Nay; and God has not ceased to be a God of miracles.

And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles."

I was in the temple this morning and I know that Heavenly Father is a God of miracles. I felt a reassurance that no matter what challenges and trials that we will go through if we look; we will see the miracles. It is so comforting to know that He hasn't changed, there were miracles wrought by the apostles of old and miracles still happen. I am so happy that I can still expect miracles.

Then in verses 21 and 27:
"Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth.

O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him."

This was another excellent reminder for me. I need to continue to petition the Lord, I know that He hears my prayers, I need to believe that He will answer them in His own time frame. I just feel comforted today, I know that the Lord is aware of all of us and all of our needs. I hope that this holiday season that I may be an angel for someone in need. The Lord has given me so much I really am so grateful.

Peace Through the Scriptures

I was reading 4th Nephi today and I am really looking forward to the peace that we will have after the Savior comes again.

After the Savior was resurrected He visited the Nephites and established His church among them. The people repented of their sins, were baptized and received the Holy Ghost and they began to live the law of consecration. There were no poor or rich among them; they all took care of each other because of the love that they had for Heavenly Father and the Savior.

In verses 15-17 "And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.
And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.
There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God."

I cross referenced one and found:
John 17: 20-21
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

These people were living the way that the Savior wants us to live, the way that He prayed to Heavenly Father that we would live. I like to apply the scriptures to myself... so I know that this applies to me also.

Websters definition of strife: Heated often violent conflict: bitter dissension: A struggle between rivals, CONTENTION.

I didn't really know what strife meant so I looked it up, now I don't think that we have heated, violent conflict in our family but sometimes I think I get somewhat contentious. I wonder how close we could get in our own family or home to the way that the people were living after the Savior visited them. If I were able to think of my family members more than myself and really took care of their needs, if I learned to bite my tongue instead of giving a unkind retort, or if I chose not to take offense during frustrating or trying times in our family how much closer would we be? Right now I am not very close to what I think would be perfect but after reading this today, I think that I have some good ideas on how I could help my family get there. Then we will have peace, if not in the world then in our own home.

I really like the picture that I found to go with this post. I hadn't ever seen it before. I know that the family looks kind of old fashioned, I think that I am an old fashioned kind of gal (although I can't really see myself in a dress everyday :)). The family looks happy and content and the Savior is right there with them. That is what I want for my family, for the Savior to be near us and for us to be happy. I am learning to be an optimist, I believe that we can have this even with all of the horrible things that are happening in the world today.

The Times We Live In

I was reading in the scriptures last week and a few things really stood out to me because of things that are going on in the world today.

3 Nephi 29:2 "And ye may know that the words of the Lord, which have been spoken by the holy prophets, shall all be fulfilled; and ye need not say that the Lord delays his coming unto the children of Israel. "

I cross referenced delays and found in Matthew 24:24 "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. "

Here I cross referenced elect, in D&C 29:7 "And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts; "

I went back to the references for delays and found in Matthew 24:48-51 "But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
and D&C 45:26
"And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth. "

Some people may be laboring on the earth under the impression that the Lord is delaying His coming, I know that this is not true. I believe that the signs spoken of in the scriptures are happening all around us. There will be those that claim to be the Lord's elect that will be deceived in the last days. I am trying my hardest not to be one of them. I was reading the blog of a very good friend and I know that she is seeing the signs all around as well. I feel so inspired by her testimony and strength. I know that she will be a rallying point for all of those around her. I pray that I may be as brave and bold as she is.

Sometimes I Wish That I Didn't Have to Have Trials

Last Friday Bob had a second interview with a company and I was so excited because that was the first time he had gotten to that step in the process. I felt really good and hopeful, they gave him a lot of really good feedback. Bob, however didn't feel as sure about it. He said that he didn't have a good read on the interviewers. It sounded like they needed to fill the position right away and Bob said that he could start the next day. Last night he was really bummed out, he didn't hear back from that company and this is really challenging to his self esteem.

After talking about it at dinner I was feeling really bummed out too. I was just sure that this was the one that would be different and that things were looking up for us. We cleared the dishes and came down stairs to do our family scripture study and read:

Alma 9: 9-10 "Do ye not remember that our father, Lehi, was brought out of Jerusalem by the hand of God? Do ye not remember that they were all led by him through the wilderness? And have ye forgotten so soon how many times he delivered our fathers out of the hands of their enemies, and preserved them from being destroyed, even by the hands of their own brethren?"

I am so glad that we read this chapter. Heavenly Father has been merciful to us, we made it safely from Vancouver to here and we were able to find a home to live in even though Bob did not have a job. Our resources have been stretching and we have been able to eat and have heat and electricity. Bob has been able to have job contacts and while the right job hasn't come along yet I know that one will. If He can deliver the Nephites from people that want to kill them, He can surely provide for our needs. I am so grateful for the scriptures that give me these reminders when I am feeling down. After our scripture study I felt better, I know that all things are in the Lord's hands and all things will be done according to His will. I will be able to survive this trial with His help.

Scripture Pondering

Today my scripture study was in 3 Nephi 25 the Savior quotes Malachi, he is speaking of the last days.

verse 2 "But unto you that fear my name, shall the Son of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth and grow up as calves in the stall."

I cross referenced grow and found:

D&C 45:58 "And the earth shall be given unto them for an inheritance; and they shall multiply and wax strong, and their children shall grow up without sin unto salvation."

The meek shall inherit the earth. As I think about these scriptures I feel that at the Saviors Second Coming the meek will be protected. When I think of calves in the stall I think of protection or safety. Being meek and remembering our covenants or thinking of the Lord always will give us this protection. Growing up without sin unto salvation sounds pretty good to me. What if my children in heaven were promised because of their faithfulness that they could grow up at that time? Its an interesting thought...but then I wonder what can I do to work on my meekness?

I Want to be Made Into a Jewel

Today I read:

3 Nephi 16-17 "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another, and the Lord hearkened and heard; and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him."

I highlighted the parts that really stood out to me today. Earlier in the chapter I read:

verses 2-3 "But who may abide the day of his coming, and who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap.
And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness."

I want to be made into a jewel for the Lord. I know that this is symbolic and that I'm not going to be some emerald or ruby, I want to be made into something of value to the Lord. I know that I have infinite worth already but I want to be something beautiful to the Lord. I think that for this to happen I need to be willing to submit to the refining that the Lord wants for me. I feel like the experience that I am going through right now is part of that refining. With Bob being out of work and at home all of the time we seem to be getting on one another's nerves, I think that this is a normal part of the human experience, as I learn to rely on the Lord and pray for help to manage negative thoughts and angry retorts I think that I become more refined through the experience. This is really painful somedays I don't do as well and I don't like myself as much as I would like.

Another key part of being made a jewel is attending our meetings and thinking of the Lord. I am so glad that Bob, Heather and I had the chance to do our part and speak in sacrament meeting. The Lord wants us to share our testimony with others, the Lord hears what we say and it will be recorded in the book of remembrance. I am trying hard to think of the Lord more and pay attention to the promptings that I receive that I may help those around me. I know that if we continue to do these things the promise that the Lord will spare His jewels will apply to me, to all of us.

I survived giving a talk in sacrament meeting!

I gave a talk in sacrament meeting last Sunday, I turned red in the face but I survived. It had been 20 years since I was asked to speak so I'm sure that I was overdue.

I mainly spoke about opposition (maybe I feel like I'm experiencing a little of that right now :D) I shared our experience of going through the adoption process and how we almost had the chance to adopt a baby. If Heavenly Father had allowed me that blessing we would not have had the money to support ourselves through the job reversal that we are going through right now. I think of that Garth Brooks song about unanswered prayers.

Here is an excerpt from my talk:
Elder Wirthlin shared some counsel that his mother gave to him “Come what may, and love it.” I really like this counsel and I am going to try to remember it as I go through the various challenges of life. I believe that I will be happier if I do. He went on to describe four ways that we can handle adversity in our lives: Learn to laugh, seek for the eternal, the principal of compensation and trust in the Father and the Son.

The principal of compensation was the most interesting to me; Elder Wirthlin taught “That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way.” I love the Lord and as I thought back on our adoption experience I realized that I had been compensated and right away too. A day or two after that sorrowful news we found out that our nephews and niece would be able to visit with us for a month in the summer. This gave us the opportunity to establish a relationship with them greater than we previously had. We had so much fun together, I’m so grateful for this blessing.

I was reading the Ensign last month and I came across a great quote that is in For the Strength of Youth “The Lord will make much more out if your life than you can by yourself. He will increase your opportunities, expand your vision, and strengthen you. He will give you the help you need to meet your trials and challenges.” What a relief to know that through my trials I can be made into something better if I will just trust in the Lord.

I am really glad that I was able to give a talk, it was good for me to think about and apply what Elder Wirthlin taught in General Conference. I hope that I won't be asked to do this again for another 20 years ;)

Logan Temple Trip

Bob and I have been working on our temple tour, so far we have been to the Salt Lake, Mt. Timpanogos, and Provo temples. Saturday we drove two hours to visit and serve in the Logan Temple. This is the temple that Mom and Dad Walker were sealed in. It was the fourth temple built. Bob told me that in the seventies they renovated it and took everything out of the inside until it was just a shell and rebuilt the interior. It was very wonderful to go there, it feels wise somehow. I kept thinking about how many people have passed through its doors. We enjoyed the spirit of this temple and look forward to visiting it again in our fond memories (I don't know if we'll actually be able to visit this one again).

Thoughts as I was walking

I was walking the other day around my ward and I was listening to some music on my phone. One of the songs that came up was "Breath of Heaven" by Amy Grant. I really love this song, it makes me think. Something that I thought on this day came to me as I heard the words:

Do you wonder as you watch my face
If a wiser one should have had my place
But I offer all I am
For the mercy of your plan
Help me be strong
Help me be
Help me
Breath of Heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven
Lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness
For you are holy
Breath of Heaven

Mary had a specific task to do for Heavenly Father's plan, I'm sure that she wondered if she was equal to it. I don't think that what Heavenly Father has asked me to do equals in importance to what Mary did but I believe that it is important to Heavenly Father that I complete my task. When I think about all of the things that I have experienced or the things that I feel that I have been asked to do, I wonder the same thing. Surely there is someone more capable than me that He could ask to do this job. In the same moment I also know that He has not left me alone to the task and He is ever with me to help me. I don't want anyone to get the idea that I am comparing the things that I have been asked to do with what Heavenly Father asked Mary to do but I can relate to her as one woman to another. If she could rely on Heavenly Father and do that huge thing than surely I can hang on, have faith and do the small daily things that I am asked to do.